Why isn’t the Chevy Corvette ZR-1 worth more?

[Jagdpanzer]

Good recent article on the subject:
https://www.hagerty.com/Articles-Vid.../Corvette-ZR-1
"The good news is you’re driving one of the best cars General Motors ever built"

[RussMcB]

Thanks for the link. Interesting short read.

I noticed a tiny error or two ("the ZR-1 was built as a coupe, with an optional targa top"?).

It looks like people have submitted comments to the article, but I'm not sure how to view them. I guess you have to join and log in.

[Jagdpanzer]

Here are the reader comments posted so far:

8 Reader Comments
1
Michbc3
Port St. Lucie, FL
November 2, 2016 at 19:30
I used to love seeing ZR-1s show up at the dragstrip. My 1979 Corvette with an inexpensive, easy to build 383 stroker small block and Doug Nash 5 speed easily sent the wine and cheese guys packing.
2
Dean
Red Deer, Alberta
November 2, 2016 at 22:15
I have 2 x 1990 ZR-1's, and one of them has a dark colored engine. I have been told there was a "Black Widow " version, anybody know how to tell ? It seems a lot faster than the other car. Also, the 1990 ZR-1 set a world record for 24 hr endurance race, averaging about 175 mph, anyone know when that record was beaten and what car ? Unfortunately I was in serious accident and can't easily drive the 6 speed now, so I posted them for sale on Kijiji.
3
Kevin K
Northwood Oh
November 3, 2016 at 18:31
Sorry, but last time I checked there were no fixed roof ZR1s, all were targa tops!
4
Sal Esposito
New Jersey
November 3, 2016 at 08:36
Shhhhhhhh.....This might be my next car if they stay cheap.
5
Matt
Kempton Pennsylvania
November 3, 2016 at 12:01
I still prefer the C-4 Over the all the other iterations since. It's proportions are so right. I'm glad there are so many, I'll be able to afford a nice one again someday. Your spot on about the convex tail lights, GM should have left them unique to the ZR-1.
6
Ron Orr
Richmond, Texas
November 5, 2016 at 16:52
I am the second owner of an all original 1990 ZR1. It currantly has about 60.500 actual miles. I am 72 years old and drive the car around 2000 miles a year. The car has been on the tract at 165 mph. Only problem is air conditioning issues.
7
Tony Ciminera
New Jersey
November 6, 2016 at 15:31
Why did Chevy develop a different windshield? What made it different from the base car?
8
Rex O'Steen
South Carolina
November 7, 2016 at 08:47
I thought Paul's article was very well-written. He painted a fair picture of both the car, the motivations behind its output, and the environmental conditions of the era.

[LGAFF]

Again possibly the only Corvette that you could never build a "clone" of....

[george1945]

I go out into the garage and pull the cover off and lift the hood just to look at the engine. Never had that feeling for any other small block Chevy that I have owned. There have been a lot.
Regardless of price right now I think they are way under valued. And really fun to drive. For me they combine the great looks and handling at a good price. But I guess the engine probably scares some from owning one. Spend a few easy bucks and you go quickly up to 500hp plus. Not too shabby for what can be a daily driver.

[LGAFF]

Forced induction has done us no favors; hard to keep up with the jones

[george1945]

Forced induction and cheap availability of aftermarket parts.

[LGAFF]

The new 650hp Z06 hit me pretty hard, I turned to the Bottle....
nitrous bottle

[XfireZ51]

All,

With the C7 ZR1 on the horizon, and potentially a Mid-engine C8 ZR, IMO the
C4 ZR-1 will receive greater attention if it is demonstrated as to how the
C4 edition was the genesis of the "world beater" Corvette. With greater attention comes higher value. From a collector POV, a stable of ZRs would be inclusive of the C4, then the C6 and further the C7&C8 versions of the KOTH Corvette.

[billschroeder5842]

Originally Posted by george1945

I go out into the garage and pull the cover off and lift the hood just to look at the engine. Not too shabby for what can be a daily driver.

Yep, I catch myself standing with a beer just gazing at the engine. Quiet, staring, just looking, not moving and not wanting to move.

That is passion.