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

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"

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Forced induction and cheap availability of aftermarket parts.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Great article Phil.......:-D

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

Surprised to see GM produced 4900 2016 Z06s



2016 Z06s: Z06 PERF860 ORMANCE PKG (Z07) 4095 4955

2009 to 2013 ZR1 production: 4684

1992-1996 Dodge Viper: 6709

1984-1991 Ferrari Testarossa: 7177(9K plus with the 512TR)

Ferrari F40: 1300+

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

This has my vote for quote of the year - priceless!!!!

Good article, and good points, Dom, about increase in value through association with anticipated new super Vette. We didn't see much of a bump in our ZR-1s when the C6 ZR1 was introduced, but repetition can be good - though it may take so long that it will be my grandson that sees the real appreciation in value. What the hell, as long as we can enjoy them in the meantime.

As for the comments about passion and pleasure from just looking at the car, I refer to a comment I've heard Dom make many times - "the C4 is the last of the pretty Corvettes". I love the wide-body C7s, but not so much so that I could let the ZR-1 go.

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

I don't think the fact that the ZR-1 package was saddled on the C4 production helped it at all. Then after 3'ish years GM decides to pull it, but then still produced the C4 for another year (MY1996) before going to C5.

There was media reports on the ZR-1 package circa 1988 IIRC namely Popular Science that reported that the C4's chassis wasn't up to the rigors imposed by the 400hp LT5. It even reported that the LT5 was originally designed for a Lotus car, and not the Chev product.

A C5 with a GEN 3 LT5 would have been amazing.

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

Yep. That COP architecture is prudy oogly. Go to a car show now-a-days and it's a contest to see who has the prettier plastic engine cover! Pathetic...

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

I agree the CNP(Coil Near Plug) ignitions with those very short plug wires don't look very nice.

Somebody offered up that the GEN 1 SBC don't look nice either, but the 85-91 Y-bodies and 85-92 TPI F bodies with that TPI(Tuned Port Injection).

That SLP(Street Legal Performance) T-Ram which was a replacement for the TPI intake also looked quite nice. It was used on some of the SLP Firehawks



TPI
http://www.onallcylinders.com/wp-con...891-1000-0.jpg
SLP T-ram
http://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thir...b781ce6283.jpg




But its impossible to compete with this, the LT5. The headcovers, compliment the intake/runners, all framed perfectly and displayed nicely front and center by that clamshell hood. which allows one to view the engine from all sorts of angles. Simply Beautiful!
http://image.vetteweb.com/f/features...lt5_engine.jpg

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

it should be worth more for sure. todays cars can be modified so much more inexpensively and produce so much more power. I think the lack of parts, along with the lack of qualified professional lt5 specialists and the complexity of the lt5 and expensive parts if you can get them, hurts the cars value for most buyers. It is iconic for sure but compared with c5 and up z06 or zr1 is no comparison. I have both and can tell you the c4 zr1 is nice to look at with its beautiful engine and good modified power but the z06 outhandles and outpowers with a few nice mods (not supercharging) that it leaves the zr1 in the dust.

It is the history and the uniqueness of the zr1 that I love. It is a fun ride also but compared to my modded z06 it is no contest except for a top end run. weight also plays a big factor in performance advantage for any z06. you put a cam and a blower in a z06 you are well over 600 hp in a very light car all for under 10k!! 10k wont even get you 450 to the wheels in a zr1 but it will get you 600 in a z06. Just saying, love them both but there are differences.

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

I agree with edram 454.......And yes the uniqueness of the ZR1 and the rarity is why I purchased mine.......When you look to mod the car ( I mean why leave it stock) you just can't go to your neighborhood trusted speed shop to do it....LS motors are different...Like Ed says Z06 with some basic mods can put out 420-440 RWHP in a lighter version and I guess that's what sells the public......I have some nice mods on my 91.....But look to do head and cam work on the motor and it can get pricey....All in all right now is a great time to buy one and enjoy that unique powerband....

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

And I dug up that particular Popular Science issue and I see its dated July 1986. On page 12, this is what Dan McCosh had to say about our darling ZR-1.

"LOTUS CORVETTE IS COMING"

"Amidst rumours that the Corvette will be the first to benefit from General Motors' recent acquisition of Lotus Group (see "No-Springs, No Shocks Suspension," this issue) comes the story that GM engineers are trying to stuff the 400-horsepower, light-alloy V8 originally developed for the Lotus Etna into the current Corvette.
At this point, however, it doesn't appear that the chassis will take the strain.
That means the ultimate goal pursued by Corvette engineers-having the world's fastest production sports car-will likely have to wait until the next-generation chassis. As Porsche has just raised the ante to just over 190 mph with its limited edition 959, that'll be no small feat."


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx

On page 60 of the same issue, Dan McCosh talks of Lotus Cars Limited's "Active Suspension". Here are some excerpts.

We threw away all of the springs sway bars and shock absorbers says A.C. "Tony" Rudd, research director at Lotus, describing the companies first efforts to develop a computer controlled suspension. Lotus built the first active-suspension for a race car, then completed a prototype passenger-car chassis about 2 years ago. According to Rudd, that first effort was so unwieldy that it consumed over 20 horsepower and often stalled the engine. Since then power consumption has been cut dramatically. The Volvo system uses 6 horsepower at peak loads and out the same as a power steering pump.

Walk Up Stairs?
The system has other practical benefits. Ride height can be adjusted instantly. You can change a tire simply by telling the car to pick up the injured wheel. Theoretically, you could even teach your Volvo to walk up stairs.
Engineers are discovering that the computer also can be programmed to modify complex dynamics of the moving car. For instance, input from the yaw and steering-angle sensors can tell the computer whether the car is beginning to slide in a corner. The computer can then adjust the load on each wheel to help the driver regain control.
I tested this by flooring the throttle during a tight corner. The front suspension quickly settled, transferring weight and turning the skid I'd started into front-tire scrubbing understeer. It wasn't necessarily pleasant, but it was easily controllable.


Here is a Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 "Active Suspension" Prototype. It sold for US$150,700 in 2009 at Barret Jackson when GM was forced to sell most of its "Heritage Collection". If you are into steel braided lines, this car will scratch that itch.
Lotsa history in that collection.
http://www.supercars.net/blog/wp-con...uspension1.jpg


http://image.superchevy.com/f/109433...n_switches.jpg





http://image.superchevy.com/f/111683...ng_sticker.jpg



[QUOTE]http://image.superchevy.com/f/111683...lve_engine.jpg




http://image.superchevy.com/f/111683...air_scoops.jpg



http://image.superchevy.com/f/111683...front-view.jpg

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

"and the highest price at auction at this time remains $48,600, achieved by Mecum for a 1995 ZR-1 on January 24, 2015 at Kissimmee"

They must have missed my sale of the 180 mile for $55,000.

http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sal...0ZR%201/132339

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

If I'm selling, prices are low.

If I'm buying, I can't find a deal.

I've been looking for the right '95 for 2(+) years. Prices are cheap as ever for average cars. I've gotten wiser at condition grading--more & more have paintwork.

Ted

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

When I purchased mine, I would sit in the garage and just stare at the engine...Knowing I worked hard to play hard. I always wanted a ZR-1 since high school, and I will NEVER sell my Beast. These cars are so unique and special, so much so I think they are underrated. It's all natural, no forced induction like every car now. And the LT5 engine was designed in 1986!! Just amazing........
When the new ZR-1 drops, I think our LT5s will get a bump. One thing I wish everyone could experience is when our cars hit the 3000 rpm magic mark. That force throwing one into the seat, better have her wheel straight because OH LORD!!! That will never get old, nor will my Beast. I don't care if they drop and keep dropping, because I know what I have and honored to have it .

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

value has nothing to do with speed......

all my other 80s car have doubled - tripled in value. most could not outrun a new honda

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

Most 80s cars I wouldn't donate to charity!

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

How about 38s?

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

Yeah, I'm not concerned with whether I can keep up with a 25 year newer super car. It'll still outrun 90% of the cars on the road and you typically don't see another one at any car shows. When you open that clamshell and hear, "Oh, look! It's a ZR-1!", it's all worth it. It's time will come. The Grand Nationals are starting to get crazy and that was just a Buick Regal with a special engine and handling package. Sound familiar? The difference between the Z and the standard Corvette is 10 times the difference between the GN and the Regal. It's time will come. I've been to Mecum and Leake auction last weekend and C3's are starting to get pricey. BB 4 speed '68 to '72's are getting up there and bringing the LT1's with them. The last year '82's are coming around as well. Next will be the C4's and "the one to get" will be the ZR-1.

It's time will come. Until then, grab a beer, pop open that clamshell and enjoy that scorpion shaped pearl...

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

What, you have a problem with my 38 Chevy?
She's 79 years old and looks as good as the day she come off the line!

:)

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

That's my motto too , don't feel bad Ted.

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

Geez - what to complain about? My 91 has cost me less than $1K a year depreciation - one of the best deals out there. Still smiling and waving.
(Anybody wanna buy a low mileage Turq?)

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

Nice collection....Wouldn't by chance have a set of A molds hanging around?

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

Chrome ones.

Ted

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

Paul- Thanks for the pix of the active suspension car. Nice engineering exercise, but the only thing I covet about that car is that great hood. It should have been standard equipment on every C4 Zr-1. Like a sign that "there's something BIGGER than a normal small block in this car".

Thumbs up on the article. It was much better written, and packed with interesting facts than most on the C4 ZR-1.

BTW, another minor mistake, I believe that's an 89' pictured above the article, (wheels).

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

I, too, haven't seen this before. That's quite a ZR-1. I'm surprised no one has tried to duplicate that hood.

Great info in this thread.

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

That's one thing I'm hoping for in a mid engine car,get the engine out there and let it SHINE!

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

XfireZ51 gets the hump day "Beacon of Reality Award".

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

HA! Yeah, right!!! $55K! LOL!!! Funny how many people seem to equate asking prices and sale prices.

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

Well, I sold my ZR-1 today. The prices are all over the place and to find any logic to these market trends is extremely difficult. I sold a beautiful well sorted car well below were a exotic car of this pedigree would have sold for if it had another name,,(porsche/ferrari/bmw/even transAms and other junk. I will not post what I sold it for. I did not need to sell because of money. It was lack of space. There are people selling good running ZR-1s for 14k buy it now prices.. and at the same time there are people asking 30k for practically the same car. What made me sell it was the total lack of mechanical expertise available that wasn't 22 hours away. I was also screwed by an ex-expert who is now no longer in business and never really repaired the damage he caused while upgrading my car. My car never had mechanical issues. Everything worked..100% of the car always worked. I am out of it and will never own another because of the repairmen proximity issues. I enjoyed owning the KOTH and will have fond memories of the car and of this forum. It sold at a private auction. Caveat emptor as regards where you take your car for repairs or upgrades. Only go to the best or if so talented do it yourself. anything else will be a disappointment. I am on my 8th Corvette and probably my last. I can write a book on each car. Good luck with your ZR-1's and always remember they are special cars. I will always continue to admire them.

ed ramos #3028....SOLD

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

Ed,

So sorry to hear that your ZR-1 is gone. I agree with your comments, which is why this group and our reputable mechanics are so important to us.

Regarding value, take a look at the below link:

http://www.showyourcorvette.com/Corvette_Market.pdf
Specifically, read the comment made by Dana Mecum regarding the most collectible C4. Between the ZR-1 and '96 GS, I believe he selected the GS due to the social aspect of owning one, and being part of the Corvette (GS) community. I think that he was unaware of the ZR-1 Net Registry when making that statement.

Each year, we meet folks who are like Danny Devito in the "Nespresso" commercial, who say "I want in." They purchase a ZR-1 not just because it is one heck of a car, but maybe more so because of the social following the ZR-1 has. Essentially, it becomes the price of admission to join a greater group of people who have a great time keeping the ZR-1 legend alive.

As a member of Registry for the past 12 years, I'd say we're a pretty neat family, and I believe the largest organization in world centered on a single edition of a Corvette. We have our own event at the NCM (with the GS Registry) and believe with the exception of one year, have been the largest group at Corvettes at Carlisle, besting NCRS with multiple generations of Corvettes. I also believe that we are the only group that has a following of designers and engineers who continue to support our community for 21 years now, since the last ZR-1 rolled off the assembly line - I'm not aware of any other Corvette group getting that same attention - How cool is that?

So what should our ZR-1s be worth? I do understand that there were 2 low mile ZR-1s sold privately last year for $50K ea., and a '95 that went for $60K this year (touted as the last publically sold ZR-1). Another NCRS Top-Flight '94 with 60K mi went for $29. Value is a hard question, considering C6 ZR1s have dropped like a rock. You could purchase a low mile 2010 ZR1 today for mid $60s, and it's base sticker was north of $109K just a few years ago.

If in the market, I'd take about half that and jump on one of the killer deals in the ZR-1 Net Registry's listing of ZR-1s for sale. There are a few in there that I can't believe haven't been snatched up. I'd buy the '95 LPE 385 or the Haibeck 415 and never look back... They have so much invested in them and are solid cars built by solid engine builders - I think they are a steal.

KBB and Hagerty still value our cars high - https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuati...-Corvette-ZR~1. So why do owners let them go at such a low price? Maybe we all are driving the price down by waiting for the bargains.... I don't know the answer, but I do believe that the greater attention our ZR-1s have, the higher the value.

Thank You VetteGuy. the zr-1's are extremely undervalued and yes we must support those few reputable mechanics who specialize in these super cars. give them all your business. Use the PM feature to really communicate with members truthfully, those who dont want to out a mechanic to the entire forum. that happens alot. SGC blindly lied to me many times and took my money. He let me drive 8 hours to my home with loose fuel lines and other nuts and bolts. Only one bolt,half coming off, was holding my fuel system together at the rear of the engine. the other came off. I could have had a horrific fire and possibly died. I know of others who sold components and scavenged from the sold units without telling the innocent buyer. I heard of tuners stealing custom tunes and erasing the customers tune by doing so. The seller of my car was a doctor and he lied about the car many times over. he was in a fight with the consigner and the car I received had bald tires, rusted aftermarket amolds, bird **** everywhere, a dead battery and an empty gas tank. NEVER BUY SIGHT UNSEEN. I can continue with many, many other atrocities and fill this post but I will stop. A friend of mine who is a forum member left shops with loose and unconnected shocks in the rear and loose c beam plates.etc... We are paying hard earned cash to maintain and upgrade these cars and we must get our monies worth. The same friend bought a car from a forum member and contributor and when he received the car it was scavenged of many parts probably because the seller was upset at the low price he had to sell. Lets be truthful in our evaluation of these great cars to each other. I know most of us are but some??..... always go see and drive the beast, if you can't don't buy it. I will never again be held hostage by a mechanic simply because he is the only game in town. You know what, I would rather sell the pos period. Please understand what I am saying to all members. Always proceed with caution and take it to the most knowledgeable and reputable guys around regardless of cost. the grand majority of our members are truthful but always check around with other friends on the forum. We need you guys to continue to put this great car in its proper position as one of the greatest cars sold by GM. You are the caretakers and I am sure will continue to do a great job.

ed ramos #3028....sold.:)

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

Good morning ED,
What is the next car you are replacing the ZR-1 with?

:)