Description
The ZR-1 was only marketed by Chevrolet as a performance package, a simple option box on the order form. A box that, if ticked, would increase the list price of your new Corvette by 94%… This clearly wasn’t a simple performance package, then. With a quad-cam V8 by Lotus and electronically-adjustable suspension adopted from the Porsche 959, the ZR-1 was faster than all of the contemporary supercars in every way - yes, even on a circuit. It duly proved this in many back-to-back magazine tests, and by breaking numerous international speed-endurance records. We believe it is a truly underrated car and may just be the best point in case for: ‘If you know, you know’.
This totally original example was one of just 502 Corvettes optioned with the ZR-1 package in 1992, bringing the base cost of $33, 635. 00 up to a grand total of $65, 318. 00. The car was specified in Bright Red (81) with Light Beige leather (643) and a Bronze-Tinted Removable Roof Panel (64S).
Our ZR-1 was originally built for the US-market but made its way to UK in 1996 after completing just 1, 672 miles. It was subsequently registered to its first UK owner, Mr Wyman, and completed just under 16, 000 miles over 11 years, before being put into long-term storage in 2007. The car was taken out of storage in 2014 and sent to Claremont Corvette for recommissioning. It was at this point Mr Wyman decided to sell the ZR-1 and it changed hands for the first time in over 18 years. The second owner kept the car in his collection for 4 years, driving it only 380 miles in total. In 2016, the car was serviced again by Claremont, at which point all 16 injectors were replaced along with the ignition coils, intake gaskets, and heater blower module.
We purchased the car for our collection in mid-2018, as the 3rd UK owner at 17, 700 miles. At this point, Claremont Corvette was closing its service and sales operation with their technician, Matt, establishing himself as the new, top UK specialist with his own business: CCM Vettes. We sent the car directly to CCM for a full inspection - which came back as clear - with their quote on file stating: “It’s quite simply the best we’ve ever seen.”
Having owned the ZR-1 for over 6 years and using it sparingly, the mileage now stands at 18, 600 and the car has wanted for nothing. We sent it back to CCM in September this year for a full service (spark plugs, all fluids, filters etc.), with them noting once again the originality of the corrosion-free underside and components, which is unlike any C4 they’ve encountered before. In-fact, at the various events we have displayed at, many Corvette Club and ZR-1 experts have also noted how exceptionally original the car is.
As expected from the mileage, the car is in outstanding condition cosmetically too. The easily-worn interior is free from the usual signs of use and is difficult to fault: the plastics are totally crack-free and the seat bolsters are in perfect shape with only minor wear on the driver’s main bolster edge. The centre console still retains its Corvette-branded ratchet for removing the roof panel, along with the original tyre pressure gauge, warning labels and locking wheel-nut key. The exterior is also totally original and in fantastic order, having never been subjected to any paint or body repairs - aside from a few stone chips on the bonnet. The negative points would be that the original ‘radar-deflector’ film on the windscreen has gone cloudy on the edges (an inherent flaw on ZR-1s that is only noticeable from the outside) and the front quarter covers have cracked near the mounting points. The ‘Sawblade’ wheels are original and un-refurbished and, as such, have picked up a few marks on the machined lips over the years; we can have these refurbished at no cost to the new owner but we wanted to leave the option (photos of the marks can be sent on request). Everything on the car functions as it should - including the all-important ‘Selective Ride & Handling’ - and it is free from any unwanted squeaks, rattles and knocks. The history file consists of the book-pack, owner’s manual and even the original ZR-1 VHS tape. Various service invoices and DVLA correspondence are on file, as well as every MOT since 1996 and the aforementioned inspection report.
These C4 ZR-1s are hugely capable cars with engine characteristics more akin to an Italian sports car than anything from the USA - with the added bonus of reliability. The Selective Ride suspension makes them perfectly suited to UK roads, soaking up any bumps with ease while still remaining planted and focused. Our ZR-1 is possibly the best example this side of the Atlantic Ocean, a car we will miss dearly and a rare opportunity for anyone in the market for an alternative 90s supercar.
The car is based at our Bicester showroom and will have a fresh MOT for the next owner.
Please contact Greg if you’d like further information, or to arrange a viewing.
£35, 995
