The Corvette ZR1’s return to the lineup in 1990 was a monumental development in the continuing evolution of the Corvette. It was the culmination of an exhaustive development program, and its exclusive LT5 V-8 engine represented a significant departure from anything that had ever powered a Corvette in the past. While the LT5 retained the same bore centers as the previous small-block V-8s, it shared nothing with them in terms of componentry. This new engine was designed by Lotus and assembled by Mercury Marine in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Displacing 5.7L, the new V-8 featured a specific aluminum alloy engine block, forged bottom end, an 11:1 compression ratio and, of course, those beautifully designed, 32-valve, DOHC cylinder heads. Originally rated at 375 HP in 1990, the horsepower had grown in 1993 to 405 HP at 5,800 RPM and was only available with the 6-speed manual transmission, making for a car that could click off 4.9-second 0-60 MPH times and cover the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds at 112 MPH. Other changes included wider rear quarter panels to house the 17x11- inch wheels that mounted 315/35ZR17 Goodyear Eagle rear tires needed to contain the power, and the third tail lamp was relocated to the top of the rear hatch. With a price of $72,209, the cost of the LT5 engine option limited production to just 448 units for the 1995 model year. This particular ZR1 is VIN 77, and this one-owner example has accumulated just 3,043 miles from new. It is finished in a brilliant Competition Yellow exterior with a Light Beige leather interior and features two Targa tops, air conditioning, power seats, power windows and locks, a tachometer, an AM/FM/CD stereo, ride control and, of course, dual exhaust. This ZR1 has participated in the Corvette Museum Historic Motorama Tour Corvette 50th Anniversary/1995 car, was awarded NCRS Top Flight at the Mason Dixon Chapter Meet on March 29, 2015 with a 99.7-point score, and was chosen for the NCRS Gallery XV/Corvettes at Carlisle on August 30, 2015. It also comes with comprehensive documentation and service records. With its low mileage, eye-grabbing color combination, documentation and impressive awards, this “last of the line” 1995 ZR1 is a high-water mark for collectible C4 Corvettes and would be a spectacular addition to a serious Corvette collector’s stable.
