While the low-production, competition-intended 427 CI L88 Corvette might have been discontinued after 1969, Chevrolet wasn’t done producing virtually race-ready cars just yet. In 1970, the new RPO (Regular Production Option) ZR1 was available for the Corvette, aimed straight at the most die-hard road racers, autocross competitors and high-performance driving enthusiasts. A lighter-weight, track-focused Corvette, the ZR1 was powered by Chevrolet’s new 350/370 HP LT1 engine. Weight-adding, power-robbing features and options were unavailable with RPO ZR1—not the A31 Power Windows, C50 Rear Window Defroster, C60 Air Conditioning, N40 Power Steering, P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers, the UA6 Alarm System nor the U69 or U79 radios. What was included in the $968.95 ZR1 package, however, was the aforementioned solid-lifter LT1 mill, M22 Rock Crusher close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission, heavy-duty power brakes, transistorized ignition, a special aluminum radiator with metal fan shroud and special springs, shocks and stabilizer bars. Just 25 of these very special performers were produced for 1970, followed by eight small-block ZR1s and 12 big-block ZR2 Corvettes for 1971, plus a final run of 20 ZR1s in 1972. The first ZR1 built with supporting documentation included and dating back to 1970, this example is an extremely collectible preproduction pilot car and one of only 25 Corvettes produced for 1970 with the all-out RPO ZR1 Special Purpose Engine Package. Sporting the rare color combination of Monza Red paint with a dark brown interior and white convertible top, it benefits from a meticulous body-off restoration with just 31 miles since completion. Awards in top-judged Corvette circles include three-time Bloomington Gold certification and NCRS Chapter, Regional and National Top Flight honors. In addition to retaining its original, matching-numbers 350/370 HP RPO LT1 V-8 engine, M22 4-speed manual transmission and rear end, this extremely collectible ZR1 Corvette’s many other highlights include bucket seats, chrome bumpers, dual exhaust, finned rocker covers and Rally wheels mounting whitewall tires. Exceptional documentation includes the Protect-O-Plate warranty card, tank sticker listing the original features and options, an NCRS Shipping Data Report and an owner’s packet. Further, the chrome air cleaner bears the signature of legendary chief Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov. Previously from the noted Ed Foss Collection, this is among the rarest and most collectible Corvettes ever produced.
