The rare, competition-spec L88 Corvette might have been retired after 1969, but Chevrolet held the line on ultimate road and track performance with the special LT1-powered ZR1 for 1970-72 and LS6 big-block ZR2 for 1971 only. Differing only in the engines powering them, both the ZR1 and ZR2 delivered razor-sharp reflexes with weight-adding, power-robbing luxury features and options unavailable such as A31 Power Windows, C50 Rear Window Defroster, C60 Air Conditioning, N40 Power Steering, P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers, the UA6 Alarm System and U69 or U79 radios. Speaking of the $968.95 ZR1 package, all-out high-performance features included the aforementioned 350 CI RPO LT1 V-8 engine, M22 Rock Crusher close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission, heavy-duty power brakes, transistorized ignition, a special aluminum radiator with metal fan shroud, and a tuned chassis including specific springs, shocks and stabilizer bars. Just 25 of these all-out ZR1 Corvettes 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. Lowered compression ratios brought the gross LT1 horsepower rating down to 330 HP by 1971 and 255 SAE Net HP for 1972, but ZR1 performance remained essentially intact. Just 1,949 of 21,801 Corvettes left the factory with the $483 LT1 option for 1971, plus the eight special, “off-road” ZR1s, with that legendary option code to remain dormant until 1990 as a special option with the fourth-generation Corvette. A thrilling find as one of the mere eight ZR1 Corvette Coupes built for 1971, this highly original and unrestored example is equipped with a matching-numbers engine, transmission and rear end comprising the potent 350/330 HP V-8 engine, Muncie M22 4-speed manual transmission and rear end. Finished in Ontario Orange paint with a Saddle interior, this extremely rare Corvette has been listed in the ZR1 Registry since the 1990s and comes with an NCRS shipping data report. Sold new at Ed Black Chevrolet in Albuquerque, New Mexico, it carries prominent ownership history, having been previously owned by noted collectors Bill Mock, John Essepian and Ed Foss. Additional highlights of this exceedingly rare and unbridled Corvette include painted T-tops, bucket seats, chrome bumpers, dual exhaust and Rally wheels mounting raised white-letter tires.
