1991 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 – One Owner/Low Miles

The Corvette has long been America’s sports car. But In the late 1980s, they set out to build a car that would beat the best that the European exotics had to offer. Called the ZR-1, the car was technically an option package for the standard C4 generation car which, when selected, essentially doubled the price of the car. But, you did get a whole lot with that package including the first and only dual overhead cam Chevy V8 (until 2023) co-developed with Lotus and built by Mercury Marine, on-the-fly adjustable Bilstein suspension similar to that found in the Porsche 959, and wider bodywork to fit enormous 11-inch wide rear tires. Upon its debut in 1990, the ZR-1 earned the nickname “King of the Hill” with performance equal or better than Ferraris, Porsche and Lamborghinis that were dramatically more expensive. That performance looked like 0-60 mph in sub-5 seconds, the quarter mile in 13.4 and a top speed of nearly 180 mph – quicker than a Testarossa and with a similar top end, but also saving you over $40,000.

This 1991 Corvette ZR-1 is a two owner example that shows just 42,000 miles from new. Finished in a unique shade of Steel Blue Metallic, according to the ZR-1 Net Registry, it is one of just 42 cars finished in this color for the year and one of 57 produced over the two years the color was offered. It is presented in very nice condition throughout and comes with numerous documents and service records from its history, showing how well it has been cared for. The black leather interior features well-bolstered seats and a hybrid analog-digital gauge cluster with an analog tachometer and temperature gauges and digital speedometer.

Sitting up front is that famous DOHC V8 known internally as the LT-5 – with 32 valves, a unique intake and injection system that kept low-end torque, while also offering power at the top of the rev range. Peak power is 375 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and peak torque of 370 lb-ft is achieved at 5,000 rpm. Power is then sent through a famously stout Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox to a limited slip differential at the rear.

Even 35 years after it was produced, the C4 ZR-1 is still a fast car and represents a very special time in Corvette history. With numerous advancements in technology – some which weren’t revisited by Chevrolet for decades – the ZR-1 truly earned its “King of the Hill” title, and can proudly stand by it even today.

Key Features

• 1 of 42 produced in Steel Blue Metallic in 1991
• DOHC 32-Valve LT-5 V8
  • 375 Horsepower
  • 370 Lb-Ft of Torque
• Tremec 6-Speed Manual Gearbox
• Bilstein Adjustable Suspension
• Delco-Bose Stereo