18,449 original miles. Single family ownership. One of 11 built in Black Rose Metallic. Recently serviced with receipts. Runs and drives superbly, everything works. Well documented. A spectacular late ZR-1 in awesome colors with a bulletproof pedigree.
The window sticker for this 1994 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 explains why these cars didnt sell well when they were new: $36,185 for the base Corvette and $31,258 for the ZR-1 Special Performance Package. Many buyers just didnt see the upside of an engine upgrade that doubled the cost of the car. But oh, how mistaken they were! The ZR-1 isnt merely a Corvette with 105 extra horsepower. No, from behind the wheel it feels like an entirely different car. The song of the mighty LT5 V8 is music. The mechanical perfection of 4 cams and 32 valves whirling at 7000 RPM cant be replicated with anything this affordable. And say whatever you want about the C4 Corvette, but the styling has aged superbly--this is still an iconic car. Only 448 ZR-1s were built in 1994, and of those, only 11 carried the stunning Black Rose Metallic finish seen here. Its a deep plum color, perfect for the subtle ZR-1, and a far more desirable choice than basic red or black. This car has been in the same family since it was new and with only 18,000 miles on the clock, it has obviously led a good life. Yes, there are a few signs of use, including some nicks and touch-ups on the nose, but nothing significant enough to warrant paint work or other drastic measures. It has never been hit or wrecked, so panel fit is exemplary and even the headlights snap to attention like they should. If you are looking for a ZR-1, this one deserves your attention.
The interior is standard Corvette--functional, comfortable, and yes, a little heavy on the plastic. However, its beautifully preserved with only light wear on the seating surfaces, carpets that look almost new, and switchgear that still feels crisp. Of note, everything works: the A/C is cold, the radio and power antenna work like they should, the gauges snap to attention when you turn the key, and all the other electronic devices are still online. Thats pretty rare now that these cars have passed their 30th birthday. Step in over the high side sills and youre instantly comfortable in one of the most supportive buckets of the 90s, and all the controls are at your fingertips. The combination of digital and analog gauges shouldnt work as well as it does here, and with things happening as fast as they do in a ZR-1, youll be glad that the instruments are big and easy to read. The ZF 6-speed manual gearbox almost feels intuitive, especially when youre running that LT5 hard, and the computer-assisted shift assist isnt nearly as intrusive as you remember (just remember to goose the throttle a bit before pulling it into 2nd gear). And yes, the unique ZR-1 "Power Key" is still in place doing its thing, so be sure its in the FULL position before putting your foot on the floor. The cupholder lid isnt broken, the blue tinted top is easy to remove with the included tool, and theres decent storage space in the rear hatch area so feel free to hit the road to one of the awesome Corvette events around the country. This car was built for road trips!
But the real reason you own a ZR-1 lives under the hood. Designed by Lotus and built by Mercury Marine, the all-aluminum, 32-valve, 4-cam LT5 is a masterpiece of engineering that completely transforms the Corvettes personality. From the moment you turn the key, you can tell this is no garden-variety LT1, as it thrums and burbles with an excitement that the pushrod motor just cant deliver. On the road, its tractable and torquey with power all over the tach, and nothing--nothing--sounds like an LT5 at full bore. If this engine doesnt get your adrenaline flowing, youre dead. Fortunately, this one also remains fully stock except for an adjustable Power Effects cat-back exhaust system that sounds spectacular. It has also been recently and comprehensively serviced to the tune of more than $6000 by the experts at Corvette Classic Services in North Royalton, OH, so its ready to rock. It starts easily (remember the LT5 always needs an extra second or two, thats totally normal), idles nicely, and pulls like a freight train at any speed and in any gear. It also pulls down decent fuel economy in 6th gear and cruises at insane speeds. Hard to believe this car is 32 years old! The 6-speed snaps through the gears, clutch take-up is light, and the 13-inch PBR brakes are still powerful in this day and age of monstrous carbon binders. Its quite clean underneath with signs of conscientious maintenance, and those 17-inch "A-mold" wheels are still some of the most attractive wheels ever fitted to a Corvette. Staggered 275/40/17 front and 315/35/17 rear performance radials fill the fenders and carry 2024 date codes, so this car is ready to go.
Documentation includes the original manuals in their factory leather binder, reproduction window sticker and build sheet, and notes and receipts from the most recent service.
We are madly in love with this car. We pursued it after seeing it at a local show, and it has lived up to all the great memories I have of playing with ZR-1s in the 1990s. Its still thrilling to drive, insanely fast, and the entire experience is more than just a sum of its numbers. This is a very special car, as it always has been. Quality late ZR-1s are poised for a big jump in values, and deservedly so, because it will always be a mystery how this car got built in a conservative company like GM. Whatever the reason, they created something remarkable with the ZR-1, and all you have to do to understand is drive one. This is an incredible car. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
