Is the C4 ZR-1 the Next Corvette to Skyrocket in Value?

Low-mileage C4 Corvette ZR-1 sells for a surprisingly low price. Is now the time to jump on the train for one of these underloved beauties? 

Much like every other used car, the cost of Corvettes is climbing to uncomfortable levels. With C7 ZR1 examples selling for over $125,000 and C6 ZR1s not too far behind, it feels like a lost cause for the everyman to ever think of owning one at this point. There is, however, a solution. All you have to do is add a dash to the stylization and take a step back a few years. The C4 ZR-1 is a car that features impressive engineering, outstanding handling characteristics, and a dual-overhead-camshaft aluminum V8 co-developed by Lotus. All these traits sound lovely. Yet, the C4 ZR-1 was a sales flop for the ages. However, it’s looking like they may finally get their time in the spotlight.

This beautiful red C4 ZR-1 just sold on Bring A Trailer with a modest $50,000 hammer price. With only 2,600 original miles on the odometer, we think the new owner just made a phenomenal investment.

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C4 ZR-1: Ahead of Its Time and Out of Its Price Leauge

Across the ZR-1’s production span of model years 1990 to 1995, Chevrolet only produced 6,939 of these potent variants. According to Corvette Central, the total number of C4 Corvettes produced through the same model years is 130,426, which means the ZR-1 model only accounts for just over 5% of Corvettes from 1990 to 1995. What made it so special?

The first and most notable difference for the ZR-1 is the 5.7-liter LT5 engine under the hood. Instead of a traditional cam-in-block V8 like you’d find in every other C4, the LT5 is an aluminum four-cam V8 with DOHC construction that was co-developed by Lotus. It made an impressive 375 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. This made the C4 ZR-1 the most powerful  American car the year it debuted. It would only wear that crown for one year, though, as 1991 brought the Dodge Viper.

It isn’t all about power, either. The C4 ZR-1’s Bilstein suspension combined with its powerhouse V8 made it a weapon on track. The C4 ZR-1 outperformed the Porsche 911 Turbo of the same generation in acceleration, slalom testing, top speed, and braking. Furthermore, it broke a 50-year standing record for a 24-hour endurance race that Ford, Audi, and Mercedes all attempted to break. Throughout the 24-hour run, the ZR-1 managed to average 175 miles per hour.

So, with so much good to say about these forgotten Vettes, inquiring minds want to know why they sold so poorly. Unfortunately, the cost of developing and producing an engine specific to the ZR-1 comes with a hefty price tag. The C4 ZR-1’s original price tag came in at a cool $67,000, which equates to nearly $140,000 in today’s money. For only $3,000 more, buyers could purchase the lesser performing Porsche 911 Turbo and, unfortunately, they did.

Every Dog Has Its Day

Now, though, the C4 ZR-1 is getting the attention it always deserved. Unfortunately, after its initial release and impressive facts and figures, magazines and automotive outlets let it fade into obscurity for the most part. Maybe, though, that worked out for Corvette fans in the long run. With minimal production, these engineering marvels are likely to have an uptick in price over the coming years. Furthermore, with one having sold just last year for only $25,500, the C4 ZR-1 is really the last chance for us commonfolk to get our hands on a top-of-the-line performance-oriented Corvette without having to black-market sell a kidney.

If you’re considering buying one, we highly recommend you get in before it’s too late. Luckily, these things keep popping up on Bring A Trailer so much you’d think they made way more than they did. At the time of writing, there’s another low-mileage example finished in black with a matching leather interior with about a week left until the auction closes. So happy bidding and, even if you’re buying it as an investment, please, for all that is holy, take it on a drive from time to time.

Photos: Bring A Trailer