New Old Stock 427 ZL-1 Block Discovered

Holy Grail of Chevy Big Blocks Was Stored for Over 40 Years

When it comes to the world of collectibles, the phrases “sealed” and “new in box” carry a lot of weight. Should you choose to open that vintage Luke Skywalker action figure or original Revolver record, you’ll have the very exclusive privilege of being the original owner. And it’s a privilege you’ll pay dearly for. But old toys and records seem like kid’s stuff compared to this original ZL-1 engine block, still in its factory crate.

The legendary, all-aluminum ZL-1 427 engine was originally designed for Can-Am racing. It made its way into only 69 Camaros and just two Corvettes back in 1969. It’s arguably the most desirable road-going Corvette engine ever produced. With only around 300 of these engine blocks ever produced, it’s an incredibly rare find in NOS (New Old Stock) condition. And it’s probably the only one of its kind we’ll ever see again.

CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About This Amazing Find

Incredibly, this rare piece of Chevrolet history was unearthed by someone buying Chevelle parts on Craigslist. Still in its original stamped crate, with the GM hang tag still present, the block is perfect, shiny, and new. As you’d hope to expect of a brand-new part carefully stored for over 40 years.

GM did reproduce the ZL-1 block in the 1990s, even going so far as to use the same casting number. But they made a few changes that added 12 pounds to the engine’s weight. Simply put, if you’re looking for an original ZL-1 block, you will never come across a better example than this. With prices of ZL-1 cars approaching the seven-figure mark, we can only imagine what this block would sell for on the open market.

Via [Hot Rod Magazine]