The new C8 Corvette has been on the road for months now, which translates to a plethora of social media posts and videos online showing happy new owners social distancing behind the wheels of their new toys. But the coronavirus pandemic has also had the unfortunate effect of delaying the C8's higher-spec trim packages, meaning that plenty of C7 'Vettes can outperform the new mid-engined cars with ease. And higher-spec Corvettes have always been a part of the model's long history, though few have become as simultaneously legendary and underappreciated as one that just popped up on the Hemmings classifieds, a 1991 Chevy Corvette in ZR-1 trim for the bargain basement price of only $19,000!
Built To Perform
The C4 generation Corvette remains an excellent value on the used market, though later model-year examples are better bets because they've got more powerful engine options in the lower trim packages. Still, none can hold a candle to the C4 in ZR-1 trim, which was developed by General Motors following the company's acquisition of Lotus Group.
And Lotus helped design the four-cam, 32-valve, all-aluminum V8 under the hood, with the goal of building the world's fastest car. Capable of producing 375 horsepower and having been put through seriously strenuous track testing by GM to prove that the British firm's engine—which was actually built for the car by Mercury Marine—was actually reliable.
All The Goodies
Further enhancements compared to a lower-spec C4 Corvette include a Bilstein suspension system that took cues from Lotus Formula 1 cars and the reigning world's fastest car, the Porsche 959. A specially designed ZF manual transmission also fit into the build to help cope with the car's power, which was massive for its time. The car in question here is scant in the way of listing details, though it's run a claimed 66,000 miles from new, with recent servicing including a new flywheel, new clutch, and new tires. The ask of $19,000 seems quite reasonable for arguably one of the best, rarest Corvettes of all time.
Source: Hemmings