No Corvette was more anticipated than the ZR1 with its LT5 all-aluminum dual overhead camshaft, four valve per cylinder V-8 engine. And probably no Corvette has lived up to its expectations better than the ZR1.

Intended for introduction as a 1989 model, the world got wind of the LT5 engine well over a year in advance and anticipation built steadily with Corvette enthusiasts lining up at their Chevy dealers waving deposit checks. Developed by Lotus Engineering out of a project originally intended to create a set of better breathing cylinder heads, LT5 production was farmed out to Mercury Marine in Stillwater, Oklahoma which had extensive experience in all-aluminum engine manufacturing.

Finally released to an eagerly waiting market as a 1990 model the LT5-powered ZR-1 was a complete performance package available only as a coupe. The LT5 engine delivered 375-hp at 5,800-rpm and 370 lb-ft torque at 4,800-rpm. The ZR-1 featured three inch wider rear bodywork to accommodate 17-inch diameter 315/35 ZR-rated Goodyears making the ZR-1s’ appearance very distinctive on the road. In addition the ZR1 package included the ZF six-speed manual transmission, Selective Ride Control, power leather sport seats, low tire pressure warning system and the top of the line Delco Bose stereo. It added a whopping $27,016 on top of the Corvette Coupe’s $32,479 base price, making the ZR1 the most expensive car GM built.

This 1995 example is powered by the 5.7-liter, 405-hp V-8 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and is reported to have less than 50,000 original miles. The ZR-1 has many conveniences, including remote mirrors, power windows, door locks, steering and four-wheel disc brakes. ZR-1 production after 1995 with only 6,939 similar cars produced over its 1990-1995 run.

Whether as a carefully preserved collectable or as a wonderful and prized road car, ZR1 ownership brings with it entree into an enthusiastic and loyal owners’ group and is a rare opportunity to possess a refined limited production Corvette with unique character and breathtaking performance.