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Found a Facebook market place add as soon as it was listed for a 1990 ZR1 for $5000obo. Car listed as stored for 15 years. Went to look at it and it seemed like a very good condition car under 15 years of dust in a metal building. I was walking around the car asking questions and the seller tells me that he has to be out of the house in 59 days and he doesn't want to take the car and all the other stuff so make an offer. I offered $3800 fully expecting a counter offer be he said $3800 sounds good, when can you get it out of here? Went the next day and paid the man $3800 and a wrecker fee of $95.00 to get it home.
I had a 94 Corvette LT1 so I'm familiar with these cars. I really don't care for the C4 but I couldn't pass this up. I'm going to catch flack for this but I have many options with this car. Clean it up and flip it, drive it a few years then flip it or pull the LT5 engine for a GM G body build and part out the rest of the car to get my $3800 back and have nothing invested in the LT5 engine, computer and wiring harness.
Congrats man... Thats a steal even not running at all... I suggest you get a FSM and join the ZR1netregistry asap. What car number is it? (Last 4 of the VIN) Also, get it running, drive it and I would be willing to bet you'll like the car allot more than you think you will.... ZR-1s are rich in history and a blast to drive when running well. How many miles on it?
WOW. That's a steal at twice (maybe 3X) the price! Let's see some engine pictures when you get a chance. I'm not a fan of the body kit, but I don't think you'd have any trouble doubling your investment (or more) without touching it again... I personally wouldn't like to see a complete ZR-1 parted out. Just my $0.02.
Congrats! $3800 is a heck of a number for a ZR1 in any condition. It cleaned up really well too. Interior looks like it would clean up as well. I agree, get it running and see what else it needs and go from there. These cars are so unique it would be a shame to tear it apart for the drivetrain. I think once it runs and drives you have a good flipper candidate on your hands. No matter what you decide to do, keep us posted!
1473 is the build number. The car came with the factory owners manual, electrical system service manual, LT5 service manual and a complete car service manual.
Owner claims he drove the car into the building and I have no reason to doubt him. He said fresh gas and a battery and it should start. I'll find out when I have time to do that. Going to wash the door jams, finish cleaning the interior and clean the engine bay this weekend.
The body kit he said is a GM kit that was sold as a dealer or owner installed kit. The rear wing is the correct width for the wider ZR-1 body. I don't care for the ground effects kit myself but it's there and will require body work and paint to remove it so its staying for now.
Last edited by 94corvetteC4; 02-18-2020 at 11:53 AM.
Talk about the deal of a lifetime!! Wow!! Personally I would ensure the car is mechanically sound and then remove the body kit and spoiler and perform and bodywork needed. That's an amazing car!!
Or you could clean the car up, get it running and sell the whole thing for around $15K.
That was my first thought to the penny. N.A.D.A. low retail is $18,160 and that's the lowest value. Mid retail is $30,575 so depending on the overall condition when I finish cleaning it up and get it running it will fall somewhere between those values. Wheels need to be restored or replaced as well as tires. Passenger rear tires goes flat in three days. When I remove the wheels I'm going to get the body up on stands and go through the brakes and suspension as well as changing all the fluids. That wont cost much couple hundred at most as long as I don't need to buy any suspension parts. I will also be buying leather seat covers and maybe seat foam pieces to restore the seats. They look ok but the 30 year old leather is dry and cracking. No rips or splits in the leather but I bet they will if I start driving it. All this work will only happen if it runs and is drivable. If not I'm pulling the motor, wiring harness and computer for a project car and selling whats left.
I still can't help but think about building my third G body Malibu this time with a built LT5, 4L60E trans and a mini tub with a 9" rear end and 4.10 gears. Maybe even keep the ZF trans for the Malibu now that would be unique.
Some people are just ready to see stuff go away and have no interest in fixing and cleaning stuff up to make it sell for more. This is why people give away high quality vintage receivers and speakers to the Goodwill. Its big, heavy, ugly to some, and they just don't want to mess with it. The OP got there first and had cash. Congrats to the OP and we all look forward to his updates.
02-18-2020, 10:42 AM
My new to me 1990 ZR-1 barn find
