1993 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

The C4 ZR-1 changed the Corvette landscape in a big way, proving that there was a market for a take-no-prisoners Corvette, even at a premium price. With performance that was truly world class, the sophisticated yet bulletproof ZR-1 became an instant icon and cars like this gorgeous 1993 40th Anniversary ZR-1 probably won't be so affordable for much longer.

There's something special about the C4 ZR-1. Sure, the base C7 'Vette is faster, but the magical sound of the 32-valve all-aluminum LT5 engine is worth the price of admission all by itself. These cars just feel special, even two decades later. They're at the bottom of their depreciation curve and even now that little badge and slightly wider rear end commands respect among Corvette aficionados. Like many ZR-1s, this one has relatively low mileage and it shows. The special 40th Anniversary Ruby Red paint is brilliant and shines like it rolled out of the showroom two years ago, not two decades. Fit and finish are excellent, which is true of most late C4s, but the ZR-1s, with their special status, seem to be more carefully assembled than most. Thanks to careful ownership and the care of a true Corvette enthusiast, this car shows extremely well. The chin spoiler isn't beat up, the convex rear bumper cover doesn't have any cracks, and while it may look like a garden-variety LT1, when you park them side-by-side, the difference is dramatic. Guys who know still get excited when they see one of these cars out in the wild.

The matching burgundy leather interior features everything Chevy could build into a car, and given its price tag, just about everything was standard. The deeply sculpted leather seats are in excellent condition, with only the driver's side outer bolster showing light wear, which is typical. The instruments are a useful combination of digital and analog and they're still bright and crisp. Thanks to expert care, the A/C is ice cold and it's fairly obvious that this car hasn't spent much time out in the sun, because the door panels and dash pad are excellent. All that glass in the rear tends to be hard on carpets, but the cargo compartment is nicely preserved and includes an ultra-rare bag for the spare tire; when was the last time you saw one of those? And yes, it does have the key that locks out the secondary intake runners, handicapping the LT5 to keep inexperienced drivers from getting in over their heads.

That wondrous LT5 engine is still as amazing today as it was when it debuted. Despite the popularity of the LS-series, they can't hold a candle to the technology packed into this 32-valve V8. It's intimidating with those long intake runners up top and the cam covers on each side, but the good news is that they're virtually indestructible and run for hundreds of thousands of miles without complaint, so this one is barely broken in. It remains completely stock and has never been raced or abused, which is how you want your ZR-1: properly exercised but never hammered. The adjustable suspension rides well enough to make this a fantastic grand tourer and powerful brakes don't seem to mind the car's 180 MPH capabilities. Gorgeous directional alloy wheels are some of the best-looking hoops ever fitted to a 'Vette and carry 275/40/17 front and 315/35/17 rear Nitto radials that replaced the original Goodyears only recently.

Heavily documented and the recipient of numerous awards, this ZR-1 stands above the crowd. Call today!