The base model Corvette also had some options that became standard in 1990, that also were standard on the 1990 ZR-1, due to national safety regulations, namely the driver's side air bag. A new option this year on all Corvettes was a CD player. Over the six year period of its production, a total of 6,939 ZR-1s were manufactured. Engineered as the "ultimate" Corvette, GM's goal was to produce a "world class" sports car with the very best price:performance ratio. With that said, this car is 1 of 905 Black ZR-1's produced in 1990. Out of that number, she is likely less than 500 cars produced with a Black interior as well.

GM loves to name cars by their RPO code, and ZR-1 dosen't fit with the hyphen. But it wouldnt bother me if they did use it, though I would rather see ZL-1. Even the few competitors which moved from prototype to limited-production, cost from twice to TWENTY-TIMES as much as the ZR-1's already hefty 66-thousand-dollar sticker, and still they couldn't keep up with the Corvette over long distances. The Porsche team admitted their 962, although faster, wasn't durable enough to last that long. The original ZR-1 was built from 1990-95 and, as with the new model, its engine was the heart of the car. Aside from sharing bore spacing with the regular small-block, they had nothing else in common.

The ZR-1 will instantly develop cult status and deservedly so! But the ZR-1 had a custom 375-380 horsepower V-8 from Lotus -- the British sports car and world championship Grand Prix race car builder, which does work for major automakers. Both engines had a 5.7-liter displacement, but that's about all they had in common. The ZR-1 represents the best of the best, providing outstanding performance in a versatile, reliable, and stylish package. This particular example is dressed out in the most desirable ZR-1 color .

After the stroker project, the ZR-1 makes 575 rwhp and 482 rwtq, and consistently pulls hard to the redline of 7,400 rpm. Actually, the car pulls like a freight train at any point in the torque curve. The price of the basic coupe was $31,979, but with the addition of the ZR-1's special performance package listed at $27,016, the car was not meant for the faint-hearted or bargain-conscious. Horsepower for the ZR1 was rated at a staggering 375! The ZR-1 could be used for routine street driving or convert to a race car with speed and handling available on demand. The computer system directed fuel mixtures through an upgraded injection system that allowed for low-, half- and full-throttle modes and kicked the engine up to 375hp.

Some of the guys with older ones should go for a ride, they will hardly believe it, ZR-1 and all. And, I just love the body style- as an old pilot if looks as fast as a white rocket- (T-38). I bought some black ZR-1 floor mats and a cargo mat. It made a huge a difference and now just love the red leather. Also, the ZR-1 featured rear fenders that are widened and capped with new rear fascia. Squared-off taillights and convex rear fascia distinguished such features.

In today's world, a new base Vette can easily outrun the original ZR-1. Though some surely understood the renewed horsepower war would only escalate, this new car must go beyond what anyone could have dreamed in 1990.