The 1989 ZR-1 came out like a bolt of lightning! Eighty-four 1989 ZR-1 Corvettes were built for evaluation and press reviews. This was the stuff of European exotica. Based on the traditional small-block Chevrolet, the 375 horsepower, double overhead cam engine was a sight to behold under the hood of the Corvette. The ZR-1 was a huge departure for Chevrolet and the Corvette in the sense that the engine was not built by Chevrolet. It was manufactured by Mercury Marine, the boat engine people. But it didn’t matter to Corvette fans. It said “Corvette” on the valve covers and was listed in the Chevrolet sales brochure - so it was a real Chevy as far as fans were concerned.
But exotic car hardware has never been cheap. Unlike most Corvette options, the ZR-1 was a very different car. Besides the engine, most notable was that the entire back end of the car was wider to accommodate the extra large rear tires. When it finally was released for sale as a 1990 model, a stock 1990 Corvette list for $31,979. The cost of the ZR-1 option was $27,016 on top of the base price! That brought the ZR-1 cost up to $58,995!!! A 2003 Z06 Corvette is only 52,235!
The 1990 ZR-1 could do 0-to-60 in just 4.9 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 13.4 @109.5mph. Tommy Morrison set several speed records in a specially prepared ZR-1 with a 24-hour average speed of 175.885mph! But in 1990, if you could cover the check, it was worth it. Chevrolet sold 3,049 ZR-1 Corvettes the first year.
The ZR-1 option ran out in 1995 and all totaled, 6,039 ZR-1 Corvettes were built.
Unframed Print
Framed Print
If you're into the ZR-1, check out the
Illustrated Corvette Series No. 82, the 1990 ZR-1 Corvette, CLICK HERE.
We also have individual prints from the ZR-1 engine feature.
What's under the hood has always been of prime importance for Corvette lovers. So much so that some Corvette engines have become legends in their own right.
Be sure to check out the NEW Illustrated Corvette Series Portfolio.
This portfolio of Scott Teeters' "Vette Magazine" series, covers every production Corvette from 1953 to 1996. Also included are all of the major Corvette show cars, engineering prototypes, concept cars, and several Corvette racers.
For complete information about this exciting new item, CLICK HERE!
All of our prints are only $19.95 + $3.95 for shipping & handling.
