Today we showed you a Lime Rock Green 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. The C7’s color could also be described as British Racing Green — a color normally donned by Jaguar and Aston Martin vehicles both on the street and track. But this wasn’t GM’s first time featuring such a color, as we can plainly see with this 1990, first-generation C4 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, in what’s called Polo Green.
Of the 26,000-plus Corvettes built that year, only 1,674 were Polo Green, and much fewer than that were ZR1 models, making this 23-year-old specimen especially rare.
Under the hood, is the legendary LT5 V8 engine, which shared no resemblance to the rest of the GM Small Block engines of the time, let alone today. Co-engineered by Lotus, the LT5 was a 5.7L 32-valve DOHC V8 engine that produced 375 horsepower, which is a whole lot for 1990.
Originally, this 1990 C4 Corvette ZR1 carried an MSRP of $60,760, which would be $108,099 if we adjusted for inflation, making it about the price of the C6 Corvette ZR1. But on eBay, this showroom California car is going for a bargain $5,150 with 3 days left in the auction. We just might place a bid.
Comments
Based on the current market fourth generation ZR1’s in very good to excellent condition are consistently selling between $19,500 and $23,000 so it this one is in good condition it is a real bargain at anything below $15K
GM owned Lotus at that time, another example of the Lotus influence was the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton & Opel Lotus Omega. Rumour has it the 5.7V8 small block would of been chosen over the 3.6 twin turbo however both had similar power so it was the 3.6. The Carlton also had a Corvette gearbox & came only in green with exception of a few for the police.
Problem is the car is listed with 60,000 miles on it and in the heat of Ca.
Tools for the LT5 are long gone as is many of the parts for it along with electronics like ECM, fuel injectors, secondaries, FX3, and even the hoses
Over time the 16 fuel injectors tended to leak and the motherboard of ECM begins to come apart, 4 CAMS and lifters are very special and hard to replace so more thought about buying this is needed it used as a driver or racer.
Add any shipping costs and any updates as to clutch, tires, etc and a good deal up front could be costly in total
Just over 100 of the 3052 ’90 ZR-1’s were Polo Green, but it’s just not a super desirable color. Car looks well kept, but 59,XXX miles is plenty for one of these. Wheels are aftermarket style A-molds, not a big deal, but not off a 94-95 car. Personally, I would never buy/bid on one of these without seeing/inspecting in person.