1970 C3 Corvette ZR1 Was An Overlooked Legend In The Making
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The Corvette ZR1 was a high-speed gem that graced the C6 generation of Corvette, featuring a V8 engine, dubbed the LS9. Many were perplexed as to where the ZR1 nameplate was derived from, with almost all answers pointing to the C4-generation ZR1, which utilized an LT5 V8 engine.
But, the nameplate stretches even further back than the C4 Corvette to the early beginnings of the C3 Corvette. The 1970 C3 Corvette ZR1 is an absolute rarity, with only 25 ever produced. Even more rare is the fact this one comes in convertible form from the factory.
The 1970 C3 Corvette ZR1 has Zora Arkus-Duntov‘s hands all over it. Duntov was in search of a racier rendition of the small-block V8 and, after learning lessons during the L88 racing era, Duntov introduced the LT1 V8 with 350 cubic-inches and 370 hp. The engine was backed by the heavy-duty L88 starter, an aluminum radiator, heavy-duty brakes and springs and the Muncie M22 “rock crusher” four-speed transmission.
The 1970 ZR1 was, in the simplest sense, a road-going race car. Air conditioning, power steering and power windows were excluded in the name of weight saving, as Duntov loaded the C3 ZR1 to the brim with performance parts, rather than creature comforts.
And it’s your lucky day if this tickles your fancy, because Mecum Monterey will see off this pristine example. With it being 1-of-25, you bet it’s expected to fetch a pretty penny. An estimated $200,000 to $250,000 of cold, hard cash to be exact.
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