Here at GM Authority, we always have an eye on what the used markets are like for special and collectible GM vehicles. One that unquestionably fits into this category is the 2019 Chevy Corvette ZR1. Clean, low-mile examples of this American supercar have been changing hands at absolutely crazy prices in recent months.
C7 ZR1 Corvette models are now regularly selling for well over $200,000. For reference, the 2025 C8 ZR1 is priced from $174,995 and tops out at $195,995 for a 3LZ Convertible. This ZR1 in a desirable spec with 821 miles on it just sold on Bring a Trailer for $270,000. The first one with a manual sold at auction last year for $230,890. The final C7 ZR1 built went for a whopping $410,000. The examples go on and on.
When the C8 ZR1 was unveiled last summer, it brought new attention to the ZR1 nameplate, which had been dormant for five years. For the C7 generation, the ZR1 was only available in its final model year of 2019, and what a swan song it was. Power comes from a 6.2L V8 LT5 with a 2.6L supercharger, good for 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque. Many of the high-dollar examples we’re talking about come with the ZTK Performance Package, which adds an even more aggressive aero kit that can make up to 950 pounds of downforce, carbon fiber front splitter end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and unique magnetic ride control settings.
It’s sensible enough to assume that renewed excitement around the ZR1 moniker is part of why the C7 ZR1 is shooting up even higher in value, but why is the older model selling at prices higher than the C8 ZR1? For one thing, it’s the only generation of the ZR1 that only saw one model year of production. The C4 and C6 ZR1 are somewhat common by comparison, having enjoyed six-year and five-year runs, respectively. As for the C8 Corvette ZR1, we’ve confirmed that it will have a longer life span than the C7 ZR1, and we expect it to last at least through the 2027 model year.
Another reason the C7 ZR1 is so desirable is that it was the last Chevy Corvette ZR1 with a manual transmission. We’ve seen similar phenomena with more exotic European supercars, especially Ferrari models; manuals become more valuable when the option for a stick shift disappears. Based on recent auction results, there are enthusiasts with deep pockets who are willing to pay a premium for a manual ZR1 with less power than a mid-engined, automatic ZR1 with a higher output and top speed.
There’s a lot to get excited about with the 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1, namely its twin-turbo 5.5L V8 LT7 pumping out 1,064 horsepower and 828 pound-feet of torque. But we can’t blame the well-heeled enthusiasts who would rather pay extra for a more analog supercar driving experience.
Comments
MUCH CHEAPER TIRE & WHEEL CLEANER SUBSTITUTE:
Here’s a great tip I just discovered today for CLEANING the coated finish sterling silver alloy WHEELS on my 2021 C8, to rid them of the annoying brake dust:
When I ran out of the spray can of pricy foaming tire-wheel cleaner I normally use, I thought for a moment about a possible substitute I might have on hand.
Then the light bulb went off in what is left of my brain after chemo…..
And I grabbed our can of SC Johnson Scrubbing Bubbles Foaming shower Cleaner from the bathroom cabinet.
Checked the label for ingredients and restrictions.
Figured if it was gentle enough to clean plumbing fixtures, some of which are even clear finish coated…..it was worth a try.
So I tried some on a small, inconspicuous area of one wheel.
And voila!
It worked even BETTER than the spray can of tire-wheel cleaner I had recently bought. You know, the stuff that costs over $10 / 20 oz can at the local auto parts store.
So instead of $10 / 20 oz can, I spent only $4.50 / 20 oz. can for Scrubbing Bubbles on Amazon.
No joke!
Once you’ve “scrubbing bubbled your wheels, you won’t go back”!
I appreciate this post very much. My stock silver 2021 C8 wheels are brake dust magnets. When the pads finally get replaced it will be with aftermarket Low Dust. But for now I deal with brake dust. Good Call!
Not surprised as it seems, to me, the C7 looks better than the current Corvettes and just as expected. When something gets wheely (it’s a car site) good they delete it. See it time and time again.
As a Corvette collector/enthusiast, this was to be expected.
The C7 ZR1 is the last front engine King of Kings that is also available with a manual (Tremec 6070). More or less, all C7’s have held their value. I got rid of a 2017 Grand Sport in August with 12,000 miles and as a trade, I got what I paid in 2017. Baller!
I actually have two 2019 Corvette ZR 1s. It is positively one of the fastest street cars ever produced. I have one stock and one with a HP Performance Enhancement to 1,000 HP.
One of the few times in my life that that an American car has appreciated so much in so short a
time.
Not surprised.
After a cursory look at C7s for sale, it seems the whole generation is still bringing strong prices.
It’s not surprising. The last front engine Corvette. The last manual transmission Corvette.
And it’s better looking, better visually proportioned than the C8.