This 1994 24K mile Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 coupe is #16 of a total of 448 built in 1994 of which 119 were painted “Torch Red” over a matching deluxe red interior.
The 1994 model year ZR-1, with its higher horsepower rating (405 hp!), is not often seen due to its lower production numbers.
Body / Paint / Interior
The body and original paint on this car are virtually “flawless” with no chips, scratches or cracks. The under-body is near perfect and still even shows the original "factory" paint over-spray. Original rubber seals and weather strip are still soft and pliable.
The C4 ZR-1 Corvette body features a wider tail and a convex rear fascia with squared-off taillights when compared to the standard C4 Corvette. All ZR-1's also featured a special solar-glass windshield, not available on standard C4 Corvettes. In addition, this car comes with a removable roof panel which, when detached, can be stored securely in the rear compartment.
The interior also appears as virtually new with all gauges, switches and systems in perfect condition, with no known problems or issues. The leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a digital speedometer and an analog tachometer. The digital odometer currently reads just over 24k miles.
The cabin features power-adjustable sport seats trimmed in red leather with matching carpets and door panels, all appearing as new. Added comfort is provided by an adjustable power lumbar control system. Other amenities include automatic climate control, electric windows and door locks, power adjustable heated side-view mirrors, rear glass de-icer, cruise-control, an on-board computer, driver and passenger airbags, and a factory AM/FM Delco-Bose CD and cassette stereo. In fact, every option that was available on the regular C4 Corvette was standard equipment on the ZR-1, the only exception being a removable glass roof panel. The ZR-1 option effectively doubled the price of a standard C4 Corvette (see the factory Monroney label attached).
Chassis
All ZR-1's came standard with staggered-width 17″ wheels and wear 275/40 ZR-17” front and 315/35 ZR-17” rear Nitto NT555 G2 tires. ZR-1's are also equipped from the factory with the high performance four-wheel, anti-lock, disc braking package, a low-tire-pressure warning system, and a Selective Ride Control adjustable suspension system that is controlled via a knob on the center console.
Drivetrain
This ZR-1 is powered by the venerable Lotus-inspired 5.7-liter all aluminum LT5 405 hp V8 engine paired with the bullet-proof ZF six-speed manual transmission. This “super car” tested with 0-60 times in 4.4 seconds and the quarter mile in 12.7 seconds while climbing to a top speed of over 180 mph at 7,000 rpm. A very impressive accomplishment to be sure, especially for its time, but still formidable today.
The all-aluminum state-of-the-art LT5 5.7-liter DOHC, 32 valve, V8 engine was co-designed by GM and Lotus and assembled by Mercury Marine of Stillwater, Oklahoma. A twist of a special “Power” key on the dashboard activates additional intake runners and fuel-injectors, transforming a normally docile 210 hp easy-rider into a “405” hp / 385 lb-ft of torque fire-breathing, world-class super car! In fact, the 94 ZR-1 out-powers every C1, C2 C3, and C4 Corvette, with the exception of the solid-lifter big-blocks and race-prepared cars, and nothing can touch it top-end! It was so quick that it set seven international and world-speed records in March of 1990. To prove its reliability, General Motors track tested the ZR-1 at over 175 mph for 24 hours, stopping only for fuel and oil changes; it performed flawlessly. Yes, this ZR-1 is fast, smooth, responsive and reliable and with its DOHC, 32 valves and 4-bolt mains (new to 1994 models) it certainly earned its moniker and reputation as the “King-of-the-Hill.
Vehicle History/Documentation
This car was originally purchased and registered in Nevada, later sold in California and now resides in Arizona where I am its current owner since 2021. New tires were installed by the previous owner in 2021, clocking just over 3,000 miles to date, and a new battery installed in October of 2023. Recent service in February 2024 included an oil/filter change and chassis lube. This C4 ZR-1 currently shows a little over 24k miles and is offered with its factory owners manual, a remote key fob, a laminated copy of the factory build sheet and dealer window sticker (Monroney), a clean Carfax report, and a clean Arizona title.
In addition, this very ZR-1 was recently awarded both 1st place in its class and “Best-In-Show” at the Phoenix Midway Chevrolet Corvette-only Veterans-Day car show held on November 11, 2023 with over 150 Corvettes, from C1's to C8's, being represented. A surprise, yes, but I think that it reflects the overall quality, beauty and provenance of this rare and increasingly desirable ZR-1.
This ZR-1 has never been raced or abused and has always been a dry western U.S. car with no history of corrosion, rust or damage.
The car runs and looks great, is a blast to drive and gets its fair share of "thumbs-up" and attention at all of the local cruises and Cars-and-Coffee shows and is being presented with no drama, issues or B.S.; just a fun, rare and exciting Corvette that you will be proud to own!
Feel free to email or call me with any questions, comments or offers.
Butch: 248-495-5288
