First Corvettes Emerge from Museum Sinkhole, Blue Devil ZR1 Still Runs

As stated by the NCM, the 2009 “Blue Devil” ZR1 was the first Corvette that was taken out of the huge hole. Unlike the other Vettes that were swallowed on February 12, the ZR1 suffered less damage and was the only one that wasn’t covered with debris and dirt. It did have a few cracks on the lower door panels, a broken window and an oil line rupture.

"The 'Blue Devil' is in remarkable shape," said John Spencer, manufacturing integration manager for Corvette. "Cosmetically, the carbon fiber running boards are shattered, there's some minor paint damage, and a small crack in the windshield. Mechanically, the worst damage is a split in the oil-supply line for the 6.2L LS9 V-8. If you fixed that, you could drive the ZR-1 back to Detroit."

What’s more, the vehicle was fired up right after it emerged from the pit, causing museum employees to cheer, and was driven away, making way for the next sportscar to be pulled out of the sinkhole. Next in line was a 1993 ruby red 40th anniversary Corvette, which was less fortunate than the “Blue Devil”. According to NCM, he fourth-gen vehicle is salvageable as well, but it will need to have its body panels and window glass replaced. Mechanically, it looks to be in remarkably good shape,” said Chevrolet spokesman Monte Doran.

The extracting process will continue with a 1962 black Corvette, which should be retrieved today. The other five cars are to remain buried until workers stabilize the sinkhole. The remaining vehicles are a 1993 ZR-1 Spyder, a 1984 PPG Pace Car, the 1992 1 Millionth Corvette, the 2001 Mallett Hammer Z06 Corvette and the 2009 1.5 Millionth Corvette.

The damaged cars will be displayed from April through July, before being sent to GM’s Mechanical Assembly Specialty shop for repairs.