Photo: Mecum Auctions (modified)
Built from 1967 through 1982, the third-generation Chevrolet Corvette was the longest-running iteration of the nameplate. And even though it spent most of its life as a Malaise-era rig, it was born in the golden era of muscle cars, so the early C3 spawned quite a few impressive machines.
Available with a big-block V8 since day one, the third-genC Corvette arrived in showrooms with more than 400 horsepower. In 1969, Chevrolet introduced the ZL1, powered by an all-aluminum 427-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) engine underrated at 430 horsepower. Only three cars were built, and they're worth more than $3 million as of 2023.
The ZL1 package didn't survive past 1969, but Chevrolet offered a pair of ZR models in the early 1970s. Unlike the ZL1, the ZR1 featured a small-block V8 and notably less oomph at 370 horsepower. However, it featured a heavy-duty gearbox, an aluminum radiator, and a unique suspension setup.
And because Chevrolet sold it as a competition-spec model, it could not be ordered with power windows, power steering, air conditioning, a rear-window defogger, wheel covers, or a radio. The ZR1 was followed by the ZR2 in 1971. The latter included the ZR1 bundle but came with a massive 454-cubic-inch (7.4-liter) LS6 engine.
While not as scarce as the ZL1, the ZR twins are also very rare. The ZR2 spawned only 12 units in 1971, while the ZR1 found 53 customers from 1970 to 1972. The Pewter Silver coupe you see here is one of only 20 ZR1s built in 1972. And it's going under the hammer for a lot of cash.
Arguably one of the finest vintage ZR1s out there, this 'Vette went through a frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration and looks spotless from every angle. The refresh reportedly cost $150,000, more than a modern Corvette C8 Z06.
The sports car was refinished in the correct Pewter Silver exterior and retained the Saddle Tan interior, which is a scarce color combination for 1972. There's no precise number to run by, but Chevrolet sold only 1,372 silver Corvettes that year. That's only 5% of the total production. Needless to say, the color combo likely makes it unique among C3 ZR1s regardless of the model year.
But this Corvette is more than just a fine-looking rig. It still rocks its numbers-matching 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) LT1 V8 and close-ratio M22 four-speed manual gearbox. What's more, the odometer reads 24,604 actual miles (39,596 km), so it's a low-mileage example too.
Far from surprising, the C3 is Bloomington Gold certified and has won multiple awards since the restoration. And like any respectable and valuable classic, it comes with a ton of documentation.
How much is this ultra-rare ZR1 worth? Well, we'll find out when it goes under the hammer at Mecum's Kissimmee event in January 2024. However, the auction house estimates it will fetch $225,000 to $275,000. That's a pretty penny and a nice profit over the restoration costs.
The ZL1 package didn't survive past 1969, but Chevrolet offered a pair of ZR models in the early 1970s. Unlike the ZL1, the ZR1 featured a small-block V8 and notably less oomph at 370 horsepower. However, it featured a heavy-duty gearbox, an aluminum radiator, and a unique suspension setup.
And because Chevrolet sold it as a competition-spec model, it could not be ordered with power windows, power steering, air conditioning, a rear-window defogger, wheel covers, or a radio. The ZR1 was followed by the ZR2 in 1971. The latter included the ZR1 bundle but came with a massive 454-cubic-inch (7.4-liter) LS6 engine.
While not as scarce as the ZL1, the ZR twins are also very rare. The ZR2 spawned only 12 units in 1971, while the ZR1 found 53 customers from 1970 to 1972. The Pewter Silver coupe you see here is one of only 20 ZR1s built in 1972. And it's going under the hammer for a lot of cash.
Arguably one of the finest vintage ZR1s out there, this 'Vette went through a frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration and looks spotless from every angle. The refresh reportedly cost $150,000, more than a modern Corvette C8 Z06.
The sports car was refinished in the correct Pewter Silver exterior and retained the Saddle Tan interior, which is a scarce color combination for 1972. There's no precise number to run by, but Chevrolet sold only 1,372 silver Corvettes that year. That's only 5% of the total production. Needless to say, the color combo likely makes it unique among C3 ZR1s regardless of the model year.
But this Corvette is more than just a fine-looking rig. It still rocks its numbers-matching 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) LT1 V8 and close-ratio M22 four-speed manual gearbox. What's more, the odometer reads 24,604 actual miles (39,596 km), so it's a low-mileage example too.
Far from surprising, the C3 is Bloomington Gold certified and has won multiple awards since the restoration. And like any respectable and valuable classic, it comes with a ton of documentation.
How much is this ultra-rare ZR1 worth? Well, we'll find out when it goes under the hammer at Mecum's Kissimmee event in January 2024. However, the auction house estimates it will fetch $225,000 to $275,000. That's a pretty penny and a nice profit over the restoration costs.
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