9 Reasons Why Gearheads Should Consider Buying The 1990

Nov 19, 2023

A surprisingly affordable classic supercar, the ZR-1 set the standard for the Corvette's performance for years to come.

The American automotive scene gets as much hate for their sports cars as the love it gets for trucks and muscle cars. There was even a time when Americans thought sports car owners were freaks. They were used to their massive, powerful, couch-seated vehicles and saw the smaller, lighter, number European cars that GIs brought back after the war as a foreign concept.

RELATED: A Detailed Look Back At The 1990-95 C4 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

Still, if you look beyond the hate, you'll find some well-built American sports cars that can beat the Europeans at their own game, like the Dodge Viper ACR, Ford GT, Hennessy Venom F5, and the Chevrolet Corvette. The Corvette is the most iconic sports car, with eight model generations built across seven decades. Behind the Corvette's greatness are some trims that help define the model's power and high performance, like the ZR-1. First introduced as a special package in 1970, the ZR-1 became a trim level in 1990 with the C4 Corvette. Here's why you should consider buying Corvette C4 ZR-1.

The 1990-1995 Corvette ZR-1 featured an iconic design that set it apart from other Corvettes and sports cars of its time. It was wider than the standard C4 Vette and had a different body style, with distinctive design elements such as wider fenders, larger side air vents, and a large rear spoiler.

Also, they featured pop-up headlights, a hallmark design feature of the Corvette from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s. It helped give the car an aggressive and sporty appearance.

General Motors approached Lotus with the idea of producing the world's fastest production car based on the fourth-gen Corvette, codenamed "King of the Hill." Lotus designed and built the LT5 aluminum-block 5.7-liter V8 engine with a unique air management system that allowed the addition of power modes giving Chevy its first Ferrari-fighting world-class sports car.

By 1995, the ZR-1 pushed up to 405 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. It remains one of the most capable sports cars of the 90s with its impressive performance combined with its classic American style.

Sports car enthusiasts still prefer manual transmissions. But they are becoming increasingly rare in modern sports cars as automakers focus on producing vehicles with automated transmissions. The decline in the popularity of manual transmissions in cars had already started when the C4 Corvette ZR-1 came about.

The 1990-1995 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 came equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. It is an excellent choice for gearheads looking for a '90s classic that allows them to control the car's power and performance through the stick shift.

As Hemmings reports, those considering buying the C4 Corvette ZR-1 can rest assured that the car's standard Delco-Bilstein Selective Ride Control with Touring, Sport, and Performance settings has proven a robust suspension system. Also, you can return the dampers to Bilstein for reconditioning, and there are reliable coil-over suspension components for those seeking more performance.

Also, the car came equipped with vented 13-inch disc brakes with Bosch ABS, and these large, high-performance brakes provided reliable and consistent stopping power.

RELATED: Why The Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR-1 Was More Sports Car Than Muscle Car

With all their greatness, sports have notable trade-offs, mainly featuring small, cramped cabins. But despite its small exterior dimensions, Chevy designed the ZR-1's interior to provide ample space for occupants, with comfortable, supportive seats and a well-appointed cabin that offered plenty of room for the driver and the passenger.

Also, it is a driver-focused cabin with a simple and uncluttered dashboard with easy-to-read instruments placed in a clear, intuitive layout.

Chevy built the ZR-1 in limited numbers during its production run and positioned it as the top-of-the-line performance model. Only 6,939 units rolled out of the Bowling Green Corvette factory between 1990 and 1995, making it relatively rare.

There were 3,049 in the first year, 2,044 facelift copies in the second year, 503 375hp in the third year, and only 448 405hp ZR-1 built in each of the last three model years. This rarity, performance capabilities, and classic, timeless design earn the C4 Corvette ZR-1 its place in Corvette history and make it a valued collectible.

The Hagerty Valuation Tool estimates an average value of $22,600 for the 1990 ZR-1 in good condition. The more valuable 405-hp models average about $26,500. This is far from extremely affordable figures, but it is more accessible than some other high-performance sports cars from its era.

It is still a premium vehicle that offers high levels of performance, style, and comfort, and you should expect to pay more than the standard C4 Corvette.

The C4 Corvette ZR-1 is arguably the last 'Driver's car' corvette free from many complications we have seen in newer versions. Finding a '90 or '91 model in good condition and low mileage is fairly easy. It is relatively easy to keep running thanks to its durable parts and overall reliability.

Hemming points out that parts come with affordable pricing for a classic car. For instance, a remanufactured alternator costs $200, rebuilt brake calipers about $190, clutch kit $500, and fuel injectors $390.

RELATED: This Is How Much A Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR-1 Is Worth Today

The original ZR-1 prices have been at rock bottom for a while, and many enthusiasts are starting to reconsider the ZR-1 as a potential investment. It is relatively affordable now, but it won't remain this way for long, making buying a 1990-1995 ZR1 an excellent investment you can flip in a few years for a profit.

It is highly desirable, and even if it doesn't work out, you still get to own one of the most attractive classic sports cars on the market and a genuine head-turner at car shows.

Sources: Hemmings, Hagerty, Caranddrvier, Hotcars

Bryan is a content marketer who works as a staff writer for HotCars.com where he covers a variety of topics, from the first Motorwagen to the latest Electric vehicles. A writer by day and a programmer by night. When he is not writing about cars, catch him tinkering with his old motorcycle.