1990 ZR-1 - $23,000
1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
41,199 Miles | Original Window Sticker | Original Temporary Virginia Tag | VIN-Matched ZR-1 Portfolio | LT5 DOHC V8 | Extraordinary Documentation Archive
VIN: 1G1YZ23J9L5802376
Mileage: 41,199 Miles
Engine: 5.7-Liter LT5 DOHC 32-Valve V8
Transmission: ZF 6-Speed Manual
Horsepower: 375 HP
Exterior: Bright Red
Interior: Saddle Leather
Original MSRP: $60,650
WHY WE LOVE IT
Few American performance cars have altered the automotive landscape as dramatically as the 1990 Corvette ZR-1. Developed in partnership with Lotus Engineering and powered by the Mercury Marine-assembled LT5 V8, the ZR-1 represented Chevrolet's most ambitious performance program of the modern era. With 375 horsepower, a six-speed manual transmission, widened rear bodywork, and genuine world-class capability, the ZR-1 immediately earned its reputation as the "King of the Hill."
This particular example offers something increasingly difficult to find: authenticity, preservation, and provenance. Showing just 41,199 miles, this Bright Red over Saddle Leather ZR-1 is accompanied by one of the most extensive documentation archives we have encountered.
Included are the original window sticker, original Virginia temporary operating tag, VIN-matched ZR-1 presentation portfolio, original VHS instructional cassette, factory literature, Chevrolet correspondence, FIA world-record documentation, ownership records, maintenance logs, service invoices, period enthusiast publications, and collector memorabilia accumulated over more than three decades. The factory ZR-1 Power Key system remains functional and operates as intended. The difference between valet and full-power modes is readily apparent while driving, confirming proper operation of the secondary injector system and delivering the full character of Chevrolet's legendary LT5. This is not simply a documented ZR-1. It is a remarkably complete and preserved piece of Corvette history.
VEHICLE OVERVIEW
Offered on consignment through MOTORVAULT, this inaugural-year 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 is finished in Bright Red over Saddle Leather and powered by the legendary LT5 5.7-liter dual-overhead-cam V8 paired with a factory ZF six-speed manual transmission. The original window sticker confirms a total MSRP of $60,650 and documents factory equipment including the ZR-1 Special Performance Package, Electronic Air Conditioning, Dual Removable Roof Panels, Delco Bose Gold Series audio system, and leather sport seats. The accompanying documentation traces the vehicle's history from its original delivery through J.K.J. Chevrolet in Vienna, Virginia through long-term enthusiast ownership and subsequent stewardship in North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and Indiana. A clean CARFAX accompanies the vehicle and reflects no reported accidents, no reported structural damage, no reported title issues, and consistent mileage progression throughout its history.
HIGHLIGHTS
41,199 miles
Original window sticker
Original temporary Virginia operating tag
VIN-matched ZR-1 presentation portfolio
Original ZR-1 VHS instructional cassette
Functional factory Power Key system
LT5 DOHC 32-valve V8
ZF six-speed manual transmission
Extensive ownership archive
FIA World Record documentation
Original literature and memorabilia collection
Clean CARFAX
2024 Nitto NT555 G2 tires
Approximately 10/32" tread depth front and rear
Documented enthusiast ownership
Over $4,000 invested by current owner in September 2024
New 2024 Nitto NT555 G2 tires
New battery
Functional factory Power Key system with original and duplicate keys
Recent weatherstrip, antenna, and driver's seat switch replacement
OWNERSHIP HISTORY
June 1990
Delivered new through J.K.J. Chevrolet in Vienna, Virginia. The sale includes the vehicle's original temporary Virginia operating tag issued upon delivery, period Virginia inspection certificates, dealership materials, and ownership correspondence associated with early ownership in Great Falls, Virginia.
1990–2013
Long-term Virginia ownership. Documentation retained from this period includes inspection records, correspondence, literature, ownership materials, and service documentation accumulated throughout the vehicle's early life.
2014–2017
North Carolina ownership. Supporting service records and inspection reports accompany the vehicle.
2017–2020
Alabama enthusiast ownership. A detailed maintenance log was maintained by the owner and accompanies the vehicle, documenting mileage and services performed throughout ownership.
2021
Acquired through McDonald Auto Sales in Baldwin, Georgia. Prior to delivery, Hayes Chevrolet performed a Mobil 1 synthetic oil and filter service at 40,989 miles.
Current Ownership
Indiana ownership. Current mileage is 41,199 miles.
DOCUMENTATION & PROVENANCE
Original Vehicle Documentation
Original VIN-matching window sticker
Original Virginia temporary operating tag
Current Indiana title
Purchase documentation
Ownership records
Inspection certificates
Maintenance logs
Service records
Historical CARFAX reports
Original ZR-1 Materials
Original ZR-1 presentation box
VIN-matched presentation portfolio
VIN identification plate
Original ZR-1 Driver's Manual
Original ZR-1 VHS instructional cassette
Factory Literature
Original 1990 Corvette Owner's Manual
Original 1990 Corvette catalog
Original 1990 ZR-1 brochure
Original 1991 Corvette catalog
Original 1992 Corvette brochure
Building The Next Corvette publication
Chevrolet correspondence
Historical Documentation
FIA World Record documentation package
Chevrolet promotional materials
Dealer materials
Wheel lock documentation
Wheel lock key cards
Wheel lock key
Collector Publications
Road & Track ZR-1 features
Car and Driver ZR-1 comparison issues
Corvette Fever publications
Hagerty ZR-1 feature issue
Additional Corvette enthusiast publications
Accessories & Memorabilia
Roof panel storage straps
Roof panel accessories
Corvette keychain
Collector cards
Supplemental media
Additional memorabilia
EXTERIOR
Finished in Bright Red, this ZR-1 displays the styling elements that distinguished Chevrolet's flagship Corvette from the standard C4.
ZR-1-specific features include:
Widened rear quarter panels
Unique rear fascia
Square taillights
Specific front and rear body panels
Performance handling package
Dual removable roof panels
ZR-1 wheel and tire package
Performance suspension
The original window sticker confirms Bright Red paint over Saddle Leather seating.
INTERIOR
The Saddle Leather interior remains one of the most desirable and recognizable combinations offered during the inaugural ZR-1 model year.
Factory equipment includes:
Saddle Leather adjustable sport seats
Six-way power seats
Digital instrumentation
Driver Information Center
Electronic climate control
Delco Bose Gold Series audio system
Power windows
Power locks
Tilt steering column
ZR-1 instrumentation
The cabin is complemented by an extraordinary collection of original books, manuals, literature, and delivery materials.
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
At the heart of every ZR-1 is the legendary LT5. Designed by Lotus Engineering and assembled by Mercury Marine, the LT5 remains one of the most sophisticated engines ever installed in a production Corvette.
LT5 Specifications
5.7-liter LT5 V8
Aluminum block
Aluminum cylinder heads
Dual overhead camshafts
Four valves per cylinder
Sequential fuel injection
375 horsepower
370 lb-ft torque
Drivetrain
ZF 6-speed manual transmission
Rear-wheel drive
Independent suspension
Four-wheel disc brakes
Performance handling package
The factory Power Key system remains operational and provides a noticeable increase in performance when switched into full-power mode.
SERVICE HISTORY
An extensive service file accompanies the vehicle, documenting years of enthusiast ownership and maintenance. Most recently, the current owner commissioned HMS Performance to perform a comprehensive round of mechanical and cosmetic improvements in preparation for sale.
Documented Maintenance Highlights
2017
Purchased from Parks Chevrolet
Front and rear brake pads replaced
Brake fluid flush
2018
Mobil 1 oil and filter service
Battery replaced
A/C low-pressure switch replaced with new O-rings
R-12 air conditioning system serviced and recharged
2019
Fuel door protector replaced
Mobil 1 oil and filter service
2020
Brake light pedal switch replaced
Center high-mounted stop lamp bulb replaced
Intake plenum removed
Sixteen fuel injectors replaced
Spark plugs replaced
Ignition coils replaced
Spark plug wires replaced
Driver seat backrest motor repaired
Blower control module replaced
2021
Mobil 1 synthetic oil and filter service at 40,989 miles
September 2024 – HMS Performance
Prior to being offered for sale, the current owner invested more than $4,000 in additional maintenance and cosmetic improvements, including:
New battery
Factory-style ZR-1 Power Keys (one original and one duplicate)
New Nitto NT555 G2 tires
Driver's side window felt and weatherstrip replaced
Rear hatch weatherstrip replaced
Power antenna replaced
Driver's seat bolster switches replaced
Vehicle cleanup and detailing
Paint touch-up
Pickup and delivery service
Total documented investment: $4,046.63.
WHEELS & TIRES
The factory ZR-1 aluminum wheels are fitted with a matching set of recently installed Nitto NT555 G2 ultra-high-performance tires.
Front Tires
Nitto NT555 G2
275/40ZR17
DOT Date Code: 0324
Approximately 10/32" tread remaining
Rear Tires
Nitto NT555 G2
315/35ZR17
DOT Date Code: 2424
Approximately 10/32" tread remaining
The tires show recent 2024 production dates and excellent remaining tread depth, providing confidence for immediate road use while retaining the factory staggered ZR-1 wheel and tire configuration.
INCLUDED WITH SALE
Documentation
Current Indiana title
CARFAX report
Original window sticker
Original temporary Virginia tag
Ownership records
Service records
Maintenance logs
Inspection certificates
ZR-1 Materials
Original presentation box
VIN-matched portfolio
Driver's manual
VHS instructional cassette
Literature
1990 Corvette catalog
1990 ZR-1 brochure
1991 Corvette catalog
1992 Corvette brochure
Building The Next Corvette publication
Additional Chevrolet literature
Memorabilia
FIA World Record documentation
Collector magazines
Promotional materials
Wheel lock documentation
Wheel lock key cards
Wheel lock key
Collector items and memorabilia
MARKET PERSPECTIVE
The 1990 model year represents the beginning of the legendary ZR-1 program and remains one of the most important Corvettes of the modern era. While many ZR-1s survive, very few retain the extraordinary documentation archive accompanying this example. The original temporary operating tag, original window sticker, VIN-matched portfolio, FIA documentation, period publications, ownership correspondence, maintenance logs, service invoices, and supporting records create a provenance package rarely encountered on any C4 Corvette. Combined with its desirable Bright Red over Saddle specification, documented ownership history, clean vehicle history, functional Power Key system, 2024 tires, and 41,199 miles, this ZR-1 represents an exceptional opportunity for collectors seeking one of the most comprehensively documented early examples available today.
CONTACT
Brian Henry @ brian@motorvault.com
Ralph Haga @ ralph@motorvault.com
MOTORVAULT
Indianapolis, Indiana (317) 522-8260
brian@motorvault.com
TERMS & DISCLOSURE
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, MOTORVAULT makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information contained herein. All specifications, descriptions, and details are provided by third-party sources or prior ownership and are subject to errors and omissions. Prospective buyers are encouraged to independently verify all information prior to purchase. All vehicles are sold as-is unless otherwise stated.
