Page 198 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

The ZR-1 was introduced at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show and went on sale later that year priced at $66,000 (though dealers often charged much more). It was distinguishable from other Corvette coupes by its wider tail section, massive rear tires and convex rear fascia with four square shaped taillights and subtle red ZR-1 badging. GM made a number of incremental changes to the ZR-1 during its lifecycle, but the most significant was a horsepower increase to 405 in response to the Dodge Viper. It endured until the 1995 model year, when it was discontinued due to waning interest, the development of the higher-output LS series engines, high manufacturing cost and the forthcoming introduction of the C5 generation. About 7,000 were manufactured over the six-year period. Not until the debut of the C5-based Z06 in 2001 would Chevrolet have another production Corvette capable of matching the ZR-1’s performance.
For those customers that found the ZR-1 somehow lacking, Reeves Calloway developed a high-performance alternative to the standard Corvette, offered under license from Chevrolet, from 1987 to 1991. Equipped with a strengthened, twin-turbo version of the C4’s 5.7-liter V8, the base version of the Callaway C4 was rated at a conservative 382 horsepower with a staggering 462 foot-pounds of torque (many cars were modified to much higher outputs). Thanks to Chevrolet’s endorsement, it was available through Chevrolet dealers for a premium of $26,995 and because it was classified as a standard Corvette by the EPA, it wasn’t subject to additional registration requirements. Approximately 500 were built.
The C4 generation included a variety of special models to honor the Corvette’s legacy. Pace Car replicas were released in 1986 and 1995, while the Corvette’s 35th and 40th anniversaries were honored with special editions in 1988 and 1993, respectively. Towards the end of the C4’s lifecycle, a silver-only “Collector’s Edition” was introduced in both coupe and convertible versions. But perhaps the most interesting limited edition C4 was the Grand Sport, honoring the tube chassis competition car from 1963. In addition to unique wheels and twin stripes, the Grand Sport was powered by the 330-horsepower LT4 and featured slightly wider rear fenders to accommodate larger tires.
1996 Grand Sport special edition recalled factory-built, tube chassis racing Corvettes from 1963. All 1,000 examples were equipped with 330-horsepower LT4 engine.
Today, the C4 represents fantastic value as a sports car with impressive power and road performance, but with low purchase prices and moderate running costs many have suffered from poor maintenance and storage. Even the ZR-1, one of the most powerful sports cars of the 1990s, is available for prices far lower than its European counterparts. A well-found and well-bought C4 has the potential to be a great affordable classic.
THE DRIVE
The C4 Corvette is very much a reflection of its era, with its long, low proportions, digital dash and shiny leather interior with multi- adjustable seats. Depending on your age and flexibility, getting over the side rails can be a bit of a challenge, but once there, the
“King of the Hill” ZR-1 was introduced to the press in Europe. Visual differences to standard Corvettes were subtle, except for the 11-inch wide rear tires and wider rear end with four squared-off taillamps.
196Wayne CariniAffordable Classics