Our red C4 ZR1 was purchased 3^rd June 2018 with 35,500ks on the clock, so we have not been Corvette owners for long. She is our first Corvette and we have named her Carol. She now has just over 40,000ks on clock.

Carol was born sometime late 1991 and matched to her LT5 engine which was the 10^th engine produced on 3^rd May 1991 at the Mercury Marine facility in Stillwater Oklahoma.

She was purchased on 4^th January 1992 by Joseph Schuler in California, USA. The purchase price was $65,738.00usd made up of standard vehicle price $32,455.00 and ZR1 special performance package $31,638.00. Extra charges of $1,600.00 made up the rest. That’s right the ZR1 performance package doubled the cars purchase price.

She was imported to Australia May 1995 by Neil Fletcher, a car enthusiasts from NSW who had an extensive collection of cars including many Corvettes.

She had a left to right hand conversion done by Corvette Clinic of Melbourne and was driven and exhibited by Neil until ill health saw his collection sold 1 September 2014. She has won a number of awards including a Top Flight Award at the ‘Corvettes in Heaven’ NCRS meet on April 3rd,4th,5th 2007 judged by Murray Forman.

She was sold as part of the Fletch Collection at auction on 1 September 2014 as lot #109 to Rich Prince, a Melbourne based car enthusiasts. Due to some health issues Rich offered the car for sale through LLoyds Auctions on 3 June 2018 where we were the successful bidders.

We had arranged for Carol to come home on a car transporter however the truck driver got caught speeding a week before our scheduled delivery and lost his license there and then, so the poor business owner could not deliver her for an extra few weeks. Not happy with this I flew to Melbourne landing at 4pm, collected Carol from LLoyds and drove her home getting in about 2am.

We joined the car club to find like minded enthusiasts and hope to enjoy many more great times with you all.

Neil:

What do you like most about Carol:

Valet switch which changes BHP from 210 to 375. Starts second fuel pump to second set of 8 injectors.

What do you like least about Carol:

Radio doesn’t work !

Norene:

What do you like most about Carol:

Nothing I can think of.

What do you like least about Carol:

She is very low to get into.

Neil & Norene

Production of the ZR-1 ended in 1995, after 6,939 cars had been built

1991 Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR1 (RHD)

The Corvette’s C4 model years 1984 through 1996 established a loyal following as one of the world’s most desirable sports cars. The convertible was back, and with higher performing engines exemplified by the 375 hp (280 kW) LT5 found in the ZR-1, enthusiasts could not get enough of the heavy brute force, dizzying speed and superior race-car handling. Known for its evolved, sleek and modern look, the C4 is one of the most powerful versions of the Corvette ever sold in America.

This ‘wild beast’ was built with one clear purpose – speed – in March 1990, the ZR-1 set a new record for the highest 24 hour-5,000 mile land-speed by going over 175 mph (282 km/h). The Corvette/Lotus collaboration resulted in what GM dubbed the LT5, an all-aluminium-block V-8 with the same displacement, 5.7 litres or 350 cu. in., and the same bore centres (4.4 in.) as the normal Corvette`s L98 pushrod engine. Lotus also designed a unique air management system for the engine to provide a wider power band by shutting off 8 of the 16 intake runners and fuel injectors when the engine was at part-throttle, while still giving the ZR-1 375 hp (280 kW) when at wide open throttle.

In addition to the engine, Lotus helped GM design the ZR-1’s upgraded braking and steering systems, ensuring the vehicle was more than just a modern day muscle car with a big engine and no real capacity on the track. The infamous “King of the Hill” was distinguishable from other Corvette coupes by its wider tail section, 11" wide rear wheels and its new convex rear fascia with four square shaped taillights and a CHMSL (centre high mounted stop lamp) attached to the top of the hatch glass instead of between the taillights.

Mercury Marine of Stillwater, Oklahoma, were contracted to assemble the ZR-1 engines, and a range of other upgrades were offered including better brakes and retuned adjustable active ride control modes. In 1991, the ZR-1 and base model received updates to body work, interior, and wheels. The rear convex fascia that set the 1990 ZR-1 apart from the base model found its way to all models, making the high-priced ZR-1 even less distinguishable on the road.

This right hand drive (RHD) vehicle was imported into Australia in 1995 being converted to RHD and complied by Corvette Clinic Victoria the same year. This ZR1 is painted bright red, matching targa roof with black upholstery. Fitted with a 5.7 litre 375 hp all alloy 4 cam, 32 valve engine and 6 speed ZF manual transmission.

The car has been actively exhibited at Corvette club events in NSW and QLD including the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS). Amongst its awards, it received a Top Flight Award at the ‘Corvettes in Heaven’ NCRS meet on April 3rd,4th,5th 2007 judged by Murray Forman. Accompanying the sale, a cloth covered presentation ZR1 box containing brochures and video, copy of the import approval and Top Flight Award. Odometer reading approximately 20,000 miles.

Carol uses Redline oil products