ZR-1 Pricing over the years

[We Gone]

With all this price talk I thought it would be interesting to see how they are doing real world selling prices. Feel free to post up yours along with what condition you feel the car was in.

I went back and looked at my research from 2001-2002 when I was first looking at them. Actually the prices are not for off from then.

I bought my 91 in 02, a 9K one owner no mods, very good condition car for $32k and low mileage 95's were in the high 40 to low 50 range.

A few pics from the original owner when I got it.
http://imageshack.com/a/img674/2894/dK5Mgt.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img674/2803/pUBPIh.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/2095/tKhMVh.jpg

In 2004 I bought this 90 with 26K miles, but it needed a clutch, water pump, injectors, and a very good cleanup was in fair condition. $19K.. I really wish I would not have sold this one. (note never sell one again!!) I did sell it for $25k 2 years later.
Pics after I cleaned it up.
http://imageshack.com/a/img661/462/1hOWnO.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img745/7526/Simx9K.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img673/8199/BFzFhc.jpg

[AnotherDon]

I'll play. Got my dark red metallic w/ tan '95 2 months ago for $26.9k + $1.5k for shipping from NJ to Arlington, TX. The car had 22.5k miles, both tops and a box of collectible/memorabilia under the top in the back. The clear top has not even had the protective paper taken off. Took her to my local Corvette tech and told him to fix anything he thought needed attention. He changed the oil, balanced the tires, flushed the coolant, and changed the oil in the transmission. When I picked her up, he said that he had never seen a car that old in such good shape.


I have been absolutely delighted with this car. Sorry, but the delivery pics are the only ones I have so far. I've been spending time driving her and just haven't stopped long enough to take more pics. :-D


http://www.fototime.com/E4229484742B559/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/8D99BE970A1488B/standard.jpg

[vilant]

I'll play. Got my dark red metallic w/ tan '95 2 months ago for $26.9k + $1.5k for shipping from NJ

Ahh you're the one who bought this from Conte's. Had my eye on it. Actually offered my '90 as a trade in, but the car was on consignment and was too much work for Jim to make it work. Congrats, I'm very jealous, it's a beautiful car.

[Kevin]

1999 24,000 miles bone stock red/red 90 $32.000

[RICHARD TILL]

Bought 1990 #2161 in 98. red/red. 88k miles. $17,500

[902066]

Bought 90 red and grey #2066 in 2,000. 4800 miles all original like new paid $33,000. Still have it 12,000 miles now never selling.

[Racinfan83]

I got 1990 2093 in April last year with 17k on it. Needed injectors, coils, and a lot of just normal clean up and misc interior parts replaced. Don't really have a price as I traded a 71 Nova SS with a transplanted BBC in it straight up. I definitely got the better end of the deal but we are both happy so it works....
THIS:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i178/Racinfan83/Erics%2071%20SS%20Nova/DSCN0163.jpg
FOR THIS:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i178/Racinfan83/Erics%20ZR-1%20Vette/IMG_6753.jpg

[randy ransome]

1995, number 0069. I bought this in September of 2011 with 38,000 miles from the original owner $21,900. When I got it, it was stock except for B&B stainless exhaust and a Hurst shifter. I have added Shelby Series 1 wheels with Michelin tires.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss210/randyransome/photo5_zps89a29e17.jpg (http://s576.photobucket.com/user/randyransome/media/photo5_zps89a29e17.jpg.html)

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss210/randyransome/DSCN0882_zps6f9a4d20.jpg (http://s576.photobucket.com/user/randyransome/media/DSCN0882_zps6f9a4d20.jpg.html)

With the Shelby wheels

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss210/randyransome/2b4f9867-9e4e-4d94-99c7-873d31056a55_zpsa330e3b2.jpg (http://s576.photobucket.com/user/randyransome/media/2b4f9867-9e4e-4d94-99c7-873d31056a55_zpsa330e3b2.jpg.html)

:proud:

[John Boothby]

I bought my 1990 red/saddle with 65k on it for $18k cash in 2005. Had new RC's; plugs; plug wires; belt; flowmasters. I have since restored the secondary's, new water pump, new alt, front brakes, new tires (GS D3;s), new rear sway bar links & bushings; restored leather on driver's seat, Dr Don's radio & speaker restored, new antenna/motor, new sensor's etc. Needs new windshield (delam). I am going to replace with new c4 windshield.

Other items with the car are: Complete owner's kit (pizza box); spare tire with bag and bag bag; jack & lug wrench + bag; both tops with ratchet and extension; tire gauge; owner's manual; all three Service Manuals; tech 1a; window sticker/build sheet (NCM repo's laminated); repro new car info tags; Heart of the Beast; many posters and car mags from the era.

Car now has close to 80k and runs great. No codes. I drive it at least a couple times a week. I won't say that I will never sell, but I will not give it away.

[John Boothby]

I would like to add to the above, I was not looking for a ZR-1 when I bought the car. However, it showed up in a newspaper ad while I was looking for another Corvette. I had completely forgotten about the ZR-1's before seeing the ad. It brought back memories of all the articles I had read back in the day.

I did not have the luxury of knowing about this website, therefore, I had no knowledge of what to look for in a ZR-1. However, I do not think that I overpaid at the time, and I have gained great knowledge of how this car works and have enjoyed most every minute working on it to get it to where it is today. It's been fun!!

[WARP TEN]

[QUOTE=AnotherDon;214230]I'll play. Got my dark red metallic w/ tan '95 2 months ago for $26.9k + $1.5k for shipping from NJ to Arlington, TX. The car had 22.5k miles, both tops and ....


Just about the same for Warp Ten when I got it in 2012--about $30k by the time it got here from California. Totally stock '95 with 20,000 miles. Immediately gave it to Marc Haibeck for servicing of everything he could, replacement of rubber weather seals, etc. plus added 4.10s, Hurst, Corsa. Then I really got the bug and I am now deep into it with the Haibeck 510 package, back to stock exhaust with cutouts, etc. With everything I have done, probably now about double my initial cost, but that is the way this stuff goes. I agree with Dom and Paul--hard to imagine having a stock powered car now, even though mine looks stock. It's addictive--Bob

[Vetman]

Purchased 1990 # 2441 with 60,200 miles in summer of 2012 very nice in and out. Runs perfect. AC converted to R-34 but had lost it charge. $14,000 Since then have charge AC which works great. Has small oil leak from front engine passenger side. Appears to be pan. Am driving it to NCM gathering in May 2015! (4 day drive) =D>:-D

[AnotherDon]

Ahh you're the one who bought this from Conte's. Had my eye on it. Actually offered my '90 as a trade in, but the car was on consignment and was too much work for Jim to make it work. Congrats, I'm very jealous, it's a beautiful car.


Yep, 'twas me. And yeah, it's hard to work a trade when the guy in line ahead of you is offering folding Franklins. I had been looking mostly at '90-'92 cars to try to stay within my budget. But when I saw that car at Conte's, the budget went the way of the Pterodactyl. It was I'll pay your price in cash subject to a clean pre-purchase inspection and here's my deposit to hold it until the inspection is completed. ;)

The rest is history and I have no regrets.

[Agpilot1]

Bought my 1990 #2815 in July of this year for $15,500. Had 11,900 miles on her at time of purchase. Bright red with flame red interior. Mostly stock except for K&N filter and aftermarket mufflers. Transmission was grinding going into 2nd. gear, a/c was inop, and a miss/stumble at higher rpm's. Have had transmission repaired, new compressor, and new plugs, wires, and coils. Only came with the blue tint top.

I may have paid too much but it really seemed this car was calling for me haha. I fell in love with the ZR-1s after seeing one in town during my high school years. Thought I would never have the chance to own one but now I do!! Thanks to everyone on this forum for giving me the answers and knowledge to properly repair and maintain my dream car! This is a great site.

[8cam]

I'm a bottom feeder. I bought my 90 almost exactly one year ago for $13k with 42k miles on it, and a bad water pump. I replaced the pump, all hoses and a window regulator, and have put about 8k miles on it in the last year. Just had my first real problem with the coils going bad, but I'll be back on the road soon.

[ZRXMAX]

My 1st ZR-1 ( #334 ) was a 90 in 2001 for $19K with 60k on it. A doctor owned it but he passed prematurally. He kept no records and never planned on selling it so at 60 k miles it had no history. It was a great car and I have managed to keep periodic contact with the current owner.

Paid 21K for a 90 DRM 450 but didn't keep it.

Paid 25 for a 91 with 50K on it in 2003. Also recieved lots of extra parts with it.
Has 130K on it now and runs strong like it always has. This car could last the rest of my life.

[edram454]

bought mine November of last year. Loaded with mods. New imron paint, weather stripping, ac conversion, siamesed plenum and port injector porting, mat repositioning, rebuilt shocks, radio, speakers, new carpeting, seats dash cluster, bumpers, rc injectors, wires, camber brace, roll bar, upgraded brakes and rotors, brake bias, flowmaster exhaust, new glass tops,45k miles,throttle body mod, extra parts ac compressor and original exhaust,original wheels also chrome amolds.. seller had it for sale for over a year at 25k... bought the car at 17.3k. have not had any problems.. no codes or lights and starts right up every time. Imron paint cost 10k in recepts...looks shiny wet black at all times. It is a 1990 #3028.

ed ramos #3028

[We Gone]

Thanks everyone for posting your story's I've enjoyed reading them. So far it looks like pricing has not changed much over the past 12 years and condition is everything. Just my opinion but for those collecting ZR-1's as an investment I think it will be another 10-15+ years before the prices get back to original $.

When I got Old Blue I was never going to mod it, that lasted about 3 years. I did my mods in steps as I saved my penny's and never realized just how much faster it was getting until I got the Yellow 93 (Stock) this year and started putting some miles on it. It runs great and is plenty strong, but than get in Blue OMG.....

[edram454]

Thanks everyone for posting your story's I've enjoyed reading them. So far it looks like pricing has not changed much over the past 12 years and condition is everything. Just my opinion but for those collecting ZR-1's as an investment I think it will be another 10-15+ years before the prices get back to original $.

When I got Old Blue I was never going to mod it, that lasted about 3 years. I did my mods in steps as I saved my penny's and never realized just how much faster it was getting until I got the Yellow 93 (Stock) this year and started putting some miles on it. It runs great and is plenty strong, but than get in Blue OMG.....

Modded is the way to go for maximum fun. I saw some ncrs types at last years kissimmee show and they seemed to only talk about values and trends and nobody drove there cars. I admit I dont drive mine much but when I do I stomp the hell out of it. I spoke with a few of them and they seemed like speculators and accountants trying to perfect there cars to score a top flight so then it would have added value. who cares!!! life is short so enjoy your ride. ride it hard when you do ride it. mod the hell out of it so it runs great. The value is what you get out of it, performance, satisfaction etc.. not dollars and cents.

ed ramos

[rhipsher]

I bought my red on red 90 back in 2007 with 65k on the clock for $22.5k. Knowing what I know now I think I paid a few thousand to much for it but there's no sense crying over spilt milk. It now has 102k on the clock. And every one of those miles I put on it have been a blast with no regrets.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn63/keeno1970/ZR-1%20reg/IMG_0023_zps2d606855.jpg
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn63/keeno1970/ZR-1%20reg/IMG_0026_zpsdd8b736d.jpg
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn63/keeno1970/ZR-1%20reg/IMG_0033_zpsb27ca2fb.jpg
Betting on when, If and how much these cars might go up in value is a crap shoot.:)

[Kevin]

with those rockers, that's about right

[Z51JEFF]

Bought my 91 #634,single top back in 2007 for $29,000 at 6900 miles.Currently undergoing a minor face lift.http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a136/FLYTYM/DSCN0225_zpsd3894c29.jpg

[USAZR1]

I purchased my first ZR-1,Red/Red 90 #952,in November 1997,for $33,000. It had a DRM-500 package,Flowmaster exhaust,and Guldstrand suspension package,with 24K miles. Invested a ton of money in it over the next five years before selling it for $25,000 but sure had a blast owning it.

Next was a Purple/Steel Blue 91 Callaway Aerobody #13?? w/22K miles that I paid $34,000,in August 2002. It also had a DRM-500 engine package. Added the 18" OZ wheels off my 90 ZR-1 and had a polished stainless centermount exhaust built for it. Health issues forced its sale in 2003,for $34,000. It had 24K miles.

Fast forward to March 2014,I purchased our Arctic White/Torch Red 94 #152 with 32K miles,for $24,000 + $1,000 delivery. Health issues have kept me from driving it very much,so far,but hopefully that will change soon. Have been able to do a few modifications.

[johnboy89]

I actually traded my 92 GMC Typhoon for mine. It's a 1991 (#1514) with 196K on it. I valued the Typhoon around $7,500.

[gen2rt]

My first ZR-1 was polo green/cognac. I bought in 1993 for $34K with 17,000 miles. I posted it for sale on the ZR-1 net in 2001 for $25K with 32,000 miles. It sold in an hour. The guy later thanked me for keeping it in such nice condition.
Saw a red/red 94 with 15,000 miles on e-bay in June 2010. Bought it sight unseen for $24K. It had just minor issues, ended up sending it to Mark Haibeck upgrading to 500 hp, refinishing the motor and a few other things. I'd never get what I have in it, but much happier with it now. Had I left it stock it would be sold by now and I'd have been on to something else.

[edram454]

My first ZR-1 was polo green/cognac. I bought in 1993 for $34K with 17,000 miles. I posted it for sale on the ZR-1 net in 2001 for $25K with 32,000 miles. It sold in an hour. The guy later thanked me for keeping it in such nice condition.
Saw a red/red 94 with 15,000 miles on e-bay in June 2010. Bought it sight unseen for $24K. It had just minor issues, ended up sending it to Mark Haibeck upgrading to 500 hp, refinishing the motor and a few other things. I'd never get what I have in it, but much happier with it now. Had I left it stock it would be sold by now and I'd have been on to something else.

You made the absolute right move. We know what we want and what we must have in a car in order to want to keep it. I bet your car hauls azz.

ed ramos #3028;)

[Z51JEFF]

One thing Ive started to think about lately is with the prices of C6 ZR1s dropping like a rock that is only going to hurt C4 Z values somewhat.But then again,when I bought my car it had to be a ZR-1 and nothing else would fill the void.;)

[edram454]

eventually those c6 zr1's would be slightly dropping in price. Our cars are the fastest c4's around. they can take on stock c5's and c5 z06 cars. they can take on stock c6 car but cant take on a c6 z06 or zr1. A very low price for a c6 z06 is 36k. A low price for a c6 zr1 is 65k. Unless you want to step up a considerable amount of money we still have a excellent performance value. A stock clean c5 z06 that we can outperform goes for 25-28k..clean and stock with low miles. so even if our cars are 25 years old etc.. we are still driving a performance relevant car with great looks and a pedigree that only a zr1 can offer. And it goes without mention, we are the only DOHC corvette ever.

ed ramos #3028

[Vette Guy]

I recommend reviewing "What's your ZR-1 Worth?" in the April edition of the Heart of the Beast. Normal depreciation is ~50% of the purchase price 5 years after purchase, and it continues downward from there.... however, there are circumstances that make a car more collectible, and thus increases value - such as a club following of a specific model, such as our focus on the C4 ZR-1.


http://showyourcorvette.com/Corvette_Market.pdf


Regards,
Mark

[Mr Blue]

I purchased my Steel Blue 91 with 27k miles in 2012 for $19k. I have put about $6k into it, injectors, 4.10 gears, Haibeck chip, Marc's full PM and a painted top. The ROI is immense. Hard to quantify the permagrin factor. Besides having the Lotus-Chevy-Mercury marine pedigree plus a world record... fagetabotit. I would love a C6 Z06 and other Vettes, but not without owning my ZR-1.

David

[BigIke]

Bought my '91 #1616 with 56k on the clock. I think it's had 4 owners, had 48k on the clock in '02. The guy I got it from had it for a few air conditioned garaged months. He traded a C2 for it.

Picked it up for 14k, has a few chips, and a spider web in the hood. Need to troubleshoot FX3 and TPS.

What an amazing car, I hope to own this one for many years to come, the rest of them if possible!

[GSJoe]

I bought my third ZR-1 this past June. It's a 1995 that two previous owners, both collectors, thought they'd make a big profit from. When I bought it it had just 1853 miles on the clock and had never been wet underneath. I bought my first ZR-1 brand new in 1990, but my '95 is every bit as much a new car...and I love it. The '95 is torch red with a gray interior. It is totally stock except for the Haibeck chip and some new Nitto tires that I added to it. The purchase price for this car was $42K this past June, and I certainly think it was worth every penny of it.

[samgallagher]

We all understand supply and demand but for insurance valuation plus assisting how much a classic is worth I default to Hagerty Insurance. No, this is not an ad pushing Hagerty, just explaining a valuation tool available to us. As an example; the average price for a 1990 ZR1 is $23,904. Price based upon dealer, auctions, peer-to-peer and Hagerty expertise. Hagerty uses 4 condition codes and has prices for those codes. Hagerty shows the values heading north. We should all like that.
I purchased my 1990 ZR1 3 months ago. 3rd owner, 10,000 miles, red on red, original tires, wheels, exhaust, air filter was preserved by the 2nd owner who also took the car through the NCRS process. The previous owner achieved the Cross Flag Award. I paid $25,000. This car was the first C4 ZR1 to achieve the NCRS Cross Flag Award and is well documented. According to Hagerty, a Code Condition (CC) 2 is $33,600 with a CC 1 at $47,300. I did not overpay. In fact, I got a great deal. Hope this helps fellow ZR1 owners.

[edram454]

congrats on your ncrs quality zr1. Obviously it is very original with the original tires. You did not overpay and in fact underpaid. I hope you can enjoy this type of museum piece car. You will certainly make money if you hold on to it and sell it in a few years if you keep the miles to almost nothing.

ed ramos #3028

[samgallagher]

Tks Ed.
I see you live in Homestead, FL. When I was in the U.S. Army stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, deployed along with the 82nd Airborne Division, to secure and help with the destruction of Hurricane Andrew. There was such massive destruction it looked like a war zone. I'll never forget it.
Hope the area has come back and wish you well.

[edram454]

Tks Ed.
I see you live in Homestead, FL. When I was in the U.S. Army stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, deployed along with the 82nd Airborne Division, to secure and help with the destruction of Hurricane Andrew. There was such massive destruction it looked like a war zone. I'll never forget it.
Hope the area has come back and wish you well.

Sam,

I did not live in Homestead on that fateful day of august 24, 1992. I lived around coral reef drive in south miami which was also destroyed. i totally lost my house and my entire neighborhood. My big block 1971 Corvette was damaged as my supercharged mustang convertible but life goes on. I moved to homestead in 2007 and it is so different you would not recognize it. Many new neighborhoods and developments, shopping malls, schools etc.. It is the last bastian in south florida where you can get a decent house at a decent price. There are no crowds and no traffic and the country fields are just minutes away. Homestead is also the last of the main land before the start of the florida keys. We just had the nascar 400 race end a few minutes ago. I can hear the roar of the engines from my house.

Homestead is a nice place to live and I would not go back to Miami to put up with the hustle and bustle. The base closed for a while and now its operational again. We have f-16's and all kinds of stuff going on in there but it is not the size it once was before the hurricane. Andrew wiped out homestead completely and I give those homesteaders kudos for keeping the faith and making a go of it. I want to thank you for your service to our country. Happy Holidays.



ed ramos #3028
:salute:

[samgallagher]

It was an honor to serve.

Funny, the talk about Hurricane Andrew brings back how the wild life at the zoo were running wild.

[Bob Eyres]

Hurricane Andrew nostalgia 'eh? Just kidding, that was a tough time for us Miami folks. My home in downtown Miami was damaged and, rather than remodel, we moved out of the city and up to Jupiter. Love the area.

But this is about ZR-1's.
You can call me an "early adopter". I bought mine exactly 20 years ago back when they were still making them, in November 1994. I bought it from Corvette Mike in L.A. A pristine 91' with 3K mi. for $35K, (about half the new price at the time). The kid and I flew out to L.A. and drove it home. Why pay $$ to ship when you can have an adventure with your son for the same money.
I still have it, and I think I'll keep it. I used to flog the car at Moroso, now Palm Beach International Raceway, every time I put a new bolt-on on the car. Not so much anymore. Getting old and slow. :sleepy1:

[RyanChappel]

on Mother's Day, 2009. We drove my wife's Buick SUV to haul back the original sawblades and GY tires, pizza box, complete manual set, orignal oil cooler lines and fittings..even the original wiper blades. Mileage was
15,075. Paid $25K. Marc went through the car in '10, Accel injectors, chip, tune, couple of master cylinder flushes, Rebuild the CD and Speakers, skip kit, fixed the exhaust stud oil leak, refinished exhaust, re-anodized tips,

Guess I have about $ 28K+- in the car...now has right at 20K miles.

[edram454]

Hurricane Andrew nostalgia 'eh? Just kidding, that was a tough time for us Miami folks. My home in downtown Miami was damaged and, rather than remodel, we moved out of the city and up to Jupiter. Love the area.

But this is about ZR-1's.
You can call me an "early adopter". I bought mine exactly 20 years ago back when they were still making them, in November 1994. I bought it from Corvette Mike in L.A. A pristine 91' with 3K mi. for $35K, (about half the new price at the time). The kid and I flew out to L.A. and drove it home. Why pay $$ to ship when you can have an adventure with your son for the same money.
I still have it, and I think I'll keep it. I used to flog the car at Moroso, now Palm Beach International Raceway, every time I put a new bolt-on on the car. Not so much anymore. Getting old and slow. :sleepy1:



It is a blessing to have owned and enjoyed one for such a long time. It was a smart move to drive her home and make an event of it. Andrew was rough but the regrowth has been huge. before andrew population in homestead was 26k people.. now 60k in homestead. I moved out of miami because of congestion and a chance to pick up a nice house for next to nothing after 2 divorces. Homestead is nice place to live and plus I live 2 miles from the Homestead track which have lots of events. Jupiter is a very nice place and I have had the pleasure to work there many times. Almost moved to Titusville a few years ago but stayed in Homestead.

ed ramos #3028