Just saw this on Craigslist, can you say...Black Widow?????

[tccrab]

https://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/6199392261.html

Not a bad price for a piece of history. $30k.

'Crabs

[Kevin]

not sure that's one of the 8 bw cars or not. either way still really cool

[RussMcB]

Cool motorcycle, too - Honda CBX.

[GOLDCYLON]

not sure that's one of the 8 bw cars or not. either way still really cool

I don't think it is either. Fun track car

[Z51JEFF]

I have bought all the BW cars were 91s?

[tccrab]

1991 White/Blue 475hp
1991 Black/Black 525 hp
1990 Black/Black 460 hp
1991 Black/Black 500 hp
1993 Ruby/Ruby 475 hp
1992 Red/Black 465 hp
1993 Aqua/Gray 475 hp
1991 White/Gray 475 hp

[ssrszz4]

What's the reason if any for the "600". Or what does 600 refer too?

Sent from my XT1585 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[BlackSheepz]

1991 White/Blue 475hp
1991 Black/Black 525 hp
1990 Black/Black 460 hp
1991 Black/Black 500 hp
1993 Ruby/Ruby 475 hp
1992 Red/Black 465 hp
1993 Aqua/Gray 475 hp
1991 White/Gray 475 hp


I find this really interesting actually. Especially since supposedly two are for sale right now (not including the supposed craigslist one that started this post).

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Marketplace/ZR1sForSale/tabid/166/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2056/1992-DRM-Widow-Maker-001-Blackblack-65000-mi--39900-MN.aspx



https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=457778277&LNX=DRMEDFBDPARHRDESK

[KILLSHOTS]

1991 White/Blue 475hp
1991 Black/Black 525 hp
1990 Black/Black 460 hp
1991 Black/Black 500 hp
1993 Ruby/Ruby 475 hp
1992 Red/Black 465 hp
1993 Aqua/Gray 475 hp
1991 White/Gray 475 hp




The '92 currently for sale on the Registry classifieds is black/black. Is it a repaint or is this list incomplete?

[tccrab]

This list was given to me by JVD himself.
Pretty sure he knew each and every one of them.
Not to mention that he actually owned one, aka "The Weekender".

Crabs

[A1990]

1991 White/Blue 475hp
1991 Black/Black 525 hp
1990 Black/Black 460 hp
1991 Black/Black 500 hp
1993 Ruby/Ruby 475 hp
1992 Red/Black 465 hp
1993 Aqua/Gray 475 hp
1991 White/Gray 475 hp



These are the 8 Black Widows. The others listed in this thread are DRM black painted motors, prepped by Rippie, but not considered a Black Widow.

The DRM 600 was available to anyone that wanted to pay for it. The Widow Maker on the Registry site was named by the original owner and is a 385 and was the first DRM 600 while the Black Widows retained the stock displacement.

The attached document, prepared by the late Jim Van Dorn, details each Black Widow the only time they were together. Ownership has changed, but the VIN is included.

Thanks to Jim for this history. Anyone that has information about current ownership of these cars please PM me.

[USAF Retired]

The Black Widow story is confusing. This BW is for sale on this website, if this is the real thing or a fake?

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Marketplace/ZR1sForSale/tabid/166/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2056/1992-DRM-Widow-Maker-001-Blackblack-65000-mi--39900-MN.aspx

[A1990]

The Black Widow story is confusing. This BW is for sale on this website, if this is the real thing or a fake?

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Marketplace/ZR1sForSale/tabid/166/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2056/1992-DRM-Widow-Maker-001-Blackblack-65000-mi--39900-MN.aspx

That car was named by the original owner as "widow maker 001" and is not considered a black widow. Only the listed 8 are the black widow cars.

[USAF Retired]

Thanks for clearing that up.

[BlackSheepz]

These are the 8 Black Widows. The others listed in this thread are DRM black painted motors, prepped by Rippie, but not considered a Black Widow.

The DRM 600 was available to anyone that wanted to pay for it. The Widow Maker on the Registry site was named by the original owner and is a 385 and was the first DRM 600 while the Black Widows retained the stock displacement.

The attached document, prepared by the late Jim Van Dorn, details each Black Widow the only time they were together. Ownership has changed, but the VIN is included.

Thanks to Jim for this history. Anyone that has information about current ownership of these cars please PM me.

Very cool article, thanks for sharing! So what you are saying is that there are many DRM600s out there, but only 8 True Black Widow cars is that correct? (That's what I'm getting out of this thread).

[A1990]

I don't believe the Black Widows were DRM600's. The DRM600 is a 385 cu in motor


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[USAF Retired]

What year or model is considered the most valuable ZR1 ever made? The rarest color or the was there a Car made that is considered the highest value? How would you rank them from say 1 to 5?

[BlackSheepz]

What year or model is considered the most valuable ZR1 ever made? The rarest color or the was there a Car made that is considered the highest value? How would you rank them from say 1 to 5?

Super tough question as so many peoples tastes are different.

I personally Love Steel Blue as a color (very rare, only 56 of them as I recall) but not everybody likes that color. I also LOVE Black/Red (171 or so made I think?).

That doesn't make them more valuable over all, just more valuable to me, and only a little as I know what I'd pay for a car in those colors. (FWIW the one i own is Red/Red)

That said, there is only 1 Yellow/Red (94) and 1 Admiral Blue/Red (Also 94). The Yellow/Red is probably an acquired taste so not likely crazy valuable right now but Most people I know love the idea of the Blue/Red. But again, they are only worth what someone is willing to pay, whether in private sale or auction.

Then you have things like the Callaway and Lingenfelter cars, which will be worth more than a base one due to the name associated but the owners won't get crazy money out of them. The 850hp Twin Turbo ZR-1 sold at Gateway Classic cars and or Mecum a year or two ago but as I recall didn't get as amazing a price as you might think. Can't recall what it sold for but I know the conversation was that someone stole it.

If I had to pick MY top 5 cars I'd Personally want? Knowing if they exist or not, money is no option?

1. Black/Red Lingenfelter 415 (although I'd take 368 or 386)
2. Callaway Supernatural Bright Red/Black (body kit is a must)
3. Lingenfelter Twin Turbo ZR-1
4. Black Widow Car Doesn't matter which to me (Actual Black Widow not just DRM600)
5. Probably the Yellow/Red one. Kinda wild, I kinda dig it.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

I don't believe the Black Widows were DRM600's. The DRM600 is a 385 cu in motor


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

Dennis is correct.
The "Black Widow" cars had no lower end work performed increasing displacement, only top-end work to a standard block and crank.
They are, with the exception of the black paint, the same engine described as his DRM500 package.
:cheers:
Marty

[USAF Retired]

How and where could I purchase an original Black Widow ZR1? Whatever became of Doug Rippie? Does he still tune?

[tccrab]

How and where could I purchase an original Black Widow ZR1? Whatever became of Doug Rippie? Does he still tune?
Open up your checkbook and prepare to bleed:
http://www.buyavette.net/1992%20Corvette%20Doug%20Rippie%20Black%20Widow%20 ZR1%20For%20Sale%20Stock%201141CJS.php

'Crabs

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

DRM is still there, and has expanded to newer generations, but still supports our ZR-1's! :cheers:

http://dougrippie.com/products/drm-zr1-lt5-engine-building/

:cheers:
Marty

[BlackSheepz]

This is not one of the original 8 black widow cars, but it is a DRM600 with a black motor. Plus Fikse Wheels!

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=457778277&LNX=DRMEDFBDPARHRDESK

[BlackSheepz]

DRM is still there, and has expanded to newer generations, but still supports our ZR-1's! :cheers:

http://dougrippie.com/products/drm-zr1-lt5-engine-building/

:cheers:
Marty

I was about to suggest it would be nice if they put prices on their DRM packages, but you know what they say if you have to ask... lol

[Meanmyz]

Open up your checkbook and prepare to bleed:
http://www.buyavette.net/1992%20Corvette%20Doug%20Rippie%20Black%20Widow%20 ZR1%20For%20Sale%20Stock%201141CJS.php

'Crabs

This was for sale a few years ago. I had just made some new Corvette friends from the Lincoln, NE area and the subject of the Black Widows came up. I informed one of the guys about this particular car, which he ended up buying.

A couple of years later, another guy in that group, and a good friend of mine, bought #2 from out east (Pennsylvania I believe). The guy who owned it previously, I know his name and have forgotten it. My dad and I sat right by him at the 2010 Gathering with Dave & Glenda McLellan (good memories).

Anyway, I have also met Mark Schultz of Sioux Falls, SD several times. He is the original owner of the Bright Aqua car and still has it.

[A1990]

This was for sale a few years ago. I had just made some new Corvette friends from the Lincoln, NE area and the subject of the Black Widows came up. I informed one of the guys about this particular car, which he ended up buying.

Jeff, that might make two Black Widows in NE. I believe BW #2 is here. Next time your going to be in NE let me know, I'd love to catch up with you.

[Meanmyz]

Thanks Dennis. I appreciate the offer. I would love to catch up with you!

(I was editing and adding to my last post and saw that you posted). I have pictures of #2 and #6 together with their new owners. They each ran their cars together in Wakefield, NE in 1/2 mile shoot out competition about two years ago. The Black Widows ran very well and were a real treat to see!:cheers:

[A1990]

Thanks Dennis. I appreciate the offer. I would love to catch up with you!

(I was editing and adding to my last post and saw that you posted). I have pictures of #2 and #6 together with their new owners. They each ran their cars together in Wakefield, NE in 1/2 mile shoot out competition about two years ago. The Black Widows ran very well and were a real treat to see!:cheers:

Jeff, I've been thinking it is time to honor the Widows and was brain storming on how to find them. With your relationship with these guys (I really need to meet John Schmidt) can you find out where some of the others are? I think we could find out what happened to JVD's car, but the other 4 I have no clue.

Would be great to have them all together again.

Anyone else know where one might be?

[Meanmyz]

I remember Jerry Crews 40th Anniversary car at the Gathering in 2010. Has it been there since? I am guessing that one of you board members could find that car without too much trouble.

A week ago Monday, I had some business by Waverly, MN and so I planned and stopped by to see and meet Doug Rippie at his shop (with him living relatively close, it is sad that I hadn't made this trip earlier).

Anyway, I think Doug said Glen Greider's black 1990 is up for sale (I stress that I THOUGHT I heard him say this). I didn't inquire further and someone may want to call him to see if this was in fact the case.

Unless they have something else going on, John Schmidt and Ted Hughes would probably jump at the chance of a Black Widow reunion. Mark Schultz would take some convincing, but would probably be up for it.

Oh yeah, as you probably know, it was George Crouse that owned John's car prior.

[A1990]

I remember Jerry Crews 40th Anniversary car at the Gathering in 2010. Has it been there since? I am guessing that one of you board members could find that car without too much trouble.

A week ago Monday, I had some business by Waverly, MN and so I planned and stopped by to see and meet Doug Rippie at his shop (with him living relatively close, it is sad that I hadn't made this trip earlier).

Anyway, I think Doug said Glen Greider's black 1990 is up for sale (I stress that I THOUGHT I heard him say this). I didn't inquire further and someone may want to call him to see if this was in fact the case.

Unless they have something else going on, John Schmidt and Ted Hughes would probably jump at the chance of a Black Widow reunion. Mark Schultz would take some convincing, but would probably be up for it.

Oh yeah, as you probably know, it was George Crouse that owned John's car prior.

Thanks for the information. I am going to follow up and see if I can find the others.

[rkreigh]

I drove the weekender and really miss Jim

He was one of the most enthusiastic LT5 people on the planet and really dedicated so much to it. He was quite a character!

But if you knew Jim you knew how much he cared about the people, the cars, our troops, and doing right

So many memories of that car, Pirate racing, the record runs, the BG parties, and the cookouts

And so many memories yet to come. Time to fire the old gal up.