Feel bad about prices of ZR-1s? I can make you feel worse...

[Regimof3]

Originally Posted by 32valvesftw

No disputing that but any of out ZR-1s would crush it on any course anywhere, anytime. I think its the low production numbers that make the difference.

I don't know about crush it. Those things have been widely reported as under rated with the 330 up. I'm not saying it's gonna beat us, but stock for stock a strong one will give an lt5 everything it wants.

[rush91]

Originally Posted by Regimof3

I don't know about crush it. Those things have been widely reported as under rated with the 330 up. I'm not saying it's gonna beat us, but stock for stock a strong one will give an lt5 everything it wants.

That maybe true....the LT4 was a great motor. But it's a number less, because it's no LT5 . And didn't the LT4s have Optispark? Yikes!!! I've heard nothing but nightmares about that.

[32valvesftw]

So what endurance records does the LT4 Hold? Asking for a friend.

[Karl]

Originally Posted by 32valvesftw

So what endurance records does the LT4 Hold? Asking for a friend.

None

[MarkSS]

I appreciate the LT4 and it was highly praised by John Heinricy as a send off for the small block, however, you could get the LT4 in any 6 speed 96 Vette and they don't command anywhere close to Grand Sport prices. The only performance difference on the Grand Sport is the wider rear wheels, otherwise it is a paint job.

I am glad that ZR1s have been down in value since it allowed me to have a car that when they came out I thought I would never have (was a junior in high school in 1990). However, based on the performance offered, the unique engineering, and the performance history (speed record runs), I don't understand why they are so undervalued by the collector market, and the Grand Sport just illustrates that it isn't just because they are C4s.

I really enjoyed my first ZR1 but have upgraded to a Lingenfelter 368 version which is almost ready to enjoy this summer and for many to come.

[Z51JEFF]

Originally Posted by 32valvesftw

I'll just leave this here
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...e-grand-sport/

A few years ago this was a $60,000 car.

[spork2367]

Originally Posted by MarkSS

I don't understand why they are so undervalued by the collector market, and the Grand Sport just illustrates that it isn't just because they are C4s.

First thing, there are just far less Grand Sports. 1000 in one year only. That is about 15% of the ZR-1 production. On top of that, there aren't near as many low mileage Grand Sports as a percentage of overall production compared to ZR-1s. It wasn't nearly as expensive of an option, so people drove the cars.

Lastly, this particular example is better prepared than 95% of the low mileage ZR-1s. This isn't just a low mileage car, it is new, and the presentation shows it as such. There have been some sub 1000 mile ZR-1s that were being sold dirty, with crappy pictures, running poorly, etc. Simply locking a car in a barn and not driving it isn't the same as keeping an original low mileage car in "as new" condition.

[mcich7781]

I have had the good fortune to have owned an LT4 and an LT5 Corvette at the same time for a couple of years. My driving impression was that the LT4 wheezed when pushed to the limit, where the LT5 just keeps on pulling.

Numbers are numbers and the LT4 is no slouch, but the seat of the pants feel of both cars is significantly different. The ZR-1 was just more enjoyable to drive.

[Ccmano]

Value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. As with many things it’s subjective. You can rationalize C4 Grand Sport value all you want it’s still just a low volume paint job with a special serial number. A GM merchandising ploy. Rationally it should be valued only slightly higher than any 96’ LT4. Subjectively people seem to loose control of their wallets when they see one. Alas our Z’s are the opposite. Rationally it has all the makings of an American exotic. Subjectively people let their fear of the engine parts and service availability (whether true or not) over ride their desires. In the end we can wring our hands all we want, until that perception changes or somehow the perceived value of the the Z over rides that fear (as with many exotics and classics) then value of a Z will not materially go up.

And there you have my 2 cents...
H

[spork2367]

Originally Posted by Ccmano

Value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. As with many things it’s subjective. You can rationalize C4 Grand Sport value all you want it’s still just a low volume paint job with a special serial number. A GM merchandising ploy. Rationally it should be valued only slightly higher than any 96’ LT4. Subjectively people seem to loose control of their wallets when they see one. Alas our Z’s are the opposite. Rationally it has all the makings of an American exotic. Subjectively people let their fear of the engine parts and service availability (whether true or not) over ride their desires. In the end we can wring our hands all we want, until that perception changes or somehow the perceived value of the the Z over rides that fear (as with many exotics and classics) then value of a Z will not materially go up.

And there you have my 2 cents...
H

Availability isn't subjective. There are a small fraction of Grand Sports as compared to ZR-1s. Mileage of available cars isn't subjective. There are percentage wise, many more low mileage ZR-1s than Grand Sports. Condition also isn't subjective. This car is not just low mileage, it is "as new." The majority of low mileage ZR-1s aren't concours "as new" cars. In fact many are in piss poor condition.

So this car is rare among rare cars.

Desirability of a low production engine vs a regular production engine, pushrod vs DOHC, wide body, etc...That's subjective. Would I take this Grand Sport over a 5-10k mile ZR-1...absolutely not.