C4 Corvette ZR-1 Rescued After Sitting on a British Farm for 20 Years
After being exposed to the elements for decades, new owners are determined to get the classic C4 Corvette ZR-1 back on the road.
There have been a number of milestone moments in Corvette history. From the big block V8 cars of the late 1960s, to the flat-plane crank LT6-powered C8 Z06 and hybrid E-Ray of today. In between those moments was the introduction of the C4 Corvette ZR-1 for the 1990 model year. It was a Corvette unlike any other before it, thanks largely to the 5.7-liter LT5 V8 under the hood. A 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood of a Corvette was not exactly new. GM had been making them available in the Corvette since 1969. But this 350 V8 was different. Very different. We will get into the engine a bit more in a moment, but for now suffice to say that the C4 ZR-1 was and still is a special car.
Because the C4 Corvette ZR-1 is so special, their value has been on the rise lately. And most examples today live a pampered life in the garages of collectors and enthusiasts. However, some live a much harsher life. A video recently posted on The Late Brake Show YouTube channel tells the story of one particular C4 ZR-1 that has been sitting outside on a British farm for the past 20 years.
Finally, the farmer has decided to sell it and the new owners are determined to restore it to its former glory and get it back on the road.
C4 Corvette ZR-1
Now let’s get back to that LT5 V8 that powers this Corvette. While the general dimensions of the engine are similar to those of the L98 V8 that powered the standard Corvette of the day, the LT5 is a huge departure from the pushrod L98. The LT5 was designed with the help of Lotus and built by Mercury Marine. The engine is an all-aluminum, 32-valve, dual overhead cam, small block V8. It produced 375 horsepower, which was upgraded to 405 horsepower in 1993 thanks to new pistons, revised cam timing, and other tweaks. This power output was on par with the significantly more expensive, 12-cylinder Ferrari Testarossa.
An entire book could be written on the complexities and unique features of the LT5. But at the end of the day, it gave the ZR-1 the power to launch to 60 mph in around 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of over 180 mph. At the time, it was one of the quickest and fastest cars in the world. So, how did this one end up on a farm in Britian?
Will, the Farmer
Will has been a farmer in Britian all his life. He is also a big Corvette fan and has owned several over the years. He bought this ZR-1 and enjoyed it for a while. But he eventually got a new dog that he didn’t want to let ride in the Corvette. So, he bought a Volvo as the dog hauler. And he found himself just driving the Volvo more and more and the Corvette less and less.
Eventually, he parked the Corvette in his field and let it sit. Now Will is retiring and selling his farm and decided it was time to move one from the Corvette. Two enthusiastic buyers jumped at the chance to buy this car, which is exceptionally rare to find in the UK.
The Recovery
You can tell the car was well taken care of before it was parked, but the years of being exposed to the elements have taken their toll. The tires are flat, the front wheels are seized, the paint is faded, and that glorious LT5 will not start. It seems that the main reason for the no start condition is thanks to mice that have chewed the wires around the starter motor.
But the motor itself seems to be good and the buyers are optimistic that they will be able to get the car running soon. We hope they are successful because this car deserves to be on the road.
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