C4 Corvette ZR-1 | The Forgotten King of the Hill 

I remember when these came out... I would look for that little ZR1 badge on the back of every C4 I saw.

The Corvette C4 remains my favorite body style; so clean, sleek, and well-proportioned.

3:25 if a man drove a Corvette zr-1 for 1 hour in valet mode and did not know it. He was not a car guy.

FINALLY a modern, and super accurate review on a ZR-1.

Who forgot the zr1? If your a car guy and “forgot” the zr1 from the 90s you’re NOT a car guy.

The interior looks so cool. Love the red/black combo. Looks fantastic even today. The exterior is typically Corvette..nothing comes close and bulletproof engine..no crappy lambo Ferrari V12.

The story about the normal mode with your friend of a friend...man that's wild. I can only imagine how bittersweet that moment was. 8 years wasted, but also the sheer excitement of getting nearly a "brand new" car in full power mode!

If you have never driven a first generation ZR-1 in Full Power mode and heard the heavens sundered by the absolutely feral howl of the exhaust above 4,000 RPM , felt the G forces compressing you into the bolstered leather seats as you make seemingly effortless, lightning fast shifts up through the gears while negotiating twisting mountain roads with telepathic ease, then you have missed a truly unique automotive experience. Love or hate C4's, this car represents a special time in American automotive history and is truly the first American super car.

I've had mine for almost 10 years. Bought brand new back in 1989 and exported right away to my country in Europe. Got it with 27K miles now it has 52K in the odometer. Pure enjoyment and driving passion every single from the very first day. Reliability? Just a single water pump in 10 years. I hope I can keep it for a lifetime!

LT5 till this day Is still the best looking motor I’ve ever seen.

I never forgot about this one. The only DOHC Corvette, LT5.

So much better looking than the new monstrosity. I had an '89 (non ZR1) in a really dark blue. It was very striking.

Perfectly filmed video of my favorite car. Crisp image, clean sound, no obnoxious music. Nicely done.

C4 ZR1, definitely in my personal Top 10 favorite cars. There is something very enduring and “just right” about the C4. And with choice updates it remained fresh for 12 full model years! Later ones seem relevant even today. I’d say that’s the definition of a classic.

I had a 91 and loved it. One of a few cars I regret selling.

I have still got my 91 C4 ZR1.

Wicked! Great video... I always love it when people rag on the C4's so I can say ''You know they made ZR-1 C4's with 400 hp, right?''' lol

Can still outrun cars from 2019.

Absolutely favorite car I’ve ever owned. Found a 94 with only 22K miles. Love it. Girlfriend calls her the mistress.

A true supercar..this ain't no crappy Porsche.

Doug DeMiro looks younger in this video.

Great video man. Thanks for the upload!

Absolutely fantastic video about one of my favorite cars!

This video is amazing. Thanks for putting this out. The ZR-1 is my all-time favorite Corvette.

Great video, well done! I have owned a 1991 ZR-1 "Black on Black" since 2005, 33,000 original miles. It still is capable of 0-60 MPH in 3.6 seconds and a 13.2 quarter mile. Although only the 375 HP version of the LT5, it may not be able pass a new Z06, but it will keep up with it all day long! These cars are still a bargain in terms of the "HP per Dollar" ratio, but lately the prices of surviving ZR-1's are beginning to go up after years of flat lining. If you want a fun ride at a used Chevy price, this may be the 'Vette for you...

Most amazing Vetter ever!! You can still find the odd ZR1 low miles in good condition at a fair price. Not for long though, prices are on the rise for the "King of The Hill"

Great video. Absolutely love mine.

I like the fact that DtRockstar1 knows what he's talking about and really pushes the car so you hear what makes the ZR-1 so special. And no bullshit music when the car's accelerating.

Always love your videos dude, especially the vectors. Just picked up a 94 Z today, same colors

My first car was a 96 vette black on black convertible. 16 years old with that beast omg I was in love with that car like the batmobile. Honestly it is till this day one of the most amazing cars I've ever driven in my entire life. The way that it would corner so flat really is unmatched to this day in my opinion anyways right now I'm daily driving a C63 AMG with the 6.2 L V8 550 horsepower at the crank with a tune and some other bolt ons and the only reason I'm driving that car is because it reminds me of the way that Corvette moved in the way of Power Band and just overall feel but a no way shape or form does it corner like that and to be honest with you I have an experience that car that Corners like that car did. Now I haven't driven any of the new Corvettes or anything like that so I don't know but I've driven M3 M5 Audi's RS models pretty much anything with four doors and over 400 horsepower and I've never come across anything that was even close to the way that Corvette handled. I think I want to start looking for a ZR1 C4 in the next couple months just to test it out just to see what it's like I kind of missed out on that when I was younger because I didn't know how to drive a manual. I do remember my dad test-driving one with me though and it was simply Irresistible the exhaust note was amazing. I don't understand the whole thing behind people saying that American cars don't handle well because to me the Corvette was the most amazing handling car at ever driven. I will say though at 16 years old it was way too much car for me I crashed at several times until I turned 18 at which time I got a gmc sierra and had several of those. Moved to mercedes at 21 and then to an amg at 26. I wouldn't mind having another c4 though thats for sure. Might test drive a c6 Becuase those or gorgeous as well. C7 look isn't my favorite c6 is better imo

One of the coolest Vettes due to being the only Vette with a DOHC engine.

That sound is amazing

had two and getting another.....when you have had one there is nothing to replace it

Sweet video man; first one to just shut up and accelerate the car to let viewers get a clean taste of the thrill. I appreciate the presentation of the interior with no extra talk or b.s., plus I appreciate presebting the engine with minimal b.s. Best c4 ZR-1 video on RU-vid! : )

I love my c4 zr1 corvette mine is 1992 though

I love the That LT5 v8. My school had a yellow 1994 C4 ZR-1 but never moved it because it was built to get crushed for some odd reason. I was in love with it. Classmated wondered why I took pictures of it all the time. Only true car guys know.

I kinda enjoy your stutter. Its endearing. Great vid.

Own a 93 LT1 6spd convertible and a 95 ZR 1. Enjoy both cars and the Z is absolutely a blast to drive . I think it is the most beautiful Vette. C2s are sweet but this is really special. The 93 is surprisingly competent if not as quick or rare. Would never own an automatic . The ZF is so smooth and sturdy. In both cars.

Literally no one has forgotten about the ZR1...

the coolest car i`ve ever seen

Congratulations on getting to drive an American legend. See you in the next video.

Definitely not forgotten from my head.

Great video plus that sound just awesome.

Dang... These cars are just getting harder and harder to find. Nice car!!

These are the records the mighty Corvette C4 ZR1 broke........100 miles (160 km) at 175.600 mph (282.601 km/h) 500 miles (800 km) at 175.503 mph (282.445 km/h) 1,000 miles (1,600 km) at 174.428 mph (280.715 km/h) 5,000 km (3,100 mi) at 175.710 mph (282.778 km/h) (World Record) 5,000 miles (8,000 km) at 173.791 mph (279.690 km/h) (World Record) 12 Hours Endurance at 175.523 mph (282.477 km/h) 24 Hours Endurance at 175.885 mph (283.059 km/h) for 4,221.256 miles (6,793.453 km) (World Record) a great looking car and superb performance...it was eventually beaten by a VW Concept car ..but this was a one off concept car...not a production car like the Corvette ZR1, so in reality the Corvette still holds these records for a proper production car, that anyone could buy.

Great video

cool video !

I LOVE THE ZR1!!!! ONE OF MY FAVORITES!!!!

You don't see these older ZR1s around anymore! Those LT5s look so complicated to work on. Can you get parts for that motor? I have a 95 Z28 and I love that LT1 motor!

Also the Corvette C4 Sledgehammer in 1989 broke the world record for the fastest car at 254mph...way ahead of the Veyron and other super cars..just goes to show the formidable Corvette is the greatest sports car and car in my opinion, the history, design, looks over 60 years have been better than any other marque for the longevity of each of its generation and of course performance...all for a fraction of the cost of the overpriced so called super cars!!!!!

very nice

Wish I hadn't sold my 1990 ZR-1. May get another one. What exhaust is that. Doesn't sound like my Corsa set-up.

The ultimate C-4 Vette! The LT-5 was truly a rare, exotic engine. At the time a "normal" Vette had about 250 hp. Until 1993 when the LT-1 came out. Then it was like do we really want to spend another $30,000 for 75hp? There was also the LT-4 optioned Vettes that had 330 hp. I've heard rumors of some Camaros getting LT-4s, but I've never seen one.

That shot at 0:19! Came from the heavens!

Sweet Video Chris. I hope you do a C6 one too😊

Great story on that valet mode.

still is and will be such a want ;-)

This is my favorite 'Vette of all time.

Yes, key feedback I get from car show visitors and other car show owners, the C4 ZR1 does not look dated, even in 2018 because of the "extra wide" stance of those 315 tires and the very, very cool engine design from Lotus. They see a C3 next part next to a C4 ZR1, especially a 1990 without that rounded front nose, and they see the lines of the corvette car and how it evolved from the C3 to the C4 so beautifully.

Hi Guys I'm from New Zealand and love Corvettes. Finally have the money to buy my dream car (corvette) and over here can buy a mint C5, average C6 or a C4 ZR1. Just wondering if anyone could provide any tips / things to look for? I'm leaning towards a C4 ZR1!

Rad car / good job

I've never seen a C4 in such immaculate condition

Good filming locations on M1 and by Kirk in the Hills! Future collectors car?

Chris this is sweet!

Quad cam beast!

The story about the friend of a friend is hard to believe, however, it's dumb enough to be true.. Maybe!! The c-4 Corvette is very underrated, I think it is one of the best looking Corvettes especially the 1989 convertible, that I just happen to own, no bias here..

Anyone know how much these go for now days?

I want it so BAAAD! :-)

Buying one for a second time as soon as I get a chance. I straight piped mine and the sound was like nothing on the road and it looked like nothing else on the road.

I would pick a c4 zr1 over a new c8, any time! The c4 is just way more beautiful, and there has just never been made a more beautiful engine in the world, then the lt5. And when I look at the c4, I get a good feeling☄☄ but when I look at the new c8, I feel nothing😒

spettacolo !

That lt4 had some power going on

what Corvette model pre-owned do you guys recommend for me?I'm into the design of the car and reliability and low maintenance costs and low consumption fuel are very important for me, not the speed or power of the vette.My budget?Under 20.000$,ideally U around 15.000$.

Wow nice super nice

I had the oppurtunity a few years back to buy one of these ZR1 with low miles for 20cad about 15k usd at the time. Kicking myself in the ass now.

That story with the guy driving the car for 8 years in normal mode makes me sad.

can you imagine how many races your friend of a friend lost in normal mode? 250hp, probably changed his life when he switched to full power. lmao on the bright side, at least the engine hasn't been used as much as other models.

I worked at a place called corvettes unlimited back in the 70's. A customer came in with a 1967 L88 tri power. He had owned it for 5 years. I was too give it a tune up and some other things. So I took it for a ride to make sure that after the tune up, It drove as good or better then when it came in to the shop. I found that the car never came off the center carb. I called him to see if that was some thing he would liked put to stock he said yes So I made it so all 3 carbs opened fully. After that it would burn the tires in all 4 gears at will. When I gave him back the keys I told him he would need to relearn how to drive his cart. All I heard was tires squealing when he took it for a ride.

Watching this and remember that you have passed 3-4 ZR1 for just over 10,000$ 😭. There was a bref time when a C4 LT1-LT4 costed about the same as a ZR1 here in Sweden

Just bought a 1990 ZR-1, got some work to do on it but it's going to be back on the road soon.

Has any one ever dynoed a ZR1 in valet mode and full power mode to see the difference?

I have a 500 horsepower crate motor in my C4 and it really flies. Seriously I caught air twice.

8 years, I mean at least he got to feel it and it was like having a new car so he didn’t sell it like he was about to do.

Your valet mode story shows the difference between a rich guy and a car guy. No car guy would ever do that.

does anybody know the top speeds in each gear of this baby. thanks.

what a sexy beast GM zr-1 packages are my favorite

Why do the vettes headlights flip back so far? Seems like they could just lift 45 degrees and be open similar to Fiero. Exhaust sounds like poop.

The C4 corvette has a classic beautiful look that never gets old. A la Sofia Loren or Audrey Hepburn ❤

❤the equivalent to the new flat plane Z06

My mom had a 95. I used to steal it all the time as a teen. Not zr1 though

Didn’t mercury marine also build the 89 Taurus SHO motor?

I thought the rear tires were 315mm. The wheels may be 11", but not the tires, like you said.

It is still quick even by today's standard

4:46 ahh Long Lake And Woodward. I'm at 14 and Woodward in Birmingham.

I love this engine , the front looks better than the ealier model.

king of the road

A forgotten generation of the Corvette

Hey bro, is 1995 the "best" model year for the C4 ZR-1???? Also, did it only come with a manual transmission????

Is that exhaust sound coming from a stock exhaust?

Funny story about that guy who drove it in 8 years in valet mode...wow that blows my mind, talk about 8 lost years!