1970-72 Corvette ZR-1: The Rarest Small-Block Corvettes Ever Produced

 


Out of all the years the C3's were produced, it's usually the '68 and '69 L88 big-block Corvettes that tend to grab the attention of the muscle car enthusiast with big pocket books. Maybe that's because some of those enthusiast don't know what they're missing in the 1970-72 ZR-1's.

From 1970 to '72, the ZR-1 was a limited-edition Corvette that was produced pacifically for the race world. Only 53 were built: 25 in 1970, 8 in 1971 and 20 in 1972. These cars are great investment cars, definitely poised for growth, especially the ones from 1970 when their horsepower was at its highest.


So what did you get with this Corvette Limited-Edition ZR-1?

• LT-1 350ci. 370HP-suffix CTV-1970, CGY-1971, CKY-1972
• J-56 heavy duty brake package with dual pin front break calipers
• F-41 heavy duty suspension package, 7 leaf rear spring, heavy duty shock absorbers, heavy duty 5/8 front sway bar and heavy duty spindle struts
• Large aluminum radiator w/expansion tank (only LT-1 to come with one so far)
• Steel fan shroud
• No radio, air condition, power windows, power steering, alarm system, rear window defrost, no special trim options.
• And all the specialty options that were found on the L88s that were retired the previous year.

Much like the COPO Camaro, the 70-72 LT-1 Corvette was a rare rugged sports/muscle car designed to produce numbers at the track. Although one was designed to produce at the drag strip and one was designed to produce on road courses, they were both designed to race.

For a car collector who wants to make a good investment, the LT-1 is the way to go. Limited numbers produced, the most powerful Corvette of  '70-'72 and well, it's a Corvette. Also, low options make for low maintenance, power steering, power windows, air condition, etc., can't go bad if you don't have them.