Out of all the years, the C3 Corvettes were produced, it's usually the '68 and '69 L88 big blocks that tend to grab the attention of the muscle car enthusiast. But the truth is that reaching for a 1970-72 ZR1 would be a much better Corvette to reach for if you're an enthusiast looking for that ultimate muscle/sports car.
From 1970 to '72, the ZR1 was a limited-edition Corvette that was produced pacifically for the racing world. Only 53 were built: 25 for 1970, 8 for 1971, and 20 for 1972. These Corvettes 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 ZR1?
- LT1 350ci. 370HP-suffix CTV-1970, CGY-1971, CKY-1972
- J-56 heavy-duty brake package with dual pin front brake 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 LT1 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.
Designed to Race
Much like the COPO Camaro, the 70-72 LT1 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 '70-'72 Corvette ZR1 LT1 is the way to go. The limited numbers produced, the most powerful Corvette of '70-'72, and well, it's a Corvette makes it a great choice. Also, low options make for low maintenance: power steering, power windows, air condition, etc., can't go bad if you don't have them.
