ZR-1 automatic / 1st time ZR-1 buyer

[Dutch]

Hello all,
this is my first post; I appreciate this forum. I am dreaming of owning a ZR-1 and have been researching them. I have seen many ZR-1s listed for sale as being automatics (not on ZR sites though), yet I am only familiar with them as 6-speeds.

Forgive my ignorance, but is there such a thing as a ZR-1 automatic? If not, why would people (private and dealers alike) list them as such ?!?

Thanks for your help.
-Dutch

 

[Rob]

Dutch,

Welcome to the Corvette Action Center.

The ZR-1 was never built with an automatic off the Bowling Green assembly line. However, there are 1 or 2 ZR-1s floating around out there that are equipped with an automatic transmission. I know at least one of them was specially equipped for the owner who has a disability.

A lot of private owners will advertise their Corvette as looking like a ZR-1, or with ZR-1 wheels, or ZR-1 emblems, etc. But.....if you really want to know if someone is selling a true ZR-1, do 3 things:

1. Look under the hood
2. Take a look at the doors, rear quarter panels and rear bumper (rear bumper has the tell tale 1 1/2" black spacer between the license plate and the backup lights
3. Look at the VIN #. The ZR-1's VIN number is unique to the ZR-1.

 

[JT ZR-Won]

Hello Dutch,
Welcome to the CAC
I'm not sure why they would be advertised as automatics. Maybe they meant they will automatically empty your wallet
Seriously though, all 6,039 of them are 6-speeds. I can promise you that if you do decide to get one you will not be disappointed. You are definately doing the right thing by researching them first. That's exactly how I went about it. It makes it so much easier when it comes time to go test driving Let me know if you have any other questions......

Jay

 

[Rob]

6,939.

 

[Dutch]

Hi Guys,
thanks for the responses. Jay, I might just be taking you up on picking your brain in the near future.

Rob, is the unique ZR-1 VIN regarding the "J" for the LT5 or is there another tip-off?

 

[JT ZR-Won]

6,939.

lolThat's what I meant

 

[Rob]

The J is the engine VIN code for LT5 engine and the last 6 digits of the VIN number start with 800001 instead of the standard 100001.