1971 Chevrolet Corvette ZR2 heads to auction

Nowadays Chevrolet uses the ZR2 badge for off-road trucks, but it as soon as adorned an unusual Corvette version.

Arranged to cross the block at a Mecum auction in Indianapolis on May 20, this 1971 Corvette ZR2 sports car is one of just 12 built, and also is believed to be the last to present of the factory.

The Corvette ZR2 was a one-year-only affair for 1971, as well as was sold along with the Corvette ZR1 that had actually been presented for the 1970 model year. The only distinction between both track-focused Corvette models was the engine. The ZR1 had Chevy’s original LT1 V-8, while the ZR2 had the LS6, displacing 454 cubic inches as well as creating a factory-quoted 425 hp.

Chevy developed 188 Corvettes with the LS6 engine for 1971, but only 12 had the $1,741 ZR2 bundle. The automobile featured a Muncie M22 “Rock Crusher” close-ratio 4-speed handbook transmission, heavy-duty power brakes, an aluminum radiator with metal fan shadow, transistorized ignition, and updated suspension with model-specific springtimes, shocks, and also stabilizer bars. Intended as a hardcore track special, the ZR2 also did without benefits like power guiding as well as air conditioning.

1971 Chevrolet Corvette ZR2 coupe(picture through Mecum Auctions )The ZR2 up for auction left the factory in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 28, 1971, making it the last recorded ZR2 developed, according to the auction listing. It was developed as an export car as well as was originally delivered to Golden Mile Chevrolet-Oldsmobile in Toronto. Later on repatriated, it was at one factor dealt with to a body-off repair by specialist Corvette Repair Inc. It currently puts on factory-correct Brands Hatch Green paint with a Dark Green vinyl interior.

Mecum expects this ZR2 coupe to cost between $475,000 and $600,000 at auction. Remember that of just two 1971 ZR2 convertibles sold for $962,500 at Mecum’s 2022 Indianapolis auction, can be found in simply below a pre-auction quote of $1 million to $1.2 million. The convertible was likewise repainted Brands Hatch Green, so possibly the exact same prospective buyer will certainly return this year to obtain a matching collection.