A total of 6939 ZR-1s were produced from 1990-1995. The ZR-1 program began in the mid 80's and was originally scheduled for release to the public in 1989 but Chevrolet delayed it's debut until the following year. The engine (a joint venture between GM and Lotus and built by Mercury Marine - Yes the boat engine manufacturer) was designated the LT-5,with aluminum block and heads,  4 cams and 32 valves. GM knew that this powerful engine would have a limited number made (around 6,000) and because of this none of their engine plants would suffice. It was far too few to tool for it. So outsourcing was the only option. Mercury Marine was the final choice largely due to its experience with machining aluminum castings. The project had so much attention to performance and quality that just about every part was balanced. So much so that often during demonstrations a nickel would be placed on edge on the motor and later retrieved  in the same position after the motor had been shut down. GM was committed to providing the same engine warranty for this engine that it gave on all its others. Even though the LT-5 engine would have a 7,000rpm redline, it was built with specs for a 14,000rpm  machine. It was truly an incredible motor. In 1990 a completely stock ZR-1 broke the 50 year old FIA 24 hour endurance record running an average of 175 miles per hour for the duration with no breakdowns or mechanical failures. The engine is connected to a manual 6 speed transmission. From 1990-1992 the engine was factory rated at 375hp (detuned for the public from 385 to meet federal fuel  regulations). Remember this was a 375 net hp motor getting 17 mpg city and 25 hwy compare that with the engines of the 60's  and early 70s rating of  375-400 gross hp and they were getting probably 12 and 15. In 1993 GM tweaked the motor and factory rated it at 405 H.P. This was mainly done as a result of the standard Corvette engine becoming more powerful with the reintroduction of the LT-1 (300 hp). To accommodate the added HP of the ZR-1 Engine (LT5) the rear tires are wider and in fact are approximately 3.75 wider than the standard Corvette. Which also means that the body parts of a ZR-1 are not the same as the standard Corvette.   The base price of a '93 coupe was around $34,500 and the ZR-1 performance package added just a little under $31,700. Add a few options and the original sticker price of Gary's ZR-1 was a little over $68,000.A few individuals paid up to $100,000 for these cars and put them away thinking that they would be worth a whole lot more later. As of today a mint '93 ZR-1 is worth $35,000 - $40,000. Owning classic cars, we all know that their value goes in cycles and over time tend to increase. Gary's ZR-1 is number 348 out of  the 448 that were made in 1993. 1994 and 1995 also saw the same number (448) built. The ZR-1 sold very well the first 2 years  (3049 for '90 and 2044 for '91 ) even with the engine package about doubling the price. But the advent of the 300 hp LT-1 in 1992  ( ZR-1 sales dropped to 502 in '92 ) and in 1995 with the soon to be used LT-4 (Gran Sport motor in 1996 conservatively factory rated at 330 but  more like 350) and the upcoming all aluminum LS-1 for the next generation - which was originally scheduled for earlier than its 1997 debut, the Corvette ZR-1 program was abandoned. No matter what, Gary loves driving his ZR-1, knowing that it is a very rare car and the only one in the Cape Cod Corvette Club for now.. The term "King of the Hill" is what is bestowed on the ZR-1. When the 1990 ZR-1 reached the streets it provided Chevrolet with superstar status. There was nothing (except maybe a Ferrari F40, a race car in street clothes with a price tag in the stars) that could outperform the ZR-1.