The 1971 ZR2 Corvette stands as a remarkable feat of engineering, even exceeding the legendary L88 in rarity. Creature comforts were sacrificed for pure performance – no power steering, automatic transmission, radio, or air conditioning were available.
It was a limited-production package that brought together the absolute best performance parts Chevrolet offered: a powerful LS6 454 cubic inch engine with aluminum heads pumping out 425 horsepower, a heavy-duty drivetrain with a dual-plate clutch and M22 “Rock-Crusher” 4-speed manual, and a fortified suspension with upgraded brakes and a heavy-duty cooling system.
The ZR2 marked the final chapter in a golden age of unfettered performance for General Motors. While the Corvette eventually reclaimed and surpassed its former glory, the ZR1 and ZR2’s dominance ushered in a period of stricter regulations that temporarily limited the Corvette’s performance potential.
The scarcity of the 1971 ZR2, along with its sibling the ZR1, has driven their value through the roof in recent years. These limited-production Corvettes routinely fetch over $400,000 at auction, with convertibles reaching even higher prices due to their extreme rarity.
Photo Source: Mecum Auctions
