From the Estate of Tom Ferrara 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1...

2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible 3ZR
VIN. 1G1Y43D9XK5802894
376ci Supercharged LT5 OHV V8 Engine
Direct and Port Fuel Injection
755bhp at 6,300rpm
7-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Ventilated Ceramic Disc Brakes

*Rare and desirable manual transmission
*Only 150 original miles
*Handsomely optioned, rare color scheme
*The last front-engined ZR1 Convertible produced

THE CORVETTE C7 ZR1

The last front-engine generation of the Corvette, the C7, saw the model head to the future with a bang. As has been the case since it was popularized in earnest in the 1990s, the ZR1 was the top-of-the-line model for the Corvette. The C7 iteration of the ZR1 continued with the theme of turning the dial to 11 by introducing the supercharged LT5 V8 to the mix. The supercharged V8 was the beating heart of the new ZR1. Topped with a 2.65 liter blower, the motor is about 50% larger than the Z06's LT4 mill. Fed by two fuel injection systems – direct when loping about and port when driven in anger—the carbon fiber hood envelopes the engine by while leaving the blower exposed in case you needed reminding that this thing is vicious. At full crank, the ZR1 cranks out 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque—sufficient oomph to get the big American sportscar from nothing to 60mph in 3 seconds flat. The quarter mile appears under eight clicks later at 10.8 seconds with the speedo registering 135mph and, should you find yourself on an airstrip and can keep the right-hand pedal planted, you'll get to 212mph in about the time it took you to read this entire sentence.

Beyond the straight line speed, beefier suspension, enormous ceramic disc brakes, plenty of aero, and a raft of electronic aids allow the ZR1 to twist around the skidpad at 1.18g and get from 70mph back to a standstill in just 134 feet. Priced north of $120,000 before options, a total of 2,953 ZR1s were built—all model year 2019—split between 2,441 Coupes, and 512 Convertibles.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Tom Ferrara's example of the front-engined Corvette's Swan Song with a special machine that combines a number of features results in exceptional rarity. While it is one of 512 ZR1 Convertibles, it is one of only 140 that were finished with the 7-speed manual transmission—made all the more special for this being the final iteration of the Corvette offered with three pedals. Finished in Torch Red over Grey leather, it is one of only seven ZR1s (Coupe or Convertible) so trimmed. It is also nicely optioned with the 3ZR Premium Equipment Group ($10,000), painted carbon wheels ($495), Competition Sport Bucket seats ($1,995), Performance Data and Video Recorder (no charge), Red seatbelts ($395), Red brake calipers ($595), and a personalized VIN plaque ($200). All told, the original sticker price, including options, gas guzzler tax, and destination charge, was $142,275.

Built on August 2, 2019, it was delivered new through Mount Kisco Chevrolet in Mount Kisco, New York to Mr. Ferrara on September 4. A plaque on the dashboard proudly declares it to be the last ZR1 Convertible. Since taking delivery, the Corvette has been carefully stored and maintained. Showing only 150 miles on the odometer, the original plastic is still on the optional navigation screen and the seats retain their plastic covers. While it has been driven little, it has not been neglected with regular service performed at Mount Kisco Chevrolet and annual New York safety inspections conducted every October as well as a full detail, paint correction, protective film on the whole car and ceramic coating on the exterior of the wheels completed by Touch of Glass in September 2020 at a cost of nearly $9,500.

While the new mid-engined C8 is certainly impressive, there is something beautifully anachronistic about a rip-snorting V8 stuck right in front of your feet and strapped to a row-your-own transmission with a Millennial anti-theft device clutch pedal. And here is your change to get one that is virtually-new.