As we continue to look at the 1971 Corvette, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, we look at a 1971 Corvette ZR2 Convertible that sold for $380,000 at the Mecum Kissimmee 2019 auction, and a ZR2 that sold for $495,000.00 at Barrett-Jackson in 2014 and Mecum Sold a 1971 ZR2 for $440,000 in Monterey 2010.
Photos Courtesy Mecum Auction
Source: Mecum Auction Website
Here are the highlights:
- 1 of 12 produced in both Coupe and Convertible
- 1 of 2 known ZR2 Convertibles
- Export per NCRS/GM Shipping Data Report
- Aluminum Heads, heavy-duty radiator, radio delete
- M22 heavy-duty 4-Speed, J50/56 power heavy duty brakes
- Special heavy-duty suspension, 3.55 Positraction
- Auxiliary hardtop, aluminized exhaust
- Tinted glass, Rally wheels, smog A.I.R. System
- Body-off restoration by Nabers of Houston
- Bloomington Gold Special Collection in 1999
- National Corvette Museum’s Concours d’Performance Exhibit
- Bloomington Gold Corvette Hall of Fame in 2003
- NCRS Top Flight in 2013
- Exported in 1971 by G.M. Overseas Distribution
- The last known LS6 and ZR2 car ever built by Chevrolet
- Two-page tank sticker, ownership history
- Two huge 3 Ring Binders show related invitationals
- The last Performance LS6 and Z (Zora) car
- An important piece of G.M. History
This Ontario Orange 1971 Stingray convertible is one of just 12 Corvettes built that year with the ZR2 Special Purpose LS6 Engine Package. It is also one of only two ZR2 convertibles known to exist.
The ZR2 was a one-year-only production package that comprised the best high-performance components available from the factory.
The LS6 454/425 HP engine had aluminum heads, a dual-plate clutch, M22 “Rock-Crusher” 4-speed manual transmission, J56 dual-pin heavy-duty power brakes, F41 heavy-duty suspension with special springs, shock absorbers, and front and rear stabilizer bars, and a heavy-duty aluminum radiator without the shroud.
Creature comforts such as power steering, automatic transmission, radio, and air conditioning were not available as options.
The Mecum’s website shares:
“Documented by its G.M. Shipping Data Report as exported by G.M. Overseas Distribution (dealer-code No. 1 in zone 79), this car was built on May 25, 1971, and was shipped to its first owner, an American living in Germany; it was returned to the U.S. in the early 1980s.”
The Naber Brothers of Houston have body-off restored it to immaculate condition. It was part of the Bloomington Gold Special Collection in 1999, inducted into the Bloomington Gold Corvette Hall of Fame in 2003, and was part of the National Corvette Museum’s Concours d’Performance Exhibit. The car also earned an NCRS Top Flight award in 2013.
In addition to its LS6 454/425 HP engine, it is optioned with aluminum heads, shoulder harnesses, auxiliary hardtop, 3.55 Positraction differential, A.I.R. smog controls, aluminized exhaust, Soft Ray-tinted glass, Rally wheels, and Blackwall tires.
“This historically significant Corvette is also accompanied by documentation that includes the two-page tank sticker and ownership history.”
1971 Corvette ZR2 Sells for $495,000 at Scottsdale 2014
Photos Courtesy Barrett-Jackson
Source: Barrett-Jackson Website
Lot #5018 1971 Corvette LS6 ZR2 Brands Hatch Green with Dark Green Black vinyl interior sold for $495,000.00 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2014 Auction.
VIN 194371S118181 is one of 12 built, 454/425hp Special High-Performance V8 with solid lifters, M22 Rock Crusher 4-speed transmission, F41 special heavy-duty suspension, 4.11:1 positraction, J56 power dual-pin disc brakes.
This Corvette is the recipient of a Bloomington Gold Certification.
Originally delivered to Canada, it is complete with the GM of Canada documents validating the rarity and uniqueness of this vehicle.
The last of Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov’s factory-built extra-high-performance specials, which comprises of the original 1963 Z06, the 1969 ZL1 aluminum block L88, and the 1970-72 ZR1 Special Purpose LT1. As the very last of the so-called Z-cars, it holds an exclusive position as one of the most historically significant cars in General Motors’ history.
The 1971 LS6 ZR2 is rarer than even the vaunted L88, as the ZR2 was a one-year-only production package. The production run had only 12 units. The ZR2 is the rarest big-block performance Corvette built.
At the heart of the ZR2 concept was the outstanding LS6 engine, whose understated factory rating of 425hp, the result of a heavy-duty 4-bolt main bottom end, forged crank, rods, and pistons. The aluminum head LS6 was joined on the ZR2 roster by transistorized ignition, a high-capacity aluminum radiator, a Muncie M22 Rock Crusher close-ratio 4-speed, heavy-duty power brakes, and special springs, shock absorbers, and front and rear sway bars.
Soft Ray tinted glass and the positraction rear axle were standard, but virtually no other items from the option list could be ordered with this purpose-built machine.
At the auction time, it was equipped just like it was when it was delivered to Golden Mile Chev Olds, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and sold to the original owner Barry Needler as documented by the original warranty book.
This ZR2 received a nut and bolt restoration by one of the most respected restoration shops in the collector car hobby, it is rare, and it is desirable.
Mecum Sold a 1971 ZR2 for $440,000 at Monterey in 2010
Photo Courtesy Mecum Auction
Source: Mecum Auction Website
LOT S118 MONTEREY 2010 AUG 13-14
In Monterey, California, in 2010, at the Mecum Auction, a 1971 Corvette ZR2 Convertible sold for $440,000.
What makes this unique is, according to the Mecum website:
The ZR2 offered here is not only one of just 12 built; it is one of only two convertibles and the only completely original one in existence, untouched and retaining all its original components. The car won Gold at the Bloomington Corvette Corral in 1982, the Gold “Special Collection” at Bloomington in 1984, and the Meguiar’s Award at the Palo Alto Concours in 2003. It is fully documented with the warranty card, Protect-O-Plate, partial tank sticker, Delco Remy transistor ignition tag, Bloomington Gold Special Collection certificate, Corvette Owner’s Card, and letter of congratulations from General Motors GM John Z. DeLorean.
Here are some other articles you might enjoy:
1971 LS6 and ZR2 Corvettes Displayed in the Bloomington Gold Collection 2021
C3 Generation Chevrolet Corvette Overview and History
1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Brochure
Cruising in the 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
The 1971 Corvette LS6 – An Historical Perspective
Dave Scott’s 1971 AstroVette Featured at the Corvette Chevy Expo 2021
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