A gorgeous collection of sports and classic cars will go under the hammer at the Bonhams Greenwich auction on June 4.
Among them are several cherished vehicles from the estate of Tom Ferrara, whose collection includes several desirable Mercedes-Benzes, Ferraris, and various muscle cars.
But Corvette fans will be blown away by Ferrara's collection of low-mileage ZR1 models, with all four offered for sale at the upcoming event. Offered at no reserve, this quartet of American sports cars will attract the attention of some serious aficionados. Let's look at these iconic Chevrolet Corvette models, starting with the oldest of the four.
1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Sales estimate: $35,000 - $45,000
The most senior member of the group is the '90 Corvette ZR1. Ferrara ordered the car new in 1990 and opted for a Polo Green Metallic exterior finish with Saddle leather. This is a unique look, with 102 examples finished in this color scheme in 1990.
This particular model is the 774th ZR1 to leave the Bowling Green plant and has covered just 11,000 miles since new. Most of that was covered between 1990 and 2007. In the last 16 years, the vehicle has traveled just 500 miles under its own power.
Mr. Ferrara optioned the vehicle with electronic air conditioning and removable roof panels. As such, it was a rather expensive car when new, with a sticker price of $60,155. The winning bidder will receive a superb example of the ZR1. All the original documents - including the build record, window sticker, and owner's manuals - are included.
Under the hood, you'll find a 375 horsepower 32-valve quad overhead cam V8 that provides ample performance: the 0 to 60 mph sprint is over in just four or so seconds, while the top speed is pegged at 175 mph. Interestingly, the all-aluminum engine was co-developed by General Motors and Lotus.
1995 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Sales estimate: $50,000 - $70,000
In 1993, Chevrolet upgraded the Corvette ZR1. The 5.7-liter V8 was fettled to produce 405 hp. This model, finished in Dark Red Metallic, was produced in the final model year and is memorable for multiple reasons. Built in December 1994, Mr. Ferrara specified his ZR1 in the cherry red hue, making it one of only 16 '95 ZR1s finished in this color.
The Light Grey leather makes this model all the more remarkable, making it a unique combo. Like its older sibling, this ZR1 has been driven sparingly and has covered just 519 miles. As you would expect, the vehicle presents beautifully. Blemish-free bodywork and a flawless interior contribute to the overall look, and the C4 ZR1 looks like a new car.
This particular model is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, which should make it a hoot to drive. Then again, we wouldn't be surprised if this example is snapped up and stored in a museum. We've seen ZR1s (with even lower mileage) sell for even more in recent months, making this example look like a bargain.
2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Sales estimate:$90,000 - $120,000
After the '95 C4 ZR1 went west, many thought Chevrolet would never return the performance badge. However, in 2009, the hallowed badge made a return on the C6. Positioned above the Z06, Chevrolet used a supercharger to push the power up to 638 hp, which was remarkable for the time.
The shriek of the supercharger, combined with the bellow of the 6.2-liter V8, provided the all-American sports car with a distinctive sound and serious performance - the Z06 has a top speed of 205 mph.
Mr. Ferrara's example isn't just another C6 Z06 - it's the very last example ever to leave the Bowling Green plant, manufactured on February 28, 2013. The exterior has been coated in Night Race Blue Metallic - exclusive to MY2013 - and features silver stripes.
Again, the exterior has been paired with a unique interior; Cashmere leather/Night Race Blue Metallic can only be found on 54 examples. Ferrara elected for the $1,495 ZR1 High-Performance Package but, interestingly, did without the popular 3ZR package. Despite paying $116,000 for this 'Vette, the original owner covered a mere 55 miles in the last ten years.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible 3ZR
Sales estimate: $150,000 - $200,000
The only Corvette convertible in the collection, this 2019 ZR1 is a genuinely exceptional driver's car. It is just one of 140 drop-tops equipped with the seven-speed manual transmission, which should be a joy to row through. Produced in just one model year, the C7 ZR1 has an incredible engine that produces 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque at its disposal.
As you would expect, that makes for rather potent progress. 0 to 60 mph comes up in three seconds flat, while the top speed is limited to 212 mph. That's the type of performance you'd expect from an Italian hypercar that costs three times as much.
This particular model was equipped with an array of options, including the 3ZR Premium Equipment Group ($10,000), Competition Sport Bucket seats ($1,995), and painted carbon wheels ($495), among other things. Mr. Ferrara clearly has a thing for unique color combos; the Torch Red/Grey leather finish was applied to just seven ZR1 models. In total, this car commanded $142,275 when new.