The following pictures are of a 1990 ZR-1 convertible prototype #5 that GM was testing.  This prototype was unearthed near Lotus Engineering in England and brought back to the U.S.  These photographs show the car at a dealer in Florida where it is awaiting a complete restoration.  Cars & Parts Corvette Magazine, December 2000 issue did a complete article on this rare Corvette!  Click on the pictures for a closer look.

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The car is currently owned by Paul Zazarine and Jim Crist. As per Paul Zazarine on May 9, 2003:  "The car is still in the same condition as it appears on your web page. We have not yet decided when to start the restoration or who will do the work."

A ZR-1 convertible model never went into production for the following reasons:

  • There was not enough storage room in the rear of the car for the 11" rear wheel and it could not be stored in the spare tire tray underneath.
  • The convertible tops had a tendency to fly off over 155 mph.
  • Chassis flex under stressful driving conditions.

The Corvette Action Center would like to thank Robin Dickinson for submitting the photos to us for use!

Click on the images below for a larger view:

1990 Corvette ZR-1 Convertible Prototype 1990 Corvette ZR-1 Convertible Prototype
1990 Corvette ZR-1 Convertible Prototype 1990 Corvette ZR-1 Convertible Prototype
1990 Corvette ZR-1 Convertible Prototype