Just two years after GM had transformed Larry Shinoda’s “Mako Shark II” concept car into the luridly curvaceous third-generation Corvette, the ZR-1 package spiced things up further. The special option package took the bigger 350 cubic inch smallblock and bolted up a number of racing modifications, such as solid lifters, to make a full 70 horsepower more than stock. With so much power on tap, GM’s engineers then devoted some attention to making the ZR-1 stop and turn. Bigger power brakes, racing suspension, and stabilizer bars front and rear helped the ZR-1 become the ultimate smallblock-powered Corvette, and gave it superior handling to the big-block cars. While the ZR-1 was an expensive upgrade, it was also a great performer, so it’s surprising that only 53 Corvettes were specified with the package in 1970. That means that in addition to being fast and beautiful, it’s also exceedingly rare—a boon for collectors and auction houses--as well as the lucky few who get to drive the ZR-1.
