We’ve praised the Chevrolet Corvette a lot here at CarBuzz, and there are a few very valid reasons for this. For one, few other cars offer the same level of bang for your buck when you take a few things like power, handling, and looks into consideration. There’s definitely a reason for the ‘Vette’s informal nickname of “working-class hero”, because it’s one of the few high-performance cars on earth that doesn’t cost near the same as a modest-sized house.
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In recent years, the Corvette even broke into the supercar game, albeit unofficially. The first model we consider to have done this was the 2019 C7 ZR1, a one-year-only model that boasts over 750 horsepower from a supercharged V8. On top of that, it also boasts quite a few aerodynamic and structural upgrades to turn it into quite a track machine, too. The best part is, the C7 ZR1 is only climbing in value as of now, meaning getting yourself into one, if you can afford it, may pay dividends down the line.
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You Can Buy Stocks, Or You Can Buy A C7 ZR1
C7 Corvette ZR1 Quick Facts
- Boasts a current average sale price of $187,000
- Originally sold for a base price of $122,095 for the coupe model and $129,095 for the convertible
- Utilizes a 6.2-liter supercharged V8
- Capable of a top speed of 214.88 mph
Who said investing has to be boring? Certainly no one who ever bought a car as an investment. Whether or not the investment works out, that’s a different story. Some do, and some don’t. In the C7 ZR1’s case, it seems things are looking up regarding its value. The reason for this is simply because it was only produced for one year, and only 2,953 were made, making it a rare Corvette model. Based on transactional data accrued by insurance agency Hagerty, 2019 Corvette ZR1 values have risen by anywhere from 4.1% to 14% over the last 12 months, based on their condition, with values currently as follows:
- Concours Condition
- Excellent Condition
- Good Condition
- Fair Condition
At the lower end of the condition spectrum, that’s a little more than 4% up on where values were at this time last year, with the biggest growth being for vehicles in excellent condition, up 14%. That said, values are significantly higher for models with a manual transmission, as automatic ZR1s tend to trade hands for 20% less, on average. The bulk of all ZR1s sold (70.1%) were automatic, with only 744 coupes and 140 convertibles sporting the seven-speed manual.
The C7 ZR1 is only seven years old now, and its value is beginning to climb already, even with the C8 ZR1’s official market release seemingly around the corner. We’re no experts in finance over at CarBuzz, but we do know cars, and this seems like a good bet if you’re looking for a way to turn an investment into something fun, tangible, and powerful.
Yes, It Can Be Considered A Supercar. Here’s Why
At the core of the C7 ZR1 is a supercar-esque heart. It’s a 755-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 with a 2.6-liter Eaton supercharger strapped to its intake manifold. During the C7’s run from 2014 to 2019, the Z06 model was also supercharged, but the C7 ZR1’s unit was roughly 52 percent larger than the Z06’s, which measured in at a measly 1.7 liters.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C7) Specs
Engine
6.2-liter supercharged LT5 V8
Horsepower
755 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Torque
715 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
0-60 MPH Time
2.9 seconds
1/4 Mile Time @ MPH
10.8 seconds @ 133.1 mph
Bore x Stroke
4.060 in x 3.620 in
Compression Ratio
10.1:1
Curb Weight
3,560 lbs
To supplement that massive LT5’s immense power output, Chevrolet supplied the C7 ZR1 with a seven-speed Tremec manual transmission with an eight-speed automatic as an option that most buyers originally opted for. An aerodynamic upgrade package was available, as well, coined the ZTK pack. The ZTK package adds a higher fixed rear wing, along with a revised front splitter, something 2,077 buyers opted for. In total, a ZTK package-equipped C7 ZR1 could produce approximately 950 pounds of downforce at top speed. That’s roughly the weight of a thoroughbred horse sitting on top of the car, pushing it into the ground.
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If you did without the ZTK package, however, you still received aero upgrades over other C7 models, like an underbody spoiler, active exhaust, and a slew of carbon fiber peppered throughout the body of the car. With all of these upgrades in mind, the C7 ZR1 can, unquestionably, keep up with other supercars of its time, which were vastly more expensive in some cases. Even used, a C7 ZR1 can provide just as much fun as a Lamborghini Huracán or a Ferrari Roma.
If The C7 ZR1 Is A Supercar, Is The C8 ZR1 A Hypercar?
Now, we must explain, there’s a big difference between a supercar and a hypercar, contrary to popular opinion. A supercar is called a supercar mainly because of its performance. A supercar is designed to ride the ragged edge of what’s physically possible in the world of automotive engineering. While supercars are, generally, more expensive than sports cars, a supercar isn’t called one for price alone.
When it comes to hypercars, though, things get a bit different. They’re also meant to defy the laws of physics, but in a different way. Hypercars tend to focus a bit more on extremes, whether that’s extreme engine configurations, extreme noise, extreme styling, or extreme engineering beauty. Extreme top speed is also often a key qualifying criteria. Hypercars also carry a much more bespoke design, both inside and out. They’re typically made in small numbers, and cater to an exclusive clientele. Sure, supercars aren’t cheap, but hypercars don’t typically carry starting prices below $1 million.
Now, the C8 ZR1 doesn’t carry a $1 million price tag, far from it. The regular ZR1 starts at $185,000 for the 2026 model year, with the hybrid ZR1X asking $209,700 to get behind the wheel in base form – although a one-of-one ZR1X just sold at auction for $2.6 million. However, the C8 ZR1 is capable of reaching 233 mph, a hypercar-adjacent top speed. It also produces a whopping 1,064 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8, a decidedly hypercar-like power output.
2025 Chevrolet C8 Corvette ZR1 front three-quarter static Chevrolet
We must face the facts, though, the C8 ZR1 and even the ZR1X won’t be bespoke works of art. Sure, it looks great and embodies the pinnacle of American automotive engineering in the pursuit of performance, but it’s still an American boy born in Kentucky. Not to say the C8 ZR1 can’t run with the best of them, because it seems like it will be able to. But to call it a hypercar is hyperbole, even if Chevy is investigating hypercar-like bespoke options. And with production not limited, we’re betting the C8 won’t climb in value the same way the C7 ZR1 has.
Sources: Chevrolet, Hagerty
