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should have some distinctive fiberglass - a feeling not shared by the Corvette team. The reasoning behind this was two-fold. First, both McLellan and Corvette designer Jerry Palmer felt that no modifications should be made to the Corvette's exterior appearance unless it was to improve function. Secondly, they believed that any special, non-functional body panels for the ZR1 would detract from the looks of the L98 Corvette and make it less desirable than the ZR1. And if a buyer didn't want the L98 and couldn't afford the ZR1, Chevrolet feared they would lose that customer altogether.
     It didn't take long for the ZR1 to develop its own legacy. Racer Tommy Morrison set the world's speed endurance record by sustaining 175 mph for 24 hours. On the racecourse, teams from Doug Rippie Racing, Morrison Motorsports and Kim Baker were slamming the competition and sending data back to McLellan's team for product refinement. The LT5 was becoming the stuff of legends, and Corvette enthusiasts who could afford the extra tariff became members of a special fraternity that realized just what an incredible sportscar the ZR1 was. The ZR1 option was laid to rest in 1995, the victim of new emissions standards, slow sales and the ending of the C4 era.
     Toby and Jennifer Johnson of Tarpon Springs know the special pleasures of owning a ZR1.                          Continue