Did Zora own a C4

[Walter F.]

Several weels ago I came across a auction in which the people running the Auction claimed that they had a C4 with Zora's name on the title. They claimed it was the only Corvette with a title that had Zora's name on it. I just finished reading 'Zora the legend behind the Corvette." In the book it talks about Zora's first and only Corvette. A 74 big block. That in itself sounded rather strange because I thought Zora believed the small block Chevrolet made the C2 and C3 a better handling car. So what are the facts? Did Zora own a C4 or was the 74 big block the only Corvette Zora actually owned?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Did Zora own a C4

Yes, he had a 1989 or 1990 convertible, red with optional hardtop. I saw him driving it around town when I lived one village over in those days.

[Lyndon S.]

Re: Did Zora own a C4

It was a 89.

[Glenn D.]

Re: Did Zora own a C4

The 1974 big block that Zora owned is on displaty at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green , Kentucky.

[Art B.]

Re: Did Zora own a C4

I read in some Corvette literature that Zora once made a comment about C4 styling when they were first introduced. He said something to the effect that he thought they looked like a potato. I can't remember the book or article I read it in.

[Tom H.]

Re: Did Zora own a C4

I know he and Elfi owned a Chevelle. http://www.chevelles.com/feature/october2003.html

[Lyndon S.]

Re: Did Zora own a C4

I bet it was Bill Mitchel , he jumped all over Jerry Palmer for the lack luster design.

[Walter F.]

Re: Did Zora own a C4

Was the 400 the same engine as in the SS396 Chevelle?

[David G.]

Re: Did Zora own a C4

I bet it was Bill Mitchel , he jumped all over Jerry Palmer for the lack luster design.

Bill Mitchel had many descriptions of the new C4. When speaking at one of our regional meets in the mid 80s he described the styling as a
"Hair Lipped Frog"
To say that he did not like the styling of the C4 would be an understatement.
Dave

[Walter F.]

Re: Did Zora own a C4

Judging by the public sales records I would say mitchel stood alone in his beliefs. over 51,000 sold in 84 (Ok it was a long year )but with 30,000 plus units sold in the next three years at a base price of $27,000 1980's dollars the public sure felt different then Bill Mitchel. Then the ZR1 super car built at a whopping $50,000 plus option and over 3,000 being sold I would say the public had a lot they liked about the Lipped frog C4.

[Keith B.]

Re: Did Zora own a C4

Was the 400 the same engine as in the SS396 Chevelle?

it was a 402 BB. or .030 over 396 block.

[Pat M.]

Re: Did Zora own a C4

Judging by the public sales records I would say mitchel stood alone in his beliefs. over 51,000 sold in 84 (Ok it was a long year )but with 30,000 plus units sold in the next three years at a base price of $27,000 1980's dollars the public sure felt different then Bill Mitchel. Then the ZR1 super car built at a whopping $50,000 plus option and over 3,000 being sold I would say the public had a lot they liked about the Lipped frog C4.

Yep. And according to Cor-Vette Specs, over 386K total C4s were sold. There were plenty of people who liked the C4 just fine, styling and all.

[Tom H.]

Re: Did Zora own a C4

it was a 402 BB. or .030 over 396 block.

That is correct.