1985 Chevrolet Corvette Z51

History

The aerodynamically efficient new Corvette delivered exceptional handling response with an all new chassis and suspension and continued to use 4-wheel disc brakes and new alloy wheels mounted with Goodyear’s all-new V-rated “Gatorback” unidirectional tires. Power was initially provided by Chevrolet’s venerable 350 cubic-inch V-8 equipped with Cross-Fire throttle-body fuel injection, carried over from the 1982 model and upgraded by 1985 with the L98 Tuned-Port Injection mill with 25 additional horsepower. Performance was a quantum leap forward, with 150 mph on tap and skidpad performance over 0.90 g, making the new Corvette a compelling alternative to costlier competitors from Ferrari, Lotus and Porsche.

The comprehensive Z51 Performance Handling Package option was available from launch and highly popular with the new Corvette. Z51 upgrades included heavy-duty springs front and rear, specific shocks, stabilizer bars and bushings, quicker steering, an engine oil cooler, an additional cooling fan, and bigger wheels and tires. No longer a contender, the Corvette had become the standard to which other sports-car manufacturers aspired in every respect.

One of just 1,944 examples sold new to Canada for 1985. According to the Seller, it was purchased new in Toronto, Ontario in July 1985 by Harry Young Shoes Ltd., a prominent shoe retailer in the heart of downtown Toronto popular with area professionals. The car was used regularly by the company’s owner for a number of years and eventually passed through a few subsequent owners, all in the Toronto area, until 1999 when it was acquired by a lady from Grand Bend Ontario, an upscale beachside town on the shores of Lake Huron. She retained the Corvette to 2019 and used it strictly as a fair-weather summer driver, always having it professionally maintained and serviced. As a result, the car remains startlingly well preserved with only 188,000 seller-stated kilometers (112,800 miles) on the odometer. The Seller reports they purchased the vehicle with the intention of keeping it in their personal collection, but with a young child, the Corvette has not been getting much use and the decision was made to sell it in favor of a car with rear seats.