The RPO ZR2 Special Purpose LS6 Engine Package was the successor to the legendary, racing-developed L88. The ZR2 followed the same winning recipe, combining the new 454/425-hp Mark IV big-block LS6 V8 with the stout Muncie M22 close-ratio “Rock-Crusher” four-speed manual transmission, a cutting-edge transistorized ignition, heavy-duty aluminum radiator (with shroud delete), heavy-duty power disc brakes, heavy duty battery, and an F41 Special Suspension with specific springs, shocks, and stabilizer bars. What it specifically didn’t come with was just as important, getting rid of the power windows and steering, rear defroster, radio, alarm system, wheel covers, and air conditioning for weight savings. The $1,747 package, which was never marketed by GM, cost the equivalent of over thirty percent of the base price of a standard Corvette and was specifically created for those wishing to race.

This specific Corvette was purchased new by Anatoly “Toly” Arutunoff, a renowned Tulsa, Oklahoma-based road racer who bought and imported numerous fabulous Ferraris, Lancias, Abarths, and Alfa Romeos to race in many of the most famous events worldwide. Anatoly purchased the car through the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Chevrolet dealer for use in the 1971 Targa Florio. Given his intention to race it, Toly ticked the box for the ‘ZR2’ package. While 188 ’71 Corvettes were optioned with the LS6 motor, only 12 buyers ponied up for the ZR2 package — ten on coupes and two on roadsters. According to the original Corvette Order Copy (tank sticker) on file, this car was ordered on March 2, 1971 in Classic White over Black vinyl with the ZR2 package and its contents listed.

With his new car on order and plans for the Targa Florio set, Anatoly lined up Englishman Charles Lucas (who built Titan Formula race cars) to co-drive. Knowing his exploits in the best racing machines Italy had to offer, alas, the opportunity to compete was fleeting — recent updates to the rules meant a roll bar was required and the lack of one in the ‘Vette caused it to fail pre-race scrutineering. No longer eligible for the event, Toly would never race the ZR2 and he handed the keys to Lucas who held onto the car for some time. Its last owner, Malcolm Bishop, purchased the vehicle in 1987 and showed the car in several major events throughout England.

A rare opportunity to acquire one of the few ZR2s produced and even fewer surviving cars (only six are currently known to still exist), this Corvette is unique in its fabulously documented history, original tank sticker, and the inclusion of its original Targa Florio sticker. With only two owners since 1975 and impressive originality, this Corvette, one of the most original and fantastically preserved ones we’ve seen in years, is the prime candidate for a world-class restoration or a sensational and unique driver’s car. Offered to the most demanding collector, investor, or enthusiast who desires to own one of the very best!

—-EXTRA DETAILS—-

This 1971 Corvette was equipped from the factory with the following options, according to its original tank sticker:
> 972 – Classsic White Paint
> 400 – Standard Black v=Vinyl
> LS6 – 454/425 Engine
> J50 – Power Brakes
> M22 – Heavy-Duty Close Ratio Transmission
> G81 – Positraction Axle, 3.08 Ratio
> PT1 – Black Wall Tire F70x15 Tires
> ZR2- Special Purpose Engine Package (includes the following as standard)
–> LS6 engine, 454ci, 425hp, 475lb-ft.
–> M22 transmission
–> Heavy-duty power brakes
–> Transistorized ignition
–> Heavy duty aluminum radiator
–> Special springs/shocks front and rear
–> Heavy duty front and rear stabilizer bars

The following is a comprehensive list of the original parts that this car retains:
> Engine Casting Number: 3963512
> Engine Casting Date: I 11 70 (September 11, 1970)
> Engine Build Date: T0304CPW (LS6 engine with 4-speed transmission assembled March 4, 1971)
> VIN Derivitive: C11S113473
> Emissions Label on Cowl: AZ (LS6)
> Intake Manifold: 3963569
> Cylinder Heads, Both: 3946074
> Holley Carburetor: LIST 4803-1
> Holley Carburetor Assembly Date: 124 (4th week of February 1971)
> Holley Carburetor Metering Blocks: 6808 and 4519
> Distributor: 1112076 (LS6 Transistor Ignition)
> Starter: 1108400
> Starter Date Code: 0H12 (August 12, 1970)
> Transmission Casting Number: 3925661
> Muncie Assembly Number: P1T17C (M22, 1971 model year, December 17, 1970)
> VIN derivitive: C11S113473
> Exhaust Manifolds: 3969869 Left side, 3880828 right side, both sides have A.I.R. provisions
> Jack Date: 0L (December 1970)
> Fan Clutch Date: 02 22 71 SC (February 11,1971 – Schwitzer)

Trim Tag Details:
> 972 – Classic White
> 400 – Standard Black Vinyl
> Body Assembly Date – H29 (March 29, 1971)