Franklin Mint 1972 Corvette Coupe ZR1- Independent Retailer- Ltd Ed of 350

Once again I applaud Tony Cerra of Diecast Reproductions for commissioning TFM to do three more rare and appealing Corvettes. I will chronicle two of them here. These two are both coupes. Built from FM’s high-tech fiberglass tooling! Both 1972 vintage, they share a claim to fame by being among only 20 such cars produced by Corvette with the rare ZR1 option package. Tony opted to distinguish them by color choice. The third recently commissioned Vette is a 1971 model year with the even rarer ZR2 package; more on that in a separate review. In a lot of ways these two ZR1 cars are all about the numbers.

As already mentioned, the ZR1 package was rare for 1972. Corvette’s RPO (Regular Production Order) ZR1 was only ordered for 20 Corvettes. And while we do not know how many were Pewter Silver metallic and how many were Ontario Orange Firemist, we do know that orange outsold the silver models by numbers of 4,891 to 1,372. By the way, Pewter Silver was the rarest color option that year. For the princely additional sum of $1,010.05 the buyer could order the ZR1 package. Here’s why only 20 did so; not necessarily because it was the most expensive option on the menu; let’s face it, the coupe’s base price was only $5,533. But maybe because of the options that did not come with it. The ZR1 could not be had with A/C, power steering or power brakes, no power windows, rear defroster or even a radio.

But what this puppy did come equipped with, was ‘go fast’ goodies: the LT-1 350 cube V-8 engine, M21 close ratio tranny, heavy duty brake system, transistorized ignition, a cooler aluminum radiator, high performance cam, stiffer springs and shocks and anti-sway bars. If we look closely we can tell that, as always, Tony did his homework. Open the hood; you’ll notice the working metal prop rod. The engine is, indeed, a gorgeous rendition of the LT-1. The valve covers, air cleaner housing and un-shielded distributor proves it. The wiring and plumbing are superb. The smog lines and connectors are super realistic and the hood itself is perfection. It bears the thin pinstriping that circumnavigates the hood’s dome and exclaims, “LT-1”. The model wears the correct Firestone Wide Ovals and the Rally Wheels are flawlessly replicated.

Next, go ahead and open the light, (remember, it’s fiberglass) doors. The interior is astonishing in its detail. The optional leather seats are simulated in spectacular fashion and rival the brilliant replication of the seat belts and photo-etched buckles. Steering wheel, dash and console are beautifully reproduced. I love the look of the shift pattern and stick. The chrome metal-foiled scripts and lettering were done without any flaws and are sealed into the body. The headlights unfold but you’ll see no radio antenna on the fender or radio in the dash – Tony nailed the radio delete as part of the ZR1 option package. The 2 partners, TFM and Tony Cerra, have reproduced 2 wonderful models here. I equally like both color combos.

One other exceptionally important number to consider is 350. That’s how few of these models will be available for each color. Available from Legacy Motors.

-Tony F Perrone