When Buddy expressed interest in purchasing another Corvette to add to their garage, wife Lorna's reply was, "Only if they made it as a convertible." Buddy knew the ZR-1 only came as a coupe, so his hopes were quickly deflated. Friend and fellow Corvette enthusiast, Steve Blunk, taunted Buddy with his own ZR-1, twisting the knife just a little more. While burning away the evening hours in front of the computer screen, Buddy happened across this unusual triple-white ZR-1 on eBay. General Motors produced well over 4,000 Corvettes in white that year (the only color to beat that number in 1992 was Bright Red with 4,466 units), so yet another white Corvette wasn't that special, but the white leather seats and door panels combined with the white roof panels made for an unexpected combination. Buddy approached Lorna again, and this time she relinquished her firm stand for a convertible.
Buddy came out the victor of the internet bidding war and prearranged to have the Corvette shipped sight unseen to their home in Indiana. Many people would be leery of making such a deal, but since the ZR-1 was sold via an auto dealership in Massachusetts, Buddy and Lorna felt comfortable with the arrangements. Only after the transporter arrived in front of their home did Buddy get to wrap his hands around his ZR-1. After a quick study, Buddy noticed the only modifications made to the performance-bred Corvette was a battery cut-off switch and a built-in radar detector, indications the previous owner had been aware that having fun with nearly 400 hp on public highways doesn't come without its cost.
With his newest acquisition, Buddy needed to clear out some room in his garage. A base '92 Corvette was quickly sold off to make room for the '92 ZR-1.
Rumor has it that only twelve ZR-1s were ordered with the brilliant triple-white color combination since leather was only optional during the '92 and '93 model years. You may have noticed the white wheels. Buddy says the original owner had the original ZR1 wheels painted to match the car after he took delivery. Since the Hodgdons don't own a car trailer or dedicated tow vehicle, their entire collection of gorgeous Corvettes are driven constantly. Buddy not only loves the power produced by the Lotus/Chevrolet LT5, but is amazed at its dependability. The ZR-1 has served diligently as the sole transportation to several Corvette shows, including Bloomington Gold, Corvettes at Carlisle, and anywhere else the Circle City Corvette Club of Indianapolis ventures. In addition to being driven to events, the Corvette takes home consistent accolades and awards for its originality and pristine condition.
That is why we knew we needed to feature this particular C4. many would cringe at the idea of driving such a rare and sought-after piece of Corvette history, but with only 35,200 miles on the odometer and so much more to see, Buddy and Lorna know the Corvette has a lot a miles left to travel before they hang up the keys.