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***Original Post: https://www.ien.com/22956415**
When the fourth-generation Corvette launched in 1984, General Motors was feeling pressure to keep Honda and Toyota in the rearview mirror—both automakers were threatening to build a better supercar. So in 1990, according to the National Corvette Museum, GM unveiled the Corvette ZR-1, the fastest production car on the road.

What made the ZR-1 special was the LT5 engine, a double-overhead-cam V8 with four valves per cylinder, developed by GM in collaboration with Lotus Engineering. The LT5 debuted as a "technological marvel" that had an aluminum block.

The completely new engine fetched higher development costs, but GM's leadership believed the lessons learned from the program would benefit the company in the long run.

The LT5 was so special, it demanded sophisticated assembly. GM contracted with Mercury Marine, which built the motors at its Stillwater, Oklahoma, plant. Mercury typically built engines for speedboats, but those engines were also made of aluminum alloys like the LT5.

Mercury’s workers built 18 engines by hand each day until November 1993, when GM discontinued the ZR-1.

While they only made a few of them, Phase 5 crate engines were even rarer. They were manufactured as replacements or spares for ZR1 owners. Many were never installed.

Well, next month, Mecum Auctions hopes to cash in with a 1995 Corvette ZR1 Phase 5 engine still sealed in its original crate. The engine will go up for sale at Mecum's Kissimmee (kuh-si-mee) 2026 sale.

The factory‑sealed LT5 crate engine underscores a growing demand for standalone powerplants as collectibles. Mecum has seen a surge in “component collectibles” as enthusiasts are increasingly bidding on rare transmissions, engines, and even factory tools. The auction listing emphasizes the engine’s untouched condition, complete with original packaging and documentation.

Recent sales of LT5 engines have fetched up to $50,000.

This LT5, currently known as Lot S27, made the idea of a Corvette supercar a reality and will go to the highest bidder on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
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