It’s not often I see a Corvette of this vintage equipped just the way I like. Too often they are automatics and heavily used up, bearing the scars of years of cheap owners. This 1988 example here on eBay is none of those things, equipped with a rare manual transmission and only 4,600 miles from new. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Jim S. for the find!
Said to be removed from a collection of “only the best muscle and sports cars,” the Corvette’s interior reflects its low mileage with mint condition sport seats. Even the typical 80s GM hard surfaces are in good nick. The digital dash is functional and the factory head unit is still in place, so this car truly appears to be a survivor that’s been kept in showroom form. That doesn’t mean you still won’t hear the occasional rattle, however.
The engine bay appears completely stock, and this car has the Z52 handling package on board. This package is somewhat of a benign version of the hardcore Z51 package which some owners complained was too harsh. The package included Bilstein shocks, a bigger front stabilizer bar and quick-ratio steering, along with an engine oil cooler and HD radiator. Magazine reviews applauded the changes, citing the chassis’ ability to get sideways without introducing snap oversteer.
While I don’t care for the spoiler, I could live with it assuming it’s a factory accessory. Hopefully, it’s not drilled into the trunk if you’re keen on removing it. The color combo is attractive and the body appears to be in mint condition. Paired with the 4-speed manual and new-in-the-wrapper 5.7L V8, this may be one of the best C4s on the market. Car & Driver hustled an automatic-equipped example to 60 in 5.6 seconds way back in 1988, so as an emerging classic you can drive every day, this ‘Vette is tough to beat.
Knock off a thousand or so for the stupid wing and I’d be interested. Just about every 88-89 came with the 17″ wheels. But the 16″ wheels are more rare.
The 4+3 manual with its clunky overdrive is not a great transmission by any means. This is one sports car that is arguably more desirable with the refined, quick shifting automatic.
The car features the (not rare) awful Doug Nash 4+3 trans. Current bid of $10,600 is about the value IMHO…
A friend of mine bought a beauty of a 1985 Vet completely restored on the Auction for only $6500.00 in Fremont, Ca.
My opinion is that I’d rather have an unpleasant manual than a fantastic automatic any day of the week…if for no other reason than executing a perfect rev match with a free-flow exhaust out the rear.
Like one of these would “ever” need a rear wing…ugh
Where do these unused cars come from? Who buys a beautiful vehicle then parks it for decades? Wish I had that kind of money!
The spoiler works! LOL
4+3 = junk
This is my car, I am trying to find one to replace this one in which I wrecked being forced off the road on a curve just two blocks from home. I use this car to do Fund Raising for Charities and http://www.GoldStarWall.org That is the memorial being built in Kansas City, Kansas for all Fallen Warriors since 9 / 11.
I need to get one asap because I am also Santa Claus and Donate my services for under privileged families and Foster and Homeless people. I can only afford about $3,000.00. I find them but all the way across the USA and shipping is to expensive.
Ray Pittam
Santa Claus