Every time I tell myself I don’t need a C4-chassis Corvette, I see an example like this that sucks me right back in. This is a very clean example of Chevrolet’s marquee muscle car, wearing a rarely seen paint code and showing just under 19,000 original miles. The seller’s Corvette is a two-year-only color code known as Steel Blue and it looks fantastic on this minty exterior. The Corvette is listed here on craigslist for $20,000 in Wayne, New Jersey.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find. The C4 Corvettes have been some of the cheaper muscle car models you can buy for years now, and it seems safe to say we’re not going to ever see a massive spike in prices for this era of ‘Vette. Now, cars like these are outliers with their preserved condition and short-lived paint codes, but that also makes them a riskier buy: you’re paying top of the market money for a car that typically trades in the $5,000-$10,000 range. Is it worth it?
That’s a decision of a personal nature. It will still be tough to beat in terms of finding a low-mileage specialty car from the early 90s for safely under $30,000, but that’s assuming a comparison to models that actually show a strong baseline for future appreciation (R129 Mercedes-Benz, Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo, Ford Mustang Cobra, etc.) The seller’s Corvette is in excellent condition inside and out, and the matching blue leather interior pairs wonderfully with that limited-production exterior.
Now, one of the other advantages to buying strong money for the best C4 you can buy is your future costs of ownership, which will be very low, especially compared to some of those other models I mentioned. You’ll likely just have to worry about fluid changes and consumables like tires for the next 10 years or more, so there’s no denying the value of a clean C4 goes beyond simply its future value projections. Would you spend top-dollar for an exceptional example like this car or live with a cheaper project-caliber car?
Really nice, I had a ’92 and a ’94, beautiful but a pain in the ass to work on , oh well, worth it
Beautiful in every wat, except maybe if it was a stick. Of course, then my wife would not drive it.
Pros, low mileage, cool colors, new dash and best seats.
Cons, old style body 84-89, TPI motor (not a LS)
This is real strong money for a 90′. (borderline not gonna happen) I’d probably hold out for a 95-96.
Prime example of a clean C4.
Interesting range of opinions and comments. The 1990 is the last of the concave rear-end design, and that (IMO) with the combination of the Steel Blue paint, wheels, and mileage justifies the asking price. I could be wrong, but in this case, I doubt it.
I have never ridden in a Corvette, I have also never considered the paint color to affect its value part of me wants to make a nice offer for this fly back and drive it the 2500+/- miles home then the other side says I don’t need those kind of tickets
I think the price is fair. I had one of these. Got great gas mileage. I’d drive it. You can’t buy much for this price
Nice Vette and only about 3hrs from me… hmmm…
Nice car. Really like the Steel Blue on these. Would be good to know if it has the optional 3.07 performance rear axle ratio (G92) as the stock 2.59 ratio with the automatic drives a bit sluggish off the line IMO. Had an ’88 with the G92 and it drove great. Bit of a pain to work on as the simple DIY things (replacing the battery; replacing the headlight motor bushings that turn to powder, changing spark plugs, etc.) just seemed a lot more difficult than they should be.
Like the color but unless you drive by yourself tough sell. The trans tunnel intrudes so much passenger over 4’6 sit almost sideways even the driver pedals are offset. This was not my favorite. I would hold out for another c5, the same money will get you a lot better car and much better future potential
You mean 6’4″?
False. I own a 95. My 5′-1″ passenger enjoys riding in, or driving the car on a daily basis. The biggest issue for me at 6′-1″ is the narrow footwell. I have a three-pedal car and I have to be careful about foot placement.