Although it was ignored by collectors for years, the C4 Corvette is developing a strong following in the classic world. Values have climbed steadily recently, suggesting that finding one at the right price could represent an excellent long-term investment. This 1990 Convertible is a tidy driver. It has no immediate needs and only 59,000 miles on its odometer. Affordability might be key with this survivor because the seller has listed it with No Reserve.
This Corvette is a tidy and clean classic finished in Code 10 White. The seller doesn’t mention prior repairs or accident damage, although there is one quirk that isn’t explained. There is a paint imperfection on the passenger door that looks quite weird. I’ve struggled to explain what it is, but it has been covered by what appears to be a pretty second-rate touch-up. The buyer will probably need to strip and refinish the panel, but a reputable paint shop should be able to address that shortcoming relatively cheaply. Otherwise, the Corvette presents well as a driver-grade classic. The Black soft-top is new, fitting as tight as a drum. The glass is clear, and the beautiful factory wheels appear free from stains and damage.
The C4 Corvette received a lukewarm reception from the motoring press when it broke cover. That was hardly the car’s fault, because it carried some of the styling cues from its predecessor, and included some intelligent engineering. The problem was that Chevrolet was still struggling to squeeze power from its engine range, and the latest ‘Vette wasn’t a hard-edged sports car. However, the situation improved as production progressed, as demonstrated by our feature car. Its L98 version of the company’s small-block V8 generates 245hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission, allowing this classic to cover the ¼-mile in 15 seconds. The seller claims this classic has a genuine 59,000 miles on the clock, and with their description relatively brief, it is unclear whether they hold verifying evidence. However, the car’s overall condition makes that claim plausible. It sits on new tires and is said to run and drive perfectly. Flying in and driving home could be a realistic option for the winning bidder.
Anyone who has dealt with a C4 Corvette will know that there is one interior feature that is prone to deterioration. These cars feature body-hugging seats, and while they are wonderfully supportive, wear on the outer bolsters is almost impossible to avoid. The situation typically worsens with time, often leading to holes in that area. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for their mileage claim, but the state of the Red seat leather suggests it is plausible. The seats sport the creases that are an integral characteristic of aging leather, but there is no evidence of developing holes. The remaining trim is in good condition, as is the carpet. The car is also nicely equipped, with the new owner receiving a driver’s airbag, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and an aftermarket CD player.
The growing stature of the C4 Corvette is demonstrated by this 1990 Convertible. It has received an impressive thirty-three bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Midland, North Carolina. That action hasn’t resulted in an outrageous price, with the current high bid sitting at $5,800. It may struggle to top $10,000 due to the paint imperfection, although its general condition and low odometer reading may push that figure higher. One thing is certain: With No Reserve in play, this Corvette is destined to find a new home in a few days. Why not make it yours?
Nice vette great price too!
That will cover the 1/4 mile in well under 15 seconds.
White shouldn’t pose a problem fixing that passenger door
( not metallic ).
This could be a great entry-level Corvette. 245hp, great color combo convertible. Enjoy it for the remaining driving season and worry about the door repair next year. And maybe think about removing the wing.
“The C4 Corvette received a lukewarm reception from the motoring press when it broke cover.”
When you have some free time, please look at some of the enthusiast magazine reviews of the 1984 C4 introduction. For big fun, find the TV ad with the driver in a spacesuit and aluminum oven mitts. “Must see TV!!”
Sandpaper would really help here. Feather it into the good paint, use build up primer and finish with the factory paint top down to rub strip and side to side. Take me a weekend in my garage. I already have everything I need except the finish paint. I know my repair wouldn’t be anywhere near professional but it would be a big improvement over what it looks like now. I would have to fix it pronto because it is too nice a car to have this blemish detract from the rest of the car. Can’t understand why the seller didn’t take care of this before putting it up for sale. If you can’t do it yourself then get a shop to do it. Won’t be cheap in today’s crazy price land but it wouldn’t break the bank either. I almost guarantee that you would get your money back in the selling price. I keep thinking about jumping back into the Corvette world and I think for me the C4 is the way to go. Lots to like with this one but I have to have a manual transmission for me to be completely happy. And available garage space means that the herd would have to loose a little doggie. Not really sure I want to do that yet. So I will diddle around and kick myself in the keester later for not getting the deal done sooner. GLWTS
BF: The C4 Corvette received a lukewarm reception from the motoring press when it broke cover.
On the contrary, they were highly impressed. Here’s C&D on the ’84:
“…a true-born, world-class sports car loaded with technical sophistication.”
“The roadholding … is so advanced that we recorded the highest skidpad lateral acceleration—0.90 g—ever observed with a conventional automobile by this staff. That figure practically trivializes the previous high-water marks, in the 0.82-g range, generated by such exotics as the Porsche 928 and assorted Ferraris.”
“It is hands-down the fastest American automobile, capable of 140-mph top speeds, 0-to-60 times under seven seconds, and 15.2-second quarter-mile forays at 90 mph. In fact, these figures qualify the Corvette as one of the half-dozen fastest production automobiles in the entire world!”
That seems a bit optimistic. My 1989 Ford Probe GT managed those very numbers with a 4-cylinder engine and turbo. I would have expected better from a legend. Still, I like this car and only wish I had enough barn space.
This car looks great to me. It’s got one of the best color combinations, and the black top really compliments it. I would say that is more than a “blemish” on the passenger door but it’s fixable. The bid is up to $7.2K now with 573 views with two days left, so it’s on the way to bringing decent money. Someone is going to get a nice Corvette so good luck and enjoy it.
’90 was the first year of the hybrid dash and the last year of the pre-facelift body. ’90s had a common electrical glitch with the “inf rest” light staying on due to a sensor issue.
Decent cars, if you can manage the high door sill that makes them hard to get in and out of and the fact there is little room inside even though the car “drives big.” Comfortable seats, though the narrow footwells could be a problem for some.
Had an ’88 for 9 years. Being ’80s GM, little things failed all the time (power antenna, remote hatch release, Bose speaker amps, power seat, HVAC display, headlight bushings, rear wheel bearings, EGR valve, weatherstripping, etc.), but the big things were fine. It was best on long road trips.
@Tiger66- The build quality did improve year over year. The safest bets are the 1995/1996 versions.
White car
Red interior
Black rag top
Its a lot of fun for the money , its not the best but its cheaper than the younger ones
Personally , the spoiler is an eyesore and i much prefer the c5-c6 because of the LS and trunk