This 1993 Chevrolet Corvette is a late C4 edition, which in my estimation, is the best of the lot. Add in low mileage and super clean condition, and you’ll have yourself one fine specimen of Chevrolet’s plastic fantastic. Unfortunately, the listing’s text is light on details, but the images certainly help with the story. Let’s dive in here and see all that this two-seater has to offer. Las Vegas, Nevada, is where you’ll find it, and it’s available here on eBay for a current bid of $6,099, with the reserve not yet met.
Spanning the years ’84 through ’96, Chevrolet’s C4 Corvette endured almost as long as its predecessor C3 (’68-’82). One notable difference between the two generations is that the C3 became less desirable as time progressed, while the C4, fortunately, did the opposite. Total ‘Vette production for ’93 reached 21K units with about 5,700 copies, allowing the full wind-in-your-hair experience. This Corvette’s seller states, “Always garage-kept in a temperature-controlled environment…Meticulously maintained and covered when stored.” Well, that’s not hard to believe, judging from this car’s presentation – it’s just flawless, including the folding fabric convertible top. Observe the wheels; they’re the standard Corvette pieces, but they’ve been refinished in chrome as opposed to the standard satin alloy silver.
Now in its second year of edition two, you’ll find an “LT1” 300 net HP, 350 CI V8 engine under the clamshell front end, and it’s tethered to a standard equipment four-speed automatic transmission. This Chevy smallblock is known as an “SB2,” and it’s a departure, the first real departure, from the traditional V8 that entered production for the 1955 model year. It’s similar to year one but possesses differences such as a reverse cooling flow. No specifics on running and driving characteristics are revealed other than a statement of, “Everything is fully functional and in proper working order with recent maintenance records.”
The interior appears to be equipped with light gray leather “sport” seats, an $1,180 option which “Corvsport” claims graced over 11K copies. They’re in outstanding condition, as is the rest of the interior, including the light gray carpeting (a bear to keep clean), and the pristine dash pad. I’d suggest that this car hasn’t seen too much top-down time. Subjectively speaking, I find the instrument panel to be “distracting,” but it all appears to be fully functional and a big improvement over the version used in earlier renditions of the C4.
So, what’s not to like? Nothing as far as I can tell. Yes, I’d prefer the optional, zero-cost six-speed manual gearbox, but that’s just a preference thing, and just 25% of ’93 Corvette purchasers voted to row their own gears. I have no idea where the reserve is set on this car, but my thought, based on recent observation, is that these late C4s could prove to be a pretty reasonable way for first-time buyers to get into the Corvette club. Manual gearbox or not, I like this ’93 Corvette, how about you?
Always liked the later versions of the C4. There’s a 21K miles ‘93 40th anniversary ruby red convertible for sale near me for $17K, which seems very reasonable and would be a good benchmark for this one; which should indicate it tops out in the low teens.
I had the Sport Seats in my ’95 coupe and they are certainly a match for the Recaros a friend had installed in his Mustang. I now have an ’07 and you can definitely detect the extra 100 horses, but the LT1’s 300 are nothing to scoff at. Even in this day and age of 1,000 hp muscle cars 300 is more than enough to satisfy all but the most insecure among us. I ran into a guy who just bought a new ZO6 and he allowed as how it borders on being downright frightening with all that power.
I don’t think any of us would mind being a little frightened, however.
I keep looking at cars with more horsepower, but my 99 was just fine. I don’t know, saw a supercharged 2001 at Fast lane with 540 horse.
I own a 1992 triple black base coupe with only 21k original miles. Still running the original Opti with no issues or check lights. Now that I’m 64 I rarely drive it anymore but I still love that six speed manual mated to the LT1.
I am 72 and I drive my 1995 LT-1 6-speed everyday weather permitting.
The last Z06 that I drove was FAST! But in no way frightening. I loved the power and handling. But the carbon fiber body was distracting to me. (Rattles and headlight shake) I’m a C4 fan (after restoring 2 C1s and lusting after the first Stingray for years.) Now don’t get me wrong, I would never turn down a C8! But the Black ZR1 at the beginning of today’s postings really fits my “need” for a track day car since I sold my last race car. (Going through racetrack withdrawal issues. )
The bidding stands at $10, 699, with just over one (1) day left in the auction and the reserve is unmet.
Ever since Frank Sumatra pointed out that the 1996 manual Corvette only came with the LT4 engine, and that they made over 6,300 of them, I’ve feeling that this will be the C4 performance bargain.
@ PRA4SNW- Thanks. If only Frank Sumatra was smart enough to know that the LT-4 was available in any 1996 and not in just the Grand Sports! I love my 1995 LT-1, 6-speed, but some times I need that extra 30 ponies. I do remain convinced that anyone truly interested in a C4 should wait for a 1996 LT-4 in their price range. Anything less is like getting into the Red Zone during the Super Ball and fumbling the ball.
I don’t know if they will ever be everyone’s idea of a “bargain” C4 but they will always be a lot of car for the money spent. And I have learned the hard way that patience is truly a virtue when C4 shopping. If you miss one, there will always be another one. GM made a lot of them. Happy Motoring!
I agree – holding out for the ideal C4 will take patience, since there are so many to choose from.
I imagine that a ’96 LT-4 would encroach on C5 pricing territory, but if you are a fan of the earlier car, it would make it worth the money.
I drove a C5 and was unimpressed. I am used to a C3, and the C5 just seems too “normal car-like” for me. Now, a Z06 might change my mind, but that is a completely different price/performance category.
The auction closed without a sale as the reserve wasn’t met. The final bid was $11,199.
I’m guessing reserve is $15,000 which is probably all the money for an automatic. The seller will probably disagree. It is a beautiful example.
I looked at Ebay and saw this:
ENDED
1993 Chevrolet Corvette1993 Chevrolet Corvette
US $16,102.00US $16,102.00
Fri, Aug 29, 04:17 PMFri, Aug 29, 04:17 PM
See original listingSee original listing
I went looking at Vettes like this yesterday, and the $16,000 is a good price for the miles compared to what is being listed on the web.
@Rocco Russo- Agree. 20K miles is a sweet spot. One could certainly drive this car and not be afraid of killing the value. And as we all know, these cars were meant to be driven.
@Rocco Russo- FYI. The NCRS classifieds sometimes have C4s available. The classifieds can be viewed by non-NCRS members.