There are still few cars that offer as much value and can be acquired in showroom-new condition as the C4 Chevrolet Corvette. The fact that you can still buy one that is practically new in the wrapper with all of the best option boxes checked for under $20,000 either means these are highly underappreciated or there’s some tragic flaw I’ve yet to uncover. Yes, they are cheap and build quality is subpar, but in a hobby that only gets more expensive, there’s a lot to like in this 1986 Chevrolet Corvette listed here on craigslist with 20,000 original miles for $17,500.
My brother picked up a similar car in driver-quality condition for an autocross vehicle and has been very happy with his purchase. Not only that, he has been pleasantly surprised by how well it handles for a 1980s muscle car, and it’s equipped similarly to this one with a manual transmission and the Z51 suspension. Having now seen it in person, I can also say it looks quite good going down the road. All told, I’m a touch jealous considering how much fun he’s having with it and how little he paid for it. This one will require real money to purchase, but again, it is near brand new.
As far as factory equipment goes, the Z51 suspension option added some desirable hardware to the C4 chassis. The resulting handling capabilities made the Corvette a surprisingly strong handler despite the reputation for American muscle cars only being proficient in a straight line. This Corvette also comes with a Delco-Bose stereo and the translucent roof panel, and of course, it all appears to be in near-mint condition considering the low mileage. Red over gray is about as classic of a color combo as you can get in a C4, and the leather surfaces show only minor creasing.
The L98 V8 produced a very respectable 230 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque, a number that represented a healthy output in an era that was still recovering from paltry power ratings. The spotless engine bay shows no signs of modifications, and the seller notes that he has recently replaced the brakes and shocks along with installing a replacement OEM exhaust system. Overall, this is a car that presents as having very few meaningful flaws, and with the listing price noting an openness to reasonable offers, there’s a chance you could get this for under $17K. Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find.
Love the open hood shots, so you can see the full width of the tires. 😎
Jump on it this looks like a nice unmolested one. If i remember well the Z-51 optioned was ” detuned ” in 85 as it was to much of a track special to make it more livable. So every one go watch Motorweek Retro whom did a comparo in 85 of a standard suspended automatic v/s a manual Z-51
Nice Corvette ! Just wondering why the exhuast would need to be changed with that low miles. Only reason maybe damage or condensation making them rust out.
The Corvette is not a muscle car. It is a sports car. Sure, it got bloated and slower in the disco era, but the C4 was 100% designed to show its stuff on the track.
This is a fine example. But the issue here is this money (or less!) will get you in a later 300 hp example, and that also opens up the ZF six speed stick. I know which one I would spend my money on.
100%, absolutely right on the money. I had my 1995 LT-1, ZF-6 speed out today. The 300 hp is plenty for me, and the 340 “torques” is also plenty of twisting force, or “Grunt” You might even be able to find a 1996 LT-4 (6-speed only) for $17,000. Other than the LT-5, the LT-4 is the high point of the C4 model run and maybe a little more practical to own.
Sirraoulduke took the words right out of my mouth!
If an ’86 Corvette is on your shopping list, I don’t know why you wouldn’t consider this one.
Where is it ?
Seattle, according to the Craigs List ad.
I am a long time Corvette owner and in my opinion the C-4 is the most unattractive Vette ever produced, add to that terrible quality control, and with the notable exception of the Z-R1, some of the worst performers. That being said, both of the examples listed here today would not be a bad buy, (this one in particular.)
You are often wrong on C4’s, but never in doubt. The cars were produced from 1984 to 1996 as you might be aware. The quality and performance improved over that time span.
Just how am I “often wrong” about C-4s? I happen to have an opinion that apparently doesn’t align with yours, and I assume that you know what is said about opinions.
You are wrong on three points:
1) The design, as that is 100% subjective opinion.
2) Quality control as it objectively improved over the lifespan of the C4.
3) Your statement regarding performance is flat out wrong again based on objective performance data collected during the C4 lifespan.
And,I am aware of the opinion cliche. I am also aware of the grumpy old men cliches.
Look Frank, I get it. You own and like a C-4 so, in your OPINION, they are a wonderful automobile and for someone to assert otherwise is something akin to blasphemy in your eyes, and that is your right. You do realize that all of your arguments against my opinions are in fact opinions of your own, don’t you? I bought my first Corvette 58 years ago and through time, I have owned 13 and I have opinions about every one of them, some bad and some good. I currently own just two, one is a 2000 FRC that in my OPINION is one of the most attractive and fun to drive ever produced. The other, (wait for it) is a dark green over tan top and interior ’94 C-4 LT-1, 6speed roadster. While my opinion of the C-4 in general doesn’t change because I own one, I at least find this one semi-attractive. I would never have purchased one were it not for the fact that this was my sister’s car, and she was so upset at what the dealer was willing to give her as trade in on a new C-7 that just to spite him she sold it to me for even less than what his offer was. In the end, opinions are just that, opinions, they are not facts. You can like your C-4 just as I can like my C-5 and only tolerate my C-4. These are likes and dislikes, you know, opinions.
As mentioned,opinions are just opinions, but in my opinion the C4 was one of the best looking Vettes ever produced.
Another beauty! Seems like a good deal and it will only go up in value. I think I like the blue 85 better, even with slightly more mileage. This is gorgeous though and also needs to be bought and driven! Great car.
Personally I love the C4 Vettes. One of the best looking Vettes ever.