A friend and I were recently discussing the virtues of buying a higher mileage hobby car because of the obvious appeal of not being afraid to use it. The value would likely remain consistent with what you paid for it, and you’d actually get seat time in a car that was a blast to drive. In the case of the C4 Corvette, you can do this all while driving one with time-capsule mileage on the clock. Check out this 198 Chevrolet Corvette convertible here on craigslist with under 30,000 miles for $14,950.
The compromise you typically have to make is to own a beater-quality example of said collector car if you wish to purchase one for a low enough amount that you don’t feel bad using it daily. That’s not the case with the C4 Corvette, as you can legitimately own a car that is very nearly new in the wrapper and not have to spend a ton of money. In the case of this low mileage Corvette, it’s hard to get this kind of style and period-correct coolness for under $20,000 – but it’s eminently possible with one of these 1980s poster cars.
And red on red to boot! It doesn’t get much better than that if you want a C4 in the ultimate spec. Lipstick red leather with corresponding carpets is the way a Corvette convertible built for cruising should be equipped, and this one is geared for boulevard strutting given it has the optional automatic transmission. Nothing wrong with that as one of these with a manual wouldn’t be all that thrilling to drive, and with the two-pedal setup and the low miles, it’s practically guaranteed that this Corvette has had a very easy life.
The engine bay is spotless, as you’d expect for a low mileage car. Amazingly, in addition to what looks like a completely stock engine bay, this Corvette also still wears its original Goodyear tires from 1987! While entirely unsafe to drive on, it is a sure-fire way to get the attention of judges who love preservation-spec cars when entered into a local car show. You will be hard-pressed to find better value for the money when it comes to being able to purchase a sports or muscle car with low mileage. Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find.
The car looks good but I have some reservations. With original tires on it, how long has it been since it was driven? Don’t know what condition the various seals are and what condition other things are? Personally IMO the price is a little high but if you can get it, so be it.
How much are seals and hoses going to cost? Total price should still be well under $20k. It’s probably not going anywhere soon though. I see it’s in Detroit.
I like it, perhaps because I’m partial towards red. It’s about as red as it could possibly be.
It also shows very well overall.
The milage is extremely low, so I don’t understand how anyone could have a complaint?
I had a 1984, and I enjoyed it for several years.
Just my oponion!
Depends on if it needs an engine and trans rebuild from lack of use. That would turn it into a parts car unless someone wanted to be upside-down and inside-out with it.
I’ve never heard of any engine or Corvette engine needing a “rebuild” due to lack of use, maybe valve seals at the worst. That’s the most ridiculous statement I ever heard of.
How much are seals and hoses going to cost? Total price should still be well under $20k. It’s probably not going anywhere soon though. I see it’s in Detroit.
I own one with 30,000 kilometers and got it for $8k as it wasn’t running , mine is white with white top and red interior and auto .
I have had way better , way more power and blah , blah, blah but at this price and great condition , it is an honesty great cruiser and it also loves the twisties , maintenance is on the cheap , been there done that and don’t see the use of having a garage/trailer queen that i cannot use !buy iy, drive it, enjoy it !
YOLO
I’ve told this story before, but I paid $13k for my black 87 with 4+3 and tan interior and top in December 2019. Car was clean but not perfect, 32k miles. Did I overpay? Probably. But it was exactly what I wanted. After driving all over Florida and checking out ratty $6k automatics with ac that “just needs a charge” and bald tires I decided it was worth it.
I had just given my Jeep Wrangler to my 16 year old daughter. It was an experiment. Could I daily drive a lightly used older corvette? Today, at 70k miles, yes. Did I spend countless hours and thousands of bucks working on it? Yes as well. The mileage isn’t what gets you, it’s the years. Corvettes are fiddly in general and require the maintenance of a high performance car. And every old car cliche comes true. Water pump, alternator, clutch, heater core, manifold gaskets, etc. But it still makes me feel good to drive.
“But it still makes me feel good to drive.”
And that is absolutely all that matters.
Put on a new set of tires an hit the open highways an quit knit picking on a car you haven’t need. Soud like a bunch of Ole women with nothing to do.
It’s an 87 Corvette, the ride is horrible, everything on car squeaks and rattles including the antenna, I suppose the 2 saving graces would be, the Targa roof won’t be leaking and the dashboard might stay working until the buyer finds the next rube
How long did you own an 87 convertible?