C4 Corvettes are often talked about disparagingly, but it’s still a great option for an entry-level classic that is easy to live with, cheap to maintain, and coming back into style as everything from the 1980s is made cool again. This example has the rare and desirable 4+3 manual transmission, and presents well enough for a specimen that hasn’t been mothballed since new. Mileage is still fairly low at under 40,000, and aside from some clearcoat failure, the seller claims it’s in decent shape all around. Find it here on craigslist for a reasonable $7,995 in Delaware.
The driver’s seat bolster has some wear on the side closest to the door, which isn’t surprising considering how sharp those bolsters are and the tendency of owners to roll over them rather than climbing out. Aside from that, the cockpit looks tidy with the digital read-outs in the gauge cluster still functional and the console and door sill plastics looking mostly damage-free. The seller notes the A/C works, all of the power functions work, and even the original radio and power antenna still do their thing. The 4+3 manual is a conversation piece, but mainly it’s great to see a C4 with three pedals.
The seller includes numerous pictures underneath the car, and it’s incredible to see a vintage vehicle not from the southwest or other desert climates looking this dry underneath. This is perhaps my favorite part of the car, as it looks brand-new underneath. As far as components that actually are new, the seller notes he installed new tires within the last year and just changed the oil and the fuel filter. The listing claims the ‘Vette is free from any leaks, and the undersides speak to that assessment. No word on suspension or brake components being refreshed, but the seller claims he is a mechanic and has gone through the car in its entirety.
The engine bay presents as well as other areas, and the listing notes that the engine and clutch are still working together in perfect harmony. The car remains completely stock, which in and of itself is a find considering how many of these affordable muscle cars at least have an aftermarket exhaust by now. To me, this is a great option for a fun driver that you can spend some “fun” money on by upgrading the suspension and otherwise leave it alone. Maybe add a cold air intake to increase the induction noise (if you’re into that) but keep the stock wheels and tires to as to preserve the factory appearance. Either way, manual C4s in good condition are a bargain in the enthusiast car marketplace right now.
Nice for the day but the cross fire kills it. $6,000 max if you’re local. It’s sad what these vettes go for now days.
Yeah, but the 1983 is THE YEAR to have! ROFL!!
Have fun sneaking that one out of the Corvette museum!
I have a vague recollection of the 4+3 transmission. It seems that they were problematic. Can’t even remember how they worked or what trans they were based on. Overdrive in 2-4th gear? But I have faith in Barnfinds readers to be able to fill in those details.
I have one, it’s a regular 4 speed with a hydraulic overdrive bolted to the back. What it does, in gears 2-4, is if you’re not under load is immediately engage the overdrive. You can also lock it out with a button on top of the shifter. Knock on wood, mine still works fine, but I’ve been told that if it goes south, it’s cheaper to swap in the later model five speed.
Legend is that GM didn’t have a strong enough five speed for the HP (which really isn’t much). The 4+3 was the way to get decent mileage. I get 18-20 on the highway at 80 with the top down.
These units are often misunderstood. You have to maintain the overdrive regularly to ensure they stay in good working order. A fluid change and a new filter (it has an internal filter) once a year should keep it happy for the life of the car. There’s a good article here on routine maintenance and also on how to repair (bypass) some of the electronics if they should wear out on you.
https://tech.corvettecentral.com/2007/01/servicing-the-overdrive-on-the-43-transmission/
Doug Nash, arguably one of the best Technical Drag Racers in history, designed this trans with the 4 speed +3 overdrive gears make this a true 150 MPH cars in the midst of the smog 1980s.
This car did everything well in 1984 & was Motor Trends car of the year in 1984!
1. Im sorry but this is not an “muscle car” and I dont know why any car person would even think that
2. The trans is a Borg Wagner super t10 4 speed manual with a 2 speed automatic overdrive unit bolted to it.
Finally, something on here poor people can afford! Assuming they would want to.
When these were introduced they were the hottest thing going. I remember having to purchase the brochure from the Chevy dealer and if I recall it was $9 at the parts counter! Hi demand drive prices up, I waited and ultimately got an ‘86 Convertible with the 5.7 TPI and automatic. Pretty solid car with mostly electrical issues and some persistent rattles. Chevy dealer service killed the experience for me however, car was never fixed properly and always returned dirty. The ‘84s like this one were noted for lots of build issues, wonky digital dash problems and an extremely stiff ride especially if equipped with the Z51 suspension. They handled well though and when running properly could give a 911 a run for its money. ‘85 was a much better year and they improved dramatically every year after that. A well sorted late C4 is a real bargain and cheap entry into the 2 seat sports car market.
Still love the styling of these early C4s (84-90). Looks better than a C8 in my opinion. This car is nice and priced reasonably, but I would seek out an 89-90 for the more desirable TPI/6 speed manual combo.
Thanks for the article link Frank! Very informative.
I enjoyed the crossfire. I had a couple of them. Re-bushed the throttle bodies at just over 200,000 miles to return proper idle. A friend that repaired game consoles fixed my cluster. My nightmare was getting the armature on the headlight motor set properly so you didn’t have to give it a rap to open or close.
My brother had one in late eighties, added chip and cooler thermostat. Had great throttle response but donuts was out of the question, would sputter every time half way around donut due to G’s and crossfire not able to keep up. Buddy had 85 and that was much quicker. Didn’t matter as I blew them both away in my 87 GN. 5.0 Mustangs where a dime a dozen back then. Good Ole days.
I had a 1985 I enjoyed it a lot but the 1984 was a piece of crap with the crossfire
I owned 1984 VIN 0007 and it was a fantastic driver. It was used and the press previews and stolen but later recovered. The first one sold to the public was VIN 00070. I later sold it to the Bob McDorman Chev collection. I loved driving that car and it was not a piece of crap, it was wonderful, I loved driving it and it’s looks.
It’s unfortunate that a car like this will still be a tough sell at that price, despite the condition and low miles.
The 1984 sold very well, the Crossfire was unloved, and rough ride are just a few things holding them back.
I’ve been wanting to put a Ford 3.5 Ecoboost in one of these. More power, less weight, and better MPG.
I would never buy any car off of craigslist sight unseen. Scam ‘O’ Rama!!!!!
I bought an ’85 new and it’s one of the best cars I’ve ever owned. Sold it to help fund my then-wife’s business.
Big mistake.
This is a 4k car max. There are 1000’s of them out there.
Seeing a nice ’84 is an automotive unicorn, a 4+3 especially so. Considering they’re at the nadir of values for *any* Corvette I find myself admiring them when they’re nice. I have a ’90 convertible with the 6 speed in our driveway, a great car for less $$$ than most early 90s Miatas.
Anyone else find the C4 ’84-87 digital Atari dashes growing on them as the years progress? Anyone else wondering if a comprehensive LS engine swap kit will ever hit the market for these?
If the car is everything the ad says it is, AND the seller is motivated to move a bit on the price, this may not be a bad deal.
Dumb place to put the parking brake – must be fun climbing over it, getting in & out when engaged – i bet a lot of people did not engage it. lol
No need for such complexity the way those headlites flipped around opening & closing – up & down motion like the ones on the ’91 3000gt would have been simpler & more reliable.
At least it LOOKS like a corvette with the latter & good all around visibility & proper rear overhang.
Still for sale. And price drop to 7,295 if anybody’s interested.
My brother bought an 1987 Z-51 coupe with the Nash 4+3 new in 1987. Gorgeous car but difficult ingress/egress. I liked the clam shell hood(easy access to the mechanicals), the tinted targa roof panel, and the entertaining gauges/switches(almost endless different readings to keep you occupied on long road trips). The 4+3 with its overdrive was fun to play with on the highway, but its clunkiness got old.
Had to take speed bumps and even rolled curbs pulling into the driveway at a snails pace to avoid dragging the stock front air dam, and even then the car would creak loudly as it flexed. Ride and handling were a cross between an F-16 and a dump truck!
My brother went from a ’71 Pontiac GTO to the Corvette and then to a new 1991 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat 4×4(300 EFI I-6/5-speed). I miss both his GTO and the truck, but not the Corvette.
I have a 84 Corvette with 16,000 original miles with a 4+3 with push button Over Drive with the original Wheels and Gatorback Tires numbersMatching ice blue in color with clothe seats and wood grain interior $18,000.00