By 1994, Chevrolet’s C4 Corvette has reached its twelfth year of production. Sales had begun tapering, but the C4 demonstrated that manufacturers were rediscovering their performance mojo. This Corvette is a tidy survivor that remains original and unmolested. With a mere 66,000 miles showing on its odometer, it should offer its next owner years of classic motoring pleasure. It needs a new home, so the owner has listed it here on eBay in Huntington Beach, California. They have set a BIN of $11,950, and ninety-five people are watching the listing.
While 51,547 buyers elected to park a C4 Corvette in their driveway during its first full year of production, that figure dropped to 23,330 by 1994. Part of the decline was due to the C4 reaching the end of its life cycle, while economic pressures didn’t help its cause. This one is 1-of-4,066 finished in Arctic White. It wasn’t the most popular shade offered in that model year, ranking third behind Torch Red and Black. The paint shines impressively, with the only notable flaw being a scuff on the corner of the front bumper on the passenger side. It isn’t bad, and a reputable paint shop should be able to repair the problem without breaking the bank. The body looks good, with no cracks or evidence of prior accident damage. The Corvette comes with two sets of removable roof panels. The seller indicates the glass one is faded, but the painted component is excellent. The distinctive alloy wheels shine beautifully, without evidence of staining or physical damage.
The seller describes the Corvette’s interior as being in very nice shape, and that assessment is fair. The only flaw worth noting is visible wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat. Some buyers may consider consulting an upholsterer to see if repair is viable. Others might decide that spending $480 on a fresh set of leather covers will be the best long-term approach. The remaining upholstered surfaces present well, as do the carpet, dash, and console. I can’t spot any crumbling plastic, and there are no signs of aftermarket additions. Life inside this Corvette would feel pretty cushy thanks to the inclusion of dual airbags, climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, cruise control, and a premium AM/FM radio and CD player.
The late 1970s and 1980s were depressing for enthusiasts seeking cars with performance credentials. By the time this Corvette rolled off the line, it was apparent that manufacturers had recaptured lost ground because the 350ci V8 under this classic’s hood should produce 300hp. When mated to a six-speed manual transmission, it allowed the ‘Vette to storm the ¼ mile in 13.8 seconds before winding its way beyond 160mph. Those figures were enough to put a smile on most people’s faces. The seller states that the Corvette has 66,000 genuine miles on the clock but doesn’t mention verifying evidence. They recently outlaid $1,200 on a new clutch and main seal and say the car runs and drives well. The engine is strong, and the transmission shifts smoothly. That makes it a turnkey proposition for its next owner.
While it may not be perfect, this 1995 Corvette is a classic with few needs. With parts remaining plentiful and affordable, it is a vehicle that should be around for decades. One of the advantages of Corvettes from this era is that they remain pretty underrated in the current market. However, that appears to be changing as values have started climbing. That could make this the perfect time to park this car in your garage. Some enthusiasts will struggle to call it genuinely affordable, but the price isn’t outrageous. If values continue their current trend, the new owner could find themselves behind the wheel of a car that offers excellent performance with matching long-term investment potential. I can’t think of a downside to that equation.
That sold quickly.
No surprise there. It was priced to sell.
That’s actually a very very strong price for one of these. They must have found somebody who really wanted it. Maybe someone who had exactly one like it back in the day and got very emotional.
Mr Banter- It may have been purchased by someone who did some research and discovered it is worth around $13,500 if it falls somewhere between the Hagerty scale of “Good” to “Excellent”.
Great drivetrain and body design. My issue was always the amount of plastic and design of the interior. I’m stuck in the C1, C2 and earlyC3 era. When Corvettes were Corvettes and you pick your options.
Now after 50 plus years of talking up a storm about a mid-engine Corvette they finally pulled the trigger. The only reason they did was because they were getting their butt kicked in just about any racing venue and die hard Corvette owners (thank god) never dropped the subject. Now Ferrari has something to worry about on the race track again.
As I continue to appreciate these cars, I’m guessing it will be only a matter of time until I’m an owner. I drove a friends ’97 and found myself astounded because my judgement focus has always been the Mako-Shark derived cars of ’68-82. For $10-15,000, you get IRS, good brakes, a well-sorted suspension with a decent driver’s position and last but not least – V8 power with numbers to match. I’m actually sick of the interior complaints, because at the price Recaros and leather headliner and dash are not out of sight. I am willing to admit to being an anti-Corvette snob for decades, and I will continue treatment with ownership to follow. Hopefully. This was well bought at the BIN setting.
I’ve never been a Corvette snob. I’ve wanted one since I was 9 years old and the next door neighbor’s uncle drove his new red 1959 (yeah, I’m THAT old) and parked it in the driveway. I finally bought a 1995 before I turned 60.
I loved my C4 and only sold it to buy my C6. This car has a lot going for it: Relatively low miles, sport seats (no need for Recaros, these are Great Seats), the sport suspension option, and it’s a 6-speed. Small wonder it sold so quickly.
C4s are still a bargain in the Corvette world, as are some C5s and C6s. The nice thing is that you can get in cheaply and if you decide that a Corvette is not what you wanted you can always sell it.
Your friends ’97 was a C5. Have you ever driven a C4?