With C2 Corvettes priced out of reach for a lot of collectors and reports of C3 ‘Vettes becoming more and more popular, perhaps it’s time that budget-minded fans of America’s Sports Car take a look at the fourth generation. Here we have what appears to be a lightly used example in relatively good order, located in El Cerrito, California, and listed here on eBay for $8,800, with offers welcome. Thanks to Larry D. for this tip!
The C4 Corvette got off to a bit of a rocky start. The first ground-up redesign of the model since the birth of the Sting Ray in 1963, re-tooling, quality-control, and parts delays ultimately put paid to the 1983 edition, with only a single example of the 43 prototypes surviving. To cover the gap, the 1984 model year would begin in March of 1983 and stretch for 17 months. Despite this inauspicious beginning, the design would prove resilient and with incremental upgrades lasted until the 1996 model year. As in the later C3 cars, performance was sacrificed for efficiency and emissions, and the 5.7L V8 only produced 230 hp and 330 ft-lbs. of torque. Even so, the car managed a 0-60 time of just under 6 seconds; not bad, all things considered. This example is equipped with the Doug Nash 4+3 manual with overdrive, which should provide an even more engaging driving experience.
As to the exterior, the seller reports a scratch on the passenger door and some worn paint, along with a few other imperfections. Inside the car, the bolster on the driver’s seat is worn– not terribly surprising when one considers how one must clamber out of these. Apart from this, the interior appears serviceable, even nice, and the square edges coupled with the LCD gauges in the dash convey a synth-pop flair that later Corvettes just can’t match. It’s worth noting that this would have been the first year for the VATS anti-theft system, which has a reputation for… well, it has a reputation. Fortunately, it appears that modifications to bypass the system are not too complex, should the buyer decide to go that route.
This appears to be the complete package: a well-preserved, low-miles survivor that runs, drives, and stops. Though the seller states that the car could use new fluids, and definitely new tires, a specimen like this presents a path to Corvette ownership for an enthusiast of more modest means while still embodying so much of what makes the brand so great. Apart from being an example of a legendary model, it also has a charm all it’s own: there are few cars that so clearly evoke their times as this one. It is, from its targa top to its 35-year-old tires, the very essence of 1986.
Too much money for a Corvette with this many issues. The seller states in needs tires and the transmission is a “bit noisy” but might be fixed with a fluid change (if he thought that was the case spend the $50 on a couple of quarts of gear lube), he also telegraphs that there are likely problems with the suspension. With an $8,800 asking price there is too much downside risk to potential buyers.
Steve R
Those tires are original Gatorback design which means they’re old and likely contributing to the ride issues. These cars were notoriously creaky when new, but given the amount of time it sat idle, I’d have concerns too for that price.
I know they’re s’posed to be crap (everyone keeps saying) but these cars scream corvette to me – looks like a good specimen. Cheap too
Loose screws in the console…standard on mid-80s GM products.
VATS override is simple, there’s a double white or gray wire running under all the others in the column, simply measure resistance in the key chip and solder matching resistors between the 2 and done…drove me nuts first time before I figured it out (pre internet days)
I’ve been waiting for the key to go bad in mine before I do this mod. But it’s a great, easy mod.
On this vette, too high on the price for what you’re getting. The owner should think in the 5k range at the top. The tires alone are $200-250 each. The 4+3 service is expensive if you don’t do it yourself, as the cross brace needs to come down to drop the pan (at least it did on my 87).
I’m contacting the owner about the bug eye Sprite nose !
Good luck, he’s asking $875, is that price in the ballpark?
Steve R
I have an 86 convertible which I love. It came with a 4+3 overdrive, but prior to my purchasing it, it was changed to a Tremec 5 speed. It runs fine on 87 octane gas, has good performance and looks great. Big gripe is the oem tires are hard to find in 16″ so I went to 18″ (same offset rims and diameter tires) and things are good and definitely was not $200 a tire.
I like many of the various years of Vettes but it’s hard to get more bang-for-the-buck than a C4 can give you.
Whether it’s a good value or not depends on what a personal inspection brings up.
It’s my car and the complaint department is closed! Barnfinds always has my listings on here. Get out there and dig up some stuff! Nobody here is making any purchases? Steve R always complaining?
There are always trolls who spend their day trying to boost their egos by running down whatever others have to offer. If this car were preserved in a gold plated barn and had 24 miles on it and was offered at $350 they would find a way to say it was not possibly worth that.
Good call Jeff. Mr Athority on everything automotive…
I was expecting a $2500 price tag. Budget? It shouldn’t be anything short of Mint asking 6k or more.
Doug Nash 4+3; “Run Forest, run!!!”
These are amazing cars for the money! I just bought a 96 and am really enjoying it! The appeal of opening the clamshell hood, and seeing those large tires, and aluminum suspension components is pure gearhead nirvana. They have great torque, and provide a lot more power than the “ratings” indicate. These cars put the Corvette onto the world stage in their day! The C4’s ran for 13 years, and their transformations through this generation was constant improvement!
It would make a good autocross car. Spend the money on tires and brakes. A lot of fun for a little money.