It’s amazing how much a decent set of wheels can change a car. In the case of the C4-chassis Corvette, a vehicle that’s fairly commonplace these days, seeing a barn find example like this one that doesn’t run and needs a total tear-down with a sweet set of BBS wheels completely changes my perception of the car. I know, a seasoned mechanic would quickly overlook a car like this on the basis of the amount of work needed to revive it, but I might give it a closer look. Check out this long-dormant Corvette here on eBay with bids to $1,825 and no reserve.
I have always loved BBS wheels as the mesh-style design is pretty much a requirement on European cars of a certain vintage. But they work well on domestic vehicles as well, and this project Corvette is a perfect example. The way the lower offsets help to fill out the wheel arches transforms the car’s appearance, and it looks meaty the way a muscle car should. Obviously, the cosmetics are tired, but the wheels help you look past those shortcomings – if you’re me.
The seller is not incorrect in speculating that this Corvette may be better used as a parts car, especially given the low values for a tired C4. According to the listing, this drop-top model was found in a garage after the owner died and hasn’t run in some time. As such, the car will not fire even with a fresh battery, and there’s varnish in the gas tank. It’s a big project for a car you can easily find in better condition for short money, and the automatic transmission doesn’t help to justify saving it.
The drivetrain is a tasty proposition for someone looking for a GM-friendly swap, along with the rear end and suspension components. C4s are a treasure trove of component-sharing so the good news is, even if this Corvette isn’t coming back to the road, its parts will live on. Truth be told, if it’s as rust-free as the seller claims and you were able to pick it up for under $3,000, it could be tempting to put bring back to life – and you could easily sell those wheels to recoup your (modest) investment.
I don’t know what those wheels would look good on, but it’s not this gen Corvette.
I dislike these wheels and I’ve seen them on many sportscars over the years. Porsche had them on a few 911’s years ago. I think they were an option.
I purchased a Gray Market Turbo Porsche back in the 80’s from a Danish guy who had a business in NH. He would bring in all kinds of Gray Market cars. Many of his cars had these BBS wheels in different colors.
Gray market, Danish guy, business in New Hampshire. I admire your nerve.
What an unholy mess! See how they fade. The sun did much of the damage, and looks like some water may have gotten into the interior at some point?
I freely admit that I’m a C4 apologist. I think they offer a lot of value. This one is now bid to $3,350 which may be a bit high considering the condition, unless you’re buying it for parts.
On the other hand I can see 16 year-old me being thrilled to squander my college fund on all the parts to restore this baby to the star of the high school parking lot. You Tube videos and bookmarks for Corvette Central, Zip Corvette, and Mid-America Motorworks would supply everything you’d need. And anymore College is not what it once was and all we ever did there was drink and talk about cars and motorcycles anyway.
I’d say the benefits of driving this outweigh the disadvantages. And isn’t the driving experience what we’re all after?
I don’t hate them and I think this particular one looks good in all black and with its BBS rims. It ain’t like you’re going to lower the value with them on it, LOL! And you can switch it back later. Stock 1984-87 rims aren’t expensive.
This is one I’d need to see in person though. If it has no water damage inside and the electrics work, could be worth taking a shot if it doesn’t go over the current bid.
You read my mind – thinking that I would look at this for parts for my 87. But it’s too high now.
THe Rodney Dangerfield of Corvettes.
Video dash was an issue, electric seats switches and motors or wiring can be another issue, needs work so far it cheap and great car for DIY first corvette guy. Drive train bullet proof.
I also suspect water damage. There are hundreds of better Corvettes for sale everyday. GM made a lot of them.
It’s up to $4K now. Way too much for the condition of the car IMO.
Yep. Especially after you figure in the $2000 deduct for the BBS wheels. It is impossible to picture any Corvette since 1953 that would look better with BBS wheels.