We’re no strangers at Barn Finds to situations where a seller will claim that the classic they are seeking to send to a new home is the best example left on the planet. Some of those claims, to be kind, are wildly ambitious and lack any merit. However, that may not be the case with this 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. The listing text paints a positive picture that is supported by the included images. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting a classic that appears to have avoided all of the problems that can often beset these vehicles with age. The seller has listed the Corvette here on Craigslist in Pleasanton, California. You could drive away in this turnkey survivor once you have handed the seller $15,000.

After years in the wilderness, the earlier examples of the C4 Chevrolet have gained some traction in the classic market. This may well be because they haven’t commanded huge prices in the past, offering an affordable way for enthusiasts to slip behind the wheel of a classic sporting an iconic badge. This 1985 example presents beautifully in Light Blue Metallic, and is 1-of-1,021 ordered in that shade. That represents a take-up rate of 2.6% of total Corvette sales during that model year, making it the rarest color by a mere nine vehicles. This car’s presentation is almost impossible to fault, with the close-up shots of prone areas like the front bumper only showing a few minor paint chips. The rest of the exterior shines beautifully, as do the distinctive 16″ alloy wheels. The plastic has survived without any evidence of deterioration, and the glass is clear.

It is disappointing that the seller elected to supply no engine shots, but the picture painted via their text continues the positive theme. Hiding below the hood is the L98 version of the 5.7-liter V8, which is teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and four-wheel disc brakes. The company’s Sales Brochure, which is an impressive piece of literature, quotes power and torque figures of 230hp and 330 ft/lbs. Those figures confirm that this car isn’t a fire-breathing monster, but with the factory claiming that it will touch 150mph, it certainly has long legs. The seller states that this ‘Vette has a genuine 29,000 miles on the clock, but fails to mention supporting evidence. However, they confirm that it runs and drives perfectly, ready for summer fun with a new owner behind the wheel.

I’ve talked in previous articles about how an interior can reflect the life that a classic has led, and there are key areas to examine when assessing the worth of a C4 Corvette. Apart from the usual issues with the installation of aftermarket equipment, the outer seat edges are always worth examining closely. These are prone to severe wear, which is almost unavoidable as people slide in and out of these cars. If this Corvette is as original as the seller suggests, the lack of such problems seemingly supports the claimed odometer reading. The rest of the inside is equally clean, with no evidence of abuse. The Corvette was a more luxurious proposition than at any time in its history by the time this car left the factory. This is reflected by the air conditioning, power windows, power locks, tilt wheel, cruise control, digital gauge cluster, and AM/FM radio and cassette player found in this car.

There is little to criticize about this 1985 Corvette, and its odometer reading is extremely low for a vehicle of this vintage. The seller’s claim about its overall condition appears justified if the listing images are an accurate guide. Of course, it always pays to undertake a spot of detective work before handing over the cash for the classic of your dreams. The seller’s price is at the top end of the market, and would appear to be justified if taken at face value. However, I located a previous listing for this car, indicating that it changed hands in February for $10,800. It achieved that feat following a mere four bids, and while values for these cars have climbed recently, do you feel that a 28% jump is justified in two months?