The C4 Corvette may not be the most popular or desirable derivative of the iconic brand, but they can still be a comfortable and reliable long-distance cruiser. This particular 1985 model is a clean and tidy example, and while it may not be perfect, it is certainly no dog either. It is located in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and is being sold here on eBay in a no reserve auction.
This is actually quite a clean looking car, and I don’t mind the color. The paint is a bit faded on the bumpers, but that won’t be too hard to fix. The alloy wheels have held their shine well over the last 34 years, and the glass top looks like it’s in good condition. So overall, it looks quite promising.
The area that has held up really well is the interior. Plastic trim from this era had a nasty tendency to develop a chalky look and to become quite brittle. This looks like it has largely avoided that, and there doesn’t appear to be a lot of wear on the seat edges, another bug-bare of Corvettes. Creatures comforts are there to make life that bit more pleasant, and on this Corvette, you get plenty of them. These include air conditioning, cruise control, power locks, power windows, power seats, a tilt wheel, and a Bose sound system. That makes the interior of the Corvette a very nice place to spend some time.
Delivering 230hp, the 350ci L98 engine was standard equipment on the Corvette from the 1985 model year. This is backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission. The owner says that the car runs and drives well, and the engine bay looks nice and clean, with no obvious problems visible.
This may not be the most desirable Corvette on the planet, but it does appear to be a nice, clean car. It would make a pleasant long-distance cruiser, and it does have a fair amount of potential. The level of potential is best demonstrated by the interest that people have shown in it on eBay. So far, 15 different people have been interested enough to bid on the car, and the price is currently sitting at $3,315. That is well below what you would normally expect to pay for a nice example today, so it will be interesting to see how high this Corvette goes.
Appearance-wise I think this is the ugliest Corvette body. But on paper I figure it’s a well preserved driveable 80s sports car for not a ton of money. And if you always lusted after an early C4 Vette but don’t burn $100 bills for heat in the winter, this could be a dream come true.
The most recent aren’t the ugliest Corvettes ever? Well, that’s news to me.
Gotta retract my previous statement. The C7 is indeed more ugly and I had been working hard to block it out of my mind, apparently with much success.
You gotta learn how this works….
Every new/current Corvette is “the worst”…..once then next generation comes out, the previous one automatically becomes “a legend”….
Wash, rinse, repeat…….
I have an ’85 as well, and I think it’s one of the best looking generations of Corvettes, with taut, clean lines, great proportions, and a refreshing absence of the excess styling doo-dads of the current models. I know they don’t get a lot of love in the Corvette community, but I love mine and there are very few sports cars out there that will give you this much bang for the buck.
I agree with you.
I really like them too, I guess its like “James Bond”, who ever was the first James Bond when you saw as a kid, you automatically pick as your favorite, I’m a Roger Moore/C4 kinda guy I guess…….
Tom…don’t let that fine looking Vette distract you from that sweet old Ford tucked away in that garage!
A gold on gold automatic early C4? This should break into the four figures.
Funny how time affects perception. Back in the day this was a major milestone in Corvettes evolution. The ” new” plant in the old Chrysler Air-Temp facility in Bowling Green, etc.
I like the C4. The subject car is very presentable while maintaining a sleeper look. Drop a high hp crate motor in and enjoy.
These early C4’S are going for bargain basement prices lately, similar to 3rd generation Camaros and Firebirds. Prices are bound to increase sooner or later as the supply of good ones dry up.
I think the fact that 15 people have run the bidding all of the way up to $3,315.00 says it all.
That remains to be seen. Its usually the last day of an auction when bidding increases.
Painting the bumpers and getting the paint to match will easily cost as much as the car.
You’ll lose NCRS points though…….
I like it. Even thinking about buying it and shipping it here to UK. Seems honest car.
Good looking, honest car from what I can see. Decent mileage, good price and good condition. L98’s are solid engines and though not the most desirable the automatic will handle the car just fine. The rear rims are on backwards and not crazy about the add-on wood trim on the dash and console. Otherwise it’s something more would drive without question.
No Vats or ABS so that’s a plus for many people, This looks like a buy and drive to me.
If you care for C4’s, this is one to look into.
Great eye on the wheels 86_Vette_Convertible.
It would make a nice daily driver at this price.
Had an 86 and loved it back in the day. As long as it is tuned port and not crossfire it should be a winner
I love my 89, and I like the body style. I happen to think the last of the C3’s were rather unattractive. Many would agree the 63 to 67 are the most beautiful of any car, Corvette or other, as evidenced by the price they bring at auction.
I have found, most folks that give less than favorable opinions of the C4, know little about them, have never been in one, and certainly haven’t driven one.
This 85, is in much nicer shape than my 89. It would be a shame for the seller, if it doesn’t bring at least 5 grand. But what a deal for the buyer. Go ahead naysayers, tell me all the other cars for this kind of money, that handle like this, burn rubber like this, have 140 plus mph top speed, and get close to 30 mpg… for anywhere close to this money. I’ll wait right here.
$4,550.00 as I now read it. I like it. I just wish I could afford it. Of course, my favorite body style is the “new” ’63 StingRay, 327 FI, split window. Yup. Hands down. But, this one catches my eye.
A nice riding and handling car. Purely, a nice driver. Just a little hard to get in and out of.
I’m quite partial to the C5, with the C4 a close second….I’m wanting a Vette as a bucket list to do, and bang for the buck it will likely be a C4. Might be the least favoured model, but I recall the excitement that surrounded their roll out and in the super car market of the day, it was well deserved. This will go for good money, relative to the C4 market…it’s a beauty, and that colour rocks.
Impressive catch on the rear wheels
“Gee Wally, I don’t think they look that bad, do you?” “I dunno Beave, I kind of like ’em and they are pretty cheap”. “Let’s ask Dad.” “Good idea.”
It’s at $6.3k now .. last half a day to go so will probably top $7k. $7.3k maybe?
I almost bought a triple black C4 convertible for $9K a few years ago. Sounded nice, clean and rode pretty sweet. For some reason I decided to pass on the deal, then a month later pulled the trigger on a Millenium Yellow C5 convertible with all the options. Call me a real happy camper!
My brother bought a red Z-51 C4 Corvette brand new.
Ride & handling was a cross between an F-16 and a dump truck.
vetts’ have always not looked the greatest but they are monsters under the hood