For a car that made a significant impact on American culture, the early C4 Corvettes still wallow at the low end of the collector car spectrum. I understand these were far from the high point of muscle car history, but the C4s like this 1984 model appeared on almost every platform, from the big screen to game show giveaways. You’d think something so iconic would be worth more, but as this very nice, one-owner new car trade example shows us, you can still buy an icon for very reasonable money. Find it here on eBay with bidding just over $3K and no reserve.
The seller describes this one-owner example as a recent trade in on a new car. 88,000 miles isn’t exactly time-capsule grade digits, but it does point to an owner that obviously enjoyed a regular sunny-day jaunt with the car. I say sunny days only because the paint looks too good to have done much commuting in the slop, and the same goes for the brushed aluminum wheels, which show no signs of corrosion. The paint is believed to be original, albeit with the occasional rock chip or paint scrape. Overall, the exterior cosmetics look more than respectable.
Inside, you’ll find my favorite color combination of red over red, with those classic Corvette bucket seats exhibiting some signs of wear. The matching red carpets are a great look as well, but those, too, bear the scars of an owner who clearly enjoyed driving this Corvette. It is saddled with the automatic transmission, like so many others, but the seller notes it shifts correctly with no evidence of fluids leaking. The rest of the cabin looks fine, if not slightly tired all the way around. Still, there’s nothing I see here that can’t be fixed with a steam cleaner and a visit to the upholstery shop.
Now, I know the story behind why these Corvettes remain unloved. And there’s no shortage of commentary about the lackluster performance from the 5.7L V8, but these were tough years to build a performance car. Fortunately, this generation of the Corvette could be optioned straight from the factory with a fairly robust handling package, but upgrades are easy to make if this example has the standard shocks and springs. With a clean body, known ownership history, and generally good condition, an early C4 like this represents a cheap way to get into classic muscle car ownership.
Seats look a little rough but if you want whole new seats even pre-installed it’s about $1K, about $700 for covers only.
Car looks pretty good, even for an automatic. Many bad mouth the crossfire engine but that was used in the C3’s and I believe some Camaros so it’s not unique. Interesting comment, “No major leaks”. Sounds like there’s some kind of leak there.
Looks like it could a decent driver at a reasonable price currently.
I was about 21 when these cars came out and working for an auto wholesaler. My boss and a couple of buddies got their mitts on these through some back door deal before they had hit the roads in any numbers. Back at that time these cars seemed so exotic. No one had ever seen tires so wide. The impact back then was just as amazing as the new mid engine one is today. It makes me wonder if 30 some years from now you will be able to pick one of today’s new Corvettes for throw away car money.
This car is gorgeous, especially being 36 years old, it looks exactly like a car I traded in on a 93 Cp. in Philly. I always wanted that car back, it was one of the most trouble free Vettes I ever owned.
If the price stays below 4,500, and it should, this could be a fun autocross or drift car.
A nice car to start with if you want a Corvette. I can’t explain why but there seems to be a disproportionate number of 84’s to survive–always seems to be one for sale in my local Auto Trader.
With over 51,000 built, the 1984 was by far the most popular of all the C4 models. In fact, it was the second most popular Corvette in history next to the 1979 model. I also think because it was a first-year model, people had a greater propensity to store them, thinking they were going to be valuable someday.
Plus, with no ’83 model, buyers were tired of waiting!
Just bought an 84 corvette identical to this one but only 31k miles. My seats and carpets are pristine but I did pay more for mine than this. By today’s standards the 350 crossfire is a dog but for 84 it was about as good as it got. Heck of a handler too. Hope this goes to a good home
With over 51,000 built, the 1984 was by far the most popular of all the C4 models. In fact, it was the second most popular Corvette in history next to the 1979 model. I also think because it was a first-year model, people had a greater propensity to store them, thinking they were going to be valuable someday.
Wife and I bought a brand new one in ‘84. Owned it until ‘93. It was a daily driver for all those years. Had factory recalls for red paint turning pink, cruise control activating without warning while driving, and rear differential locking up while driving. For the potential buyer, research factory TSB , if possible, for these problems. BTW, ours was same color combo. Fun to drive and not too bad on performance.
Well mine hasn’t had the recall done apparently because there are areas where the red paint is turning pink. Think they’ll still warranty it? LOL
SOLD for $4,350.