Being the original owner of a vintage or classic car can be a pretty special feeling. After all, you’re the caretaker of a vehicle that has typically traded hands several times by this point. In the case of a C4 Chevrolet Corvette, you’re not alone, as plenty of first owners have held onto these cars in hopes of a future spike in values. But aside from that, plenty of Corvette enthusiasts have owned them for many years simply because they’re great cars – reasonably quick, cheap to maintain, and part of a large community of fellow fans. This 1986 Corvette convertible listed here on craigslist by the original owner presents quite well and the seller is asking $17,000.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find. I’m not sure if I haven’t seen a C4 convertible in a while or if it’s just an unusual color combo, but I am digging the camel-colored top with the traditional red finish. This is a handsome car, regardless of your feelings about the C4. It’s still a looker, too, which is one of the C4’s saving graces. All these years later, it’s clear that GM’s designers absolutely nailed this major overhaul of its marquee sports car. The “salad shooter” alloy wheels look brand new, along with the soft top and rear glass.
The camel coordination continues to the interior, where the original leather interior is holding up nicely. I’m guessing the owner didn’t take passengers too often, as the driver’s seat shows signs of wear that the passenger bucket does not. The adjustable sport seats are a hallmark of the C4, and I’d venture they’re even slightly difficult to get out of if your hips or knees are giving you fits. While they made a ton of C4s, it’s always refreshing to see one that’s been loved since new, and the listing confirms it has been used sparingly with just 14,000 miles on the clock.
The ad also mentions that the original owner is now 88 years old, so he has clearly enjoyed his time with the Corvette. It’s listed for sale in Michigan, so it hasn’t ventured far from home, and the seller also confirms it hasn’t seen any snow in its time in the Mid-West. In 1986, the L98 was good for 230 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque, more than enough to make for an excellent Saturday night cruiser. Hopefully, it has a thick stack of records to go along with it so the next owner can confirm they can simply enjoy and drive without too much deferred maintenance to tackle.
Nice Corvette kept well by owner.
This is almost as nice as the 83 tucked away in the special garage.
Seriously.. i hope it finds a new caregiver to care for like current host.
Very nice car – only a few of these left unfortunately. People don’t realize how nice of a vehicle these Corvettes actually are. When taken care of they run extremely well; handle great and surprisingly are pretty good on gas. Once you are inside the vehicle they are quite comfortable and very luxurious. I have a 65 Corvette and the difference is night and day.
What happened to the $7407 – $11,196 the C4 is suppose to bring?
There must be something in the water. $17000 for a l98 corvette ?
A first year C4 convertible, sold by original owner with only 14,000 miles.
How did they resist not driving it?
The biggest issue with the C4 was getting in & out of these cars. I worked at the Corvette plants, one in St. Louis & then in 82 I came to Bowling Green, KY, where the plant is located now. Even at the age of 34, when we built the C4 a lot of us shared these same feelings. I guess the engineering team got the word & made a big change in the Floorboard design because it was so much easier to get in & out of.
I would agree, getting in and out can be a chore ( 50+), I just kinda fall in LOL
I have also visited the plant for tours 6 times ! always a blast !
I bought a non running 89 vert , white , white top and red interior, beautiful car , 40 ,000 kilometers
I was surprised the first time i really pushed it in a curve , great handling and relatively smooth ride compared to my boxster !
But , the no trunk thing did not fly with me so, i sold it
Had a gorgeous 90 coupe black with light grey leather spotless interior auto with 40k miles on it about 7 years ago. Picked it up for $5k after selling my 97 e36 m3 coupe…!! Always wanted a vette .. Ingress and egress was rough, ride was even rougher… Supposedly the c5 was vastly improved upon.. Although I still think they are one of the prettiest cars built I still describe it as the most beautiful car I ever hated…