Original Owner Convertible: 1986 Convertible Corvette

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.