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Rare Color: 1990 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Rarity claims for any classic must be treated cautiously because they sometimes don’t stand close scrutiny. However, that is not the case with this 1990 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. The company built a respectable number of these cars in 1990, but the unusual paint shade helps this Convertible stand out. It is one of the more unusual chosen by buyers, and the presentation of this one-owner classic is almost impossible to fault. The Corvette is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Woodburn, Oregon. The seller set their price at $22,000, but will consider reasonable offers. I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty.

Chevrolet’s C4 Corvette has long been the sleeper of the classic world, but with values climbing recently, it seems a new generation of enthusiasts is embracing these cars. The company produced 23,646 Corvettes in 1990, but this car’s paint shade is the talking point. The first owner ordered it in Code 42 Turquoise Metallic, and only 589 vehicles rolled off the line wearing that shade. The seller drills down further, stating that only 189 were the drop-top derivative. I haven’t confirmed the final figure, but various reputable sources confirm the first. The seller is passionate about the car’s condition, stating that an in-person inspection will not reveal a single paint flaw. That is a brave claim, although nothing is visible in the supplied photos. The exterior shines like a mirror, complemented by arrow-straight panels and 17″ alloy wheels that are flawless. I hesitate to describe the condition as “showroom.” Still, it is the nicest unrestored C4 of this vintage I have seen for a long time. The seller doesn’t mention rust, and its garage-kept history should ensure it is structurally sound. The glass is crystal clear, and the ‘Vette comes with a color-matched factory hardtop.

The biggest hurdle faced by the C4 Corvette was that it hit the market powered by an engine that many believed was substandard. The days of the Corvette as a fire-breathing sports car seemed a distant memory, but the company evolved the 5.7-liter V8 during the entire C4 production run. Early buyers had 205hp and 290 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal, delivering a ¼-mile ET of 15.5 seconds in four-speed automatic form. This car should churn out 245hp and 340 ft/lbs, and while the curb weight had climbed slightly since 1984, the ET of 15 seconds and a top speed of 151mph demonstrated that Chevrolet was making gains. Of course, outright performance wasn’t the sole focus, with this ‘Vette scoring standard power steering and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Potential buyers seeking a turnkey C4 will find much to like with this car. It has a genuine 28,000 miles on the clock and has always been treated respectfully. It runs and drives perfectly, with the original Window Sticker part of the included documentation.

The first owner pulled out all the stops when ordering this Corvette, loading its interior with factory options. Standard items like the power windows, power locks, cruise control, side window defoggers, and driver’s airbag are supplemented by climate-control air conditioning, leather trim, six-way power seats, and a premium Delco/Bose stereo incorporating an AM/FM radio/cassette/CD player. The leather exhibits the typical wrinkles that develop with age, but no signs of wear or abuse are visible in the limited interior shots. The seller recently upgraded the A/C with R134a refrigerant, allowing the system to blow ice-cold. There are no identified faults or problems, suggesting this drop-top is ready for summer fun.

This 1990 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is a stunning car, but it has to be to justify the seller’s price. It is in the upper echelons for a C4 Convertible, although its condition and odometer reading go mighty close to making it realistic. Whether the rare color adds to its value is debatable, but it undoubtedly helps it to stand out. Would you pay the price for this pampered ‘Vette if you were in the market, or would you make a respectful offer? It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback.

Comments

  1. Terry

    Can this be right? “the ET of 15 seconds and a top speed of 151mph ”

    Very nice car.

    Like 9
    • Harvey Harvey Member

      Like my friend Merv was so fond of saying” they had a good speedometer in that one”.

      Like 7
    • Frank Sumatra

      No, it is not correct. The top speed could be 150mph, not the 1/4 mile speed.

      Like 5
  2. KC

    Nice C4, asking price is correct considering that clean C4’s are increasing in value.

    Like 10
  3. Bamapoppy

    What’s not to like? Black leather in the south? In a convert Ouch!

    Like 10
  4. Steven Smith

    Absolutely Stunning

    Like 7
  5. Nelson C

    That color was seemingly everywhere for a very short time. Looks really good on this Vette especially with the matching roof. What these didn’t have in acceleration they made up for in top speed. The C4 gave a lot of exotics competition at a bargain price.

    Like 5
  6. Henry Davis Member

    That hardtop is worth a couple of grand. And, if your state allows it, removing the cats really wakes up the performance. Mine has a lot more miles on it than this one, so cat removal probably helped mine more than it would this one. Only one 02 sensor before the cat, so doesn’t affect anything…except E.T. and noise. To my ears sounds just right.

    Like 7
  7. Marshall

    For 22 thousand he should have redid the seats then it would have been perfect. 17 would be a better price. If he wanted to sell.

    Like 5
    • crankyshaft

      While $22K is on the high side (17k is more like it), the black color really shows the creases more than lighter colors. GM used squirrel hides for their Vette leather seats in 1990. I used to have a 1990 Vette w/black seats–the wear in these actually is commensurate with the mileage advertised.

      This color was all the rage for about 1990-1993 industrywide. Not being black or red in a Vette is usually a deduct.

      Like 0
  8. MotorCoop MotorCoop

    Hi Everybody, It’s a great color with factory OEM wheels. C4’s are wonderful and worth the investment. Buy this one.

    Like 7
  9. AndyinMA

    Sometimes a convertible Vette with a hard top looks better than the coupe!

    Like 13
  10. Jim Druckenmiller

    I would go $20K easily if the car was as advertised. My only problem is the same one the current owner has – old guy with bad knees.Maybe it is time for that Corvette SUV :)

    Like 0
  11. Dave Peterson

    The only way this is worth $20,000 is if there is $10k in the console. It is still a gasping restricted engine reflective of the times. I have been told a rising tide floats all boats, but people are reading their own headlines and grasping at straws if this is their “halo” car.

    Like 2
    • KC

      Coming from another non-owning C4 naysayer, Bahhhhh Bahhhhh.

      Like 6
      • Dave Peterson

        I have owned three. Does experience still count?

        Like 2
    • crankyshaft

      In a world where guys are trying to get $8k for their junkyard-bound Pinto Mustang II’s and $9800 for parts car Road Runners…….this ain’t too bad at all. C4’s are the best bargains out there.

      Like 0
  12. BK

    I really hope the seller gets close to the asking price, but just because the color is rare, doesn’t mean it’s worth more. Sometimes there’s a reason why a certain color is rare, and it’s mostly because it’s not a very popular color. I never was a fan of the teal or turquoise colors back in the 90s, but if you are a fan, then I guess you’ll have to pay more for it now.

    Like 2
    • Eric in NC

      NBA Charlotte Hornets basketball players would love that color in 1989 ordering from Rick Hendricks Chevrolet. 😊

      Like 1
  13. Frank Sumatra

    $20,000+ Corvette all day long. Go find another one in that condition.

    Like 6
  14. samiam

    And SOLD! I’m happy for the seller and the new owner, too!

    Like 6
  15. tomvanhouten

    I would say $11,000 tops

    Like 0
  16. mick

    Dang! Gone before I could even leave a comment! That was a killer deal!

    Like 3
  17. Wren Harper

    One beautiful example of the Vette linage. I wish I had a 5 car garage to house it. With two old Porsches and a Bugeye to boot, my wife will shoot me if I bring another car home.
    Best of luck to the buyer. One who knows the value of Vette, will take the 22k out of the “piggy bank”

    Like 0
  18. Skip Maniscalco

    Beautiful car. Had a 1989 with same engine. Loved the car and regret selling. Biggest issues were headlight motors and injectors. Is your vette an auto transmission model?

    Like 0
  19. PRA4SNW PRA4SNW Member

    The ad says “RELISTED” now.

    Very nice car if you are looking for this color and an automatic.
    Me, I will take any other color with a manual.

    Like 0

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