Corvette enthusiasts, we need some help: this 1988 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is listed as a special edition model of which only 100 were made. The claim to fame is the so-called “Ice Blue” paint, which is paired with an equally-striking blue leather interior. I’ve always liked the C4 Corvettes with the rare blue interior, as the color is very period-correct. The Corvette’s paint job is supposedly what makes it a special edition model, but I can’t find much out there confirming its status as a limited production offering. The Corvette is listed here on eBay for $32,000.
That’s a chunk of change for any C4 Corvette, even one with just under 30,000 original miles like this one has. Chevrolet was certainly no stranger to special edition models, especially with its big-ticket sellers like the Corvette, but I didn’t see any obvious connection between the color and the seller’s claim that only 100 were made. In a world where 1,000s of copies of a car can qualify it as being “limited production”, especially in the muscle car category, you would think a C4 Corvette where only 100 were produced would be notable (and well documented). The paint is quite striking, and looks great with the white top.
It’s the interior that truly gets me, however. First off, the bucket seats on a C4 Corvette were simply ridiculous in terms of the thick bolsters and low-slung seating position. The matching blue seat belts make this triple-blue color scheme even more unique. The door panels also tie in the exterior paint job to the cockpit, and it really does have the “vibe” of being a limited offering trim for the C4 chassis. But shouldn’t there be more evidence of it? When you look at the variety of Corvettes with low production numbers, they are generally all accounted for. We know all about the Indy Pace Cars, the Gran Sport, Callaways, the ZR-1 – has anyone ever heard of these special Ice Blue cars?
The seller reports that the Corvette is equipped with a custom stereo, and that the rear limited slip differential was recently rebuilt. The L98 will be an easy engine to live with for the next caretaker, with low cost of ownership and a reliable 240 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque to dig into on weekend drives. The Corvette crowd is known for its due diligence on details involving production numbers and option codes, so I’m sure it won’t be long before the true value of this Ice Blue paint scheme is known. If nothing else, it’s an attractive Corvette with low miles, but is that enough to drive the nearly $33,000 asking price?
This car is painted medium blue metallic which anyone could order and there were 1148 made. There was nothing “limited” about this car. It is a beautiful color combo but the limited edition stuff in the ad is BS. I’d give him $14000 on a good day.
If there’s something in the VIN that makes it a “limited edition” car, then maybe its worth the asking price but otherwise you’re right. I seriously doubt you’d find any documentation proving the car’s “uniqueness”
You are very generous! I wouldn’t go in the 5 figures for this. It’s an automatic convertible from a model year well before the major C4 updates.
This is going to have a very limited market when you go to sell it. So even if you just think it’s to die for, you have to be smart with your money too.
Yes, the paint is really attractive, as is the whole car, but over $30k worth..? Mmmm not so fast. 240 hp means the Vette hadn’t really woken up from its over a decade-long performance slumber yet, and I agree with the author, who’s to say the color makes it a true classic? $20k may be more palatable.
Sure, it’s nice, but other than the paint color, what makes it special? You can buy really nice C5 all day long for a fraction if this cars asking price, which will significantly outperform this car.
People like/want to think their car is special, thus more valuable, that more often than not, not the case. He’s likely find out the hard way and drop his price or have it sit on the market for a really long time.
Steve R
Aqua Velva Ice Blue.
My favorite!
I don’t believe i would ever consider a 1988 Corvette rare, no matter what color.
but a 1988 Corvette out accelerating a Buick Grand National would be rare.
:~)
The color is actually very nice and the color keyed belts make it even better. Of course as an 80’s era GM the interior plastics are faded as the steering wheel but it’s not something that a good week end’s worth of shampoo’s, polishes and so can’t bring back. Engine bay is nice also. But for that price ???? At least put back the oem radio. Around 20 would be more reasonable
I like C4’s, an 88 with 30K miles is good, automatic makes it less attractive to some. Sorry though, I don’t think it’s a $30K car. $8K-$10K maybe, but not $30K. It’s the owner’s car so he can ask what he wants but personally, I don’t think he’ll get it.
Ever been to Temecula, CA.? If you don’t wear a wide brimmed hat you tend to receive what the locals call “baked brain syndrome”.
All I have on this “rare” 1988 35th anniversary Chevrolet Corvette, I think..
Thats a 9-12K car- not more
Checking the Corvette “Bible” ( Corvette black book), I found no mention of any limited edition Ice blue Corvettes being built. However there is a note of 5 code 66 dark orange Corvettes that were built for pilot production. It is worth noting that GM was having supplier troubles for air conditioners and had to outsource with a company called Nippondenso, which turned out to be not very reliable compressor units. Also, 50 Corvettes were outsourced for roll cage and other gear for competition in the SCCA.
Oh hum another automatic transmission Corvette. With a price not applicable to the market.
And that coming from a C4 fan.
Plus blue is a bad luck vehicle color for me. Everyone I have ever owned was totaled. AND I didn’t even have to be in the car, nor did the keys!
That blue interior is sweet. I’d like it more with a darker blue paint. Modest Vette with an obscene asking price.
Looking at the seller’s other items, they are a car dealership and all of their offerings look to be at least 10K overpriced.
Shoot, they’ve got us old rodders figured out.
Not this old rodder! Full disclosure, I am not exactly a fan of the C4 Corvette even though I have one, but that’s a story for another time. 30K for a C4, any C4, is not realistic, and for an ’88 automatic it’s in looney tunes territory!
I have an absolutely mint all black 2000 FRC that I purchased new, and it is probably worth 10 grand less than the asking price of this one.
This is a 10 to 12 K car on a good day.
$32,000??? BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
I worked at the Corvette plant from 1977/06. This Ice Blue special edition was never built at the Corvette plant in Bowling Green,KY. We painted 1021 Light Blue Metallic & 2041 Medium Blue Metallic.