1986 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

If there's a bigger performance bang for the buck than the C4 Corvette, I'm not sure what it might be. Even almost thirty years later, this 1986 Corvette offers handling (thanks to the coveted Z51 handling package) that'll embarrass more than 80% of today's cars, powerful brakes, and the legendary L98 small block V8. With just over 86,000 original miles, this clean and unmolested Corvette coupe is a heck of a lot of horsepower and handling for the price of a 3-year-old Hyundai.

Purchased from a GM executive employee when it had just 4000 miles, this Corvette has been in long-term ownership with a guy who clearly loved the car and cared for it. The burgundy paint gives this Corvette a sophisticated look that is a pleasant change from all the bright red and black C4s you see just about everywhere you go. It received a full paint job in 1996 which remains in very good condition today, with only a few very minor signs of age. Corvettes aren't made of metal, so there's obviously no rust or damage to the bodywork, and the doors, as with most C4s, close with a reassuring thunk. Both the front and rear bumpers are in good condition with no cracking or discoloration, and I, for one, have always liked the high-mounted light atop the B-pillar hoop, which reminds me of the mighty ZR-1.

The tan leather interior was part of Corvette's state-of-the-art presentation, and GM poured every bit of tech they could dream up into the 'Vette. The articulating sport seats are some of the most comfortable ever fitted to a GM car, even today, and it's easy to find just the right position. There's a bit of wear on the outer bolster, as you'd expect, but the leather overall is in good condition and certainly commensurate with its age and mileage. The door panels are excellent the carpets are original, but the steering wheel is showing some above-average wear that could probably be addressed with some conditioner and a deep cleaning. The digital dash was perfectly in tune with the tech-happy 1980s and Corvettes came loaded with options like power windows and locks, A/C, a tilt wheel, and a decent AM/FM/cassette stereo, all of which are fully functional in this car. The trunk area under the hatch is reasonably-sized and in excellent condition, thanks to a fitted mat with the Corvette logo on it.

Power comes from Chevy's legendary 350 cubic inch V8, designated the L98 in the Corvette. In 1986, it made 230 horsepower and torque was an impressive 330. It starts with a bark from the exhaust system and is at its best in cut-and-thrust driving where it's perhaps the ultimate point-and-shoot machine. It's also very easy to modify, but this one remains bone stock and runs like new thanks to extensive maintenance since it was new (receipts included). Linked to a 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive, it's a fine grand touring machine whose road manners and performance were much improved over earlier models. Of note, the A/C has been fully rebuilt and uses R134a refrigerant, so it'll be easy to service in the future, and it wears original wheels with a machined finish that still looks good, all wrapped in 255/50/16 performance radials.

This car is also nicely documented with the original window sticker, owner's manual, and extensive maintenance records. If you need a low-cost way to have some fun and get into the hobby with some of the best enthusiasts around, this might be the answer. Call now!