1986 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

The Corvette hobby is one of the best in all of the automotive kingdom, with enthusiastic owners, great events, and, obviously, fantastic cars. This 1986 Chevrolet Corvette is a fast, fun entry-level 'Vette with a known ownership history, zero modifications, and an appealing color combination.

This car was purchased new in 1986 and passed down from father to son, so you could almost call it a one-owner car. It was originally bronze, which was popular in 1986, but at some point it was repainted a more contemporary black. It's rather rare to find an unmodified Corvette of this vintage, but this one has led a very easy life as a fair-weather toy. The bodywork remains in great shape, and while Corvettes of this period are known for being hardcore, this one has aged very gracefully with no cracks or obvious signs of hard use, and the shiny paint is holding up well even though it's probably more than a few years old. Sure, it's got a few signs of use but I much prefer this look to the original bronze and I bet you do, too. The black rub strip that surrounds the body adds contrast and shows no UV damage, and it comes with two tops, both black, of course. For a car that's more than three decades old, this one looks a fraction of its age.

The C4 had a state-of-the-art interior in 1986 and it has aged well, both in terms of design and in this car's case, preservation as well. The leather seats are called "Graphite" and it works extremely well with the black bodywork. Showing minimal wear save for some scuffing on the driver's outer bolster, the interior is comfortable and inviting, but definitely performance-oriented with a driver-centric instrument panel full of digital gauges. Carpets and door panels show similar excellent preservation, as does the cargo area out back. Turn the key and the dash comes to life, and you have all the options at your fingertips: A/C, power windows and locks, cruise control, and an AM/FM/cassette stereo that still sounds pretty darned good. The top stows in the cargo area, so open-air motoring is just a few seconds away, and there are rubber floor mats to keep things looking fresh.

Torquey and as reliable as a mule, the 350 cubic inch L98 under the hood provided Corvette power for years and remains one of GM's better efforts. It's also insanely easy to modify, with a vast aftermarket designed around it. But a modified engine is also one that's been used hard, but you're in luck because this one remains bone stock. From the distinctive intake manifold to the finned aluminum valve covers, it remains clean and well-maintained, and thanks to GM electronics, it still starts instantly and idles like it should every single time. In fact, we have maintenance records dating back to 1986, so you know it's been loved! The 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission snaps off downshifts with only a light prod, yet cruises effortlessly at highway speeds and actually pulls down decent fuel mileage. The exhaust system is somewhat recent and sounds awesome, the suspension still delivers impressive grip, and the brakes are as powerful as ever. Even the original 16-inch alloys are in excellent shape with only some light discoloration and wear fat 255/50/16 front and 255/55/16 rear performance radials.

It's hard to go wrong with a Corvette of any kind, but this one that includes a ton of documentation, factory books, and a bargain-basement price. Call today!