1988 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

One thing the Corvette guys do well is special editions. A true product of the '80s, this well-preserved 1988 30th Anniversary Edition Corvette is extremely original and still quite striking. Showing just 21,495 original miles, it's a slam-dunk in preservation class competition, and if you want a distinctive, fast car to enjoy, just throw on the modern C6 chrome wheels and have one of the most unique 'Vettes around.

The all-white paint job was ostensibly a tribute to the Polo White 1953 Corvette, and the C4 wears it well. Aside from the chin, it wears 100% original paint, a soft shade that's not harsh refrigerator white, but more classic like the original. The black top hoop helps the greenhouse disappear, making it look like a jet fighter canopy rather than just another Corvette. Fit and finish are quite good, particularly after all these years, and the doors still close with that solid sound that surprises non-Corvette owners. The giant clamshell hood also snugs down nicely and the hatch glass is in exceptional condition. The monochromatic look extends even to the badges and emblems, with a white-on-black CORVETTE insignia on the tail and very subtle 35th anniversary badging on the sides right above the "gills."

Anniversary models only came one way inside: white leather with black dash and carpets. OK, so it looks a little bit Buck Rogers (the '80s version), but that's part of the appeal. And for white leather, the seats are SHOCKINGLY nice, with very minor signs of use but no discoloration or damage, which is remarkable. The matching white steering wheel is the center point of the entire interior and is still bright white, not faded, yellowed, or dirty, again indicative of lots of care over the years. The full digital dash helps with the spaceship look and the controls include a cool computer system that allows you to customize the in-dash displays. It's loaded with just about every single option, including A/C, power windows, seats, and locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a reasonably powerful AM/FM/cassette stereo that easily overcomes the wind when the top is off. Black carpets are protected by custom-tailored floor mats and the cargo area looks virtually untouched. And as brash as it is, the combination is pretty slick-looking when you see it in person.

The venerable L98 350 cubic inch V8 provides motive force, and as one of the most reliable versions of the small block Chevy ever built, it's ready to play. With torque everywhere in the powerband, it's always on its toes, ready to pounce. It shows off its low-mileage status with a very clean, crisp, and well-detailed engine bay that has obviously been very well maintained. Only maintenance items have been replaced, everything else is stock, which is somewhat of a rarity in Corvettes of this vintage, but obviously this one is special. It's backed by a 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission and one of the most competent chassis of the period. Quite clean and very original underneath, it appears that even the exhaust system is OEM. And as I mentioned, this car comes with both the original white-finished 17-inch wheels and 275/40/17 Goodyear Gatorbacks and a set of modern chrome C6 alloys wearing 18-inch performance rubber.

This is a lot of unique, high-performance fun for not a lot of cash, and it'll always be welcome at the big Corvette events. Call today!