IN THE GARAGE: 1986 Chevrolet Corvette

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE 80s stays in the 80s and for the most part, I’m ok with that. There are a few notable exceptions: Wayfarers, some catchy tunes and the fourth-generation Corvette, or C4. The C4 had some big shoes to fill. The third-gen (aka “shark” or “coke bottle”) had just finished a 15-year run; longer than just about any single bodystyle in American automotive history (not counting specialty cars like the Avanti, Excalibur, Gazelle, etc.). The C4 was instantly met with accolades from the automotive press and comparisons to formidable contemporaries such as the Nissan 300 ZX and Porsche 944 were quickly eclipsed to draw allegories to the Porsche 911 and even the Ferrari 308. While its power output was hampered by Federal mandate in the early years, its handling was world class, evidenced by stats for lateral Gs and slalom times that stood at the top of the charts for several years that followed. Like its predecessors, the Corvette was an exceptional bang for the buck. Therein lie some of its faults as well. It was such an attractive value that in the excess of the 80s, plenty of money was spared to add on body kits, “unique” paint schemes, wheel/tire combinations, lighting arrangements, etc. You get the idea. My Trapper Keeper was less gaudy. It’s really a shame too, since the pre-facelift Corvettes of ‘84-‘90 are in my opinion a beautiful shape. Iconic Corvette cues like recessed round taillights, concealed “pop-up” headlamps and curvaceous fenders combine with clean, sleek lines for what I think will prove to be the most timeless design. No added googaw necessary. Jump ahead nearly a quarter century. Finding an unmolested, as-Duntov-intended, original fourth-gen Corvette is as hard as finding music on MTV. I present you with such an example. This one’s a special piece: One owner, meticulously maintained, original and, with the exception of tires, belts and a couple other necessities, preserved as it was when it left the showroom floor.

OVERALL CONDITION
This is a very good, honest example of a C4 Corvette. It was purchased new in 1986 and remained with its one, single owner since (the owner is a family friend and although reasonably fit for 75, the C4’s ingress/egress is not one of its most accommodating attributes). The paint is original and but for a few nicks, nose chips, and some minor scuffs, looks remarkably fresh. The car has never been wrecked, tracked, or raced. No burnouts, drifts, pinks, etc. The motor is strong and sound. Not a drip anywhere. The transmission shifts smoothly through all gears. The suspension is firm, as a C4 should be, but it’s quite comfortable for highway cruising. This car is optioned with the removable glass (technically acrylic) roof panel for open-air motoring. The drawback to the open car is that it compromises body stiffness, which over time spawns ear-splitting chirps, squeaks and rattles. This car exhibits none—or I should say very little—of that. In fact, once the hard plastic (both in and out) comes to temperature and at highway speed, there are very few of the noises that the early fourth-generation Corvettes are plagued with. The gaps are perfect. Its a testament to how well the car’s been cared for and preserved. And everything works! The AC blows cold, all the switches, knobs, etc. actually do something. There’s not so much as a hint of a crack in the dash, the seats show very little wear, the carpeting is fresh with only one small spot worn by the drivers heel. It even smells like it did in ‘86.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
This car is a lot of fun to drive. Its 230 hp motor doesn’t seem like much by today’s (or earlier Corvette) standards, but it feels powerful. It’s an American V8 and it lets you know it. Compression numbers are around 160 ±10. The motor is very very solid with no signs of fatigue. Braking is excellent (improved for 1986), steering is precise. The ride is firm, which Corvette engineers intended in order to achieve the excellent performance qualities, but not bone jarring. Mated with the smooth 4-speed automatic transmission (much more reliable than the 4+3 manual of the early C4s), it makes for spirited yet relaxed driving. It’s an excellent example of what I call a pleasure-performance car. Having said that, I can’t quite determine what the C4 was supposed to be about. It’s generally regarded as a sports car, but I have a hard time classifying a 3,400 lb. car with a 5.7 litre motor as that. Do I then lump it into the catch-all GT category? Grand it is, but I don’t think I would want to do any significant touring with it. With the removable top in the storage area, there’s very little space left for so much as a lunch. With the top fixed in place, I suppose it could be adequate for a day tour or even overnight trip as long as it’s solo or you both pack light, but that still leaves the issue of its firm ride combined with overly soft seats (perhaps to compensate for the ride?). It’s fine for a couple of hours but undoubtedly after much more than that, it will create some fatigue. So, it’s not a sports car, nor a GT. Muscle car? Doesn’t really fit either. Perhaps a sporty but not sports car? Too Celica. Maybe it’s simply a toy. A realization of a childhood dream or an achievement in life that combines looks, performance, lifestyle, and history in a way that few marques or nameplates can. At least not for under $10K.