1984: The new Corvette model is made available to the world, and it is beyond the bounds of its predecessor in aesthetic design and chassis design. Molded plastics replaced fiberglass panels, creating a wedge design that even Giugiaro himself must have been honored to see. Inside LCDs were used in the instrument panels and center console. Interior designers focused on creating a more driver-centric seating position with controls and panels centrally-curved to favor the driver’s ergonomics. The suspension and braking systems were all revised with dieting and performance in mind. It was a Corvette of the modern era, a completely fresh start from the previous Corvette generations designed and managed by the father of the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntov. As such, it set the bar for performance that its successors are still adhering to this day.
Twelve years later, the C4 had run its course and was due for a replacement, but not without one final hurrah. Chevrolet decided to send it off with a choice selection of some of the best equipment they had accumulated from different variants during production, named the Z15 package. Only 5,412 Collector Editions (Z15 package) were made and the example we are selling today represents itself as 1 of only 68 formed into a convertible, with Sebring Silver Metallic paint, and a red interior. Initially purchased in Missouri, this Corvette has been loveling cared for in Montana and now resides in California with a clean Carfax, a clean California title, and a history detailed in service records. Currently, the ‘Vette sits with 43,000 miles on the odometer and is looking for new blood to get behind the wheel.
Selecting the Collector Edition Corvette option purchased you the 5.7-liter LT4, which was shared with the contemporary Grand Sport model. This motor netted you a virulent V8 capable of vivifying any driver with 330 horsepower and 340 lbs-feet of torque – wicked numbers even by 2018 metrics. This example possesses the 6-speed manual gearbox so you will be able to enjoy ringing it out to redline at 6,300rpm fully! That power is sent to the rear wheels, which are the same 5-spoke versions as the ZR-1 that set seven FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) records for endurance and speed at 175mph in 1990. Recently fitted (2016) to those wheels were a new set of Nitto NT555 tires and the brakes are in excellent working order.
Adorning the exterior was the exclusive Sebring Silver Metallic paint (option code 13) that is slightly scuffed in the front right bumper and has several chips out front. The seller also notes that the black convertible top folds down into a red decklid cover that has developed a small crack. Stock lighting (pop-up headlights) were kept, and the seller has elected to included spare Collector Edition badging with the sale. Inside, the two-tone red leather and black trim indeed invoke the passionate spirit of the Corvettes performance proficiency. The sports seats, standard on the Collector Edition, have a “Collector Edition” script stitched into the headrest. The interior leather is in sublime condition, although some wear is noticeable on the sun visors. Supplying you with sound is a Bose-Delco stereo system with a cassette player (option PEG1) and a CD player (option U1F). The analog and digital gauges and instrumentation still operate and present clear information and the electronic AC system still provides cold relief during those hot days.
Conclusively, the C4 Corvette, especially the final model years is an underappreciated gem of performance. Our Collector Edition simply adds to that mistakenly overlooked performance with the exclusivity of having only 68 siblings. The current owner still has the original Collector Edition and Grand Sport model booklets and manuals and has even installed a new Optima battery. If there was ever a time to get into a Corvette, this is the model to do it with.
