The fourth generation of “America’s Sports Car,’ known casually as C4, was rolled out for the 1984 model year. Most Corvette fans are well acquainted with the C4 cars, as they represent one of the biggest technological leaps forward in the car’s long history. Here we track the year-by-year changes to the C4 ‘Vette, and pass along a few fun facts along the way.
Corvette Fun Facts: C1 (1953-1961)
Corvette Fun Facts C3 (1968-1982)
1984
Base horsepower: 205
Maximum available horsepower: 205
Calendar-year sales: 51,547
If someone tells you they have a 1983 Corvette, they may not be lying. Chevy built 47 ‘Vettes with 1983 serial numbers, none of which made it to a dealership. The last known ’83 resides at the Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
1985
Base horsepower: 230
Maximum available horsepower: 235
Calendar-year sales: 39,729
The “C4” was the longest and widest Corvette to date. Compared to the 1953 original, the new Vettes were almost 10 inches longer, four inches wider, and about 400 pounds heavier. They were also about $20,000 more expensive.
1986
Base horsepower: 235
Maximum available horsepower: 235
Calendar-year sales: 35,109
In 1986, the average new car now costs $12,530, nearly half the base price $27,027 of new Corvette coupe. Still have room in the budget? Consider adding the $1025 leather sport seats and the $895 Bose audio system.
1987
Base horsepower: 240
Maximum available horsepower: 240
Calendar-year sales: 30,642
Apparently there was room at General Motors for two V8-powered two-seat sports car. New for 1987, the Cadillac Allanté boasted a Pininfarina-designed body, 170-horsepower and a sobering $54,700 price tag.
1988
Base horsepower: 240
Maximum available horsepower: 245
Calendar-year sales: 23,239
Just 700 1988 Corvettes were ordered without the power driver’s seat, a distinction that makes them more bizarre than collectible. Known for its kidney crushing effect on ride quality, the Z51 suspension package could be had for $1295.
1989
Base horsepower: 240
Maximum available horsepower: 245
Calendar-year sales: 26,412
Though still a model year away from official production, 84 of the brutal ZR1 “Corvettes From Hell” were built for photography and press evaluation. Legend has it that none made it into consumer hands.
1990
Base horsepower: 245
Maximum available horsepower: 375
Calendar-year sales: 23,646
Not only did 1990 bring Corvette its first over-head cam engine as part of the ZR1 package, but also its first factory CD player as well. The in-dash player came only as part of the $1,219 Delco Bose audio system.
1991
Base horsepower: 245
Maximum available horsepower: 375
Calendar-year sales: 20,639
Corvettes were among the first domestically produced vehicles to sport speed-rated tires. The ‘Vette’s “Z-rated” Goodyears were designed for sustained travel at speeds in excess of 149 mph. Tell that to the judge.
1992
Base horsepower: 300
Maximum available horsepower: 375
Calendar-year sales: 20,479
It took about forty years for the millionth Corvette to come rolling off the assembly line. Like production car number one, the landmark sports car was white with a red interior. You can visit the Millionth ‘Vette at the Corvette Museum.
1993
Base horsepower: 300
Maximum available horsepower: 405
Calendar-year sales: 21,590
After the $31,683 ZR1 Special Performance Package, the most expensive 1993 Corvette option was the Z07 Adjustable Suspension Package. Only had $50 to spare? Try the G92 3.15 axle for a little extra squirt off the line.
1994
Base horsepower: 300
Maximum available horsepower: 405
Calendar-year sales: 23,330
The National Corvette Museum opened its doors in 1994. In addition to the ‘Vette museum and factory, Bowling Green Kentucky is also home of Mammoth Cave and the Mammoth Cave Wax Museum.
1995
Base horsepower: 300
Maximum available horsepower: 405
Calendar-year sales: 20,742
“Run-flat” tires were becoming a popular option. The tires added only $70 to the window sticker, but had a reputation for making the ‘Vette’s already firm ride even less comfortable.
1996
Base horsepower: 300
Maximum available horsepower: 330
Calendar-year sales: 21,536
Chevy offered a removable hardtop to help Corvette convertible owners cope with off-season weather, but at $1995, most buyers passed. Of the 4369 ragtops sold in ’96, only 429 came with the optional top.
