Make: | Chevrolet |
Model: | Corvette |
Type: | Coupe |
Trim: | Base Hatchback 2-Door |
Doors: | 2 |
Year: | 1985 |
Mileage: | 28,355 |
VIN: | 1G1YY0788F5115246 |
Color: | Other |
Engine: | 5.7 Liter L98 V8 |
Cylinders: | 8 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | Manual |
Drive type: | RWD |
Interior color: | Other |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Local pick-up only |
The Corvette hobby is one of the best in all of the automotive kingdom, with enthusiastic owners, great events, and, obviously, fantastic cars. This 1985 Corvette is quite possibly the nicest of its kind anywhere, yet it's still an insanely affordable fast, fun, entry-level 'Vette with no vices, excellent originality, and a lot of awards behind it, including NCRS Top Flight.
It's rather rare to find an unmodified Corvette of this vintage, but this one has obviously led a very easy life as a fair-weather toy. Showing just 28,355 original miles, 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 Torch Red paint suggests that someone spent a lot of Saturday afternoons lovingly washing and waxing its sleek surface. The slippery paint itself is ideal, the perfect look for Chevy's flagship sports car, and if you think a red Corvette can't be a hardcase, guess again, because this one rocks. The black rub strip that surrounds the body adds contrast and shows no UV damage and with those big wheels, the stance is exactly right. For a car that's more than three decades old, this one looks a fraction of its age, which probably explains why it was on display at the National Corvette Museum for several years. They just don't get much nicer.
The C4 had a state-of-the-art interior in 1985 and it has aged well, both in terms of design and in this car's case, preservation as well. The bright red leather seats work extremely well with the red bodywork, but if you don't like red you probably shouldn't buy this car. Showing minimal wear that's appropriate for its age and mileage, the interior is comfortable and inviting, but definitely performance-oriented with a driver-centric instrument panel full of digital gauges that are still bright and easy to read. Carpets and door panels show 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: cold A/C, power windows and locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM/cassette stereo that still sounds great. And this one carries the best option of all: a manual gearbox. Nice!
Crossfire injection was dead, and the all-powerful L98 debuted in 1985. Torquey and as reliable as a mule, the 350 cubic inch V8 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. The Doug Nash 4+3 transmission can require a bit of acclimation, but the overdrive means it cruises effortlessly at highway speeds and actually pulls down decent fuel mileage. The Corsa exhaust system is new and sounds awesome, the suspension still delivers impressive grip, and the brakes are powerful, even by today's standards. Polished A-mold wheels are a fantastic choice on an early 'Vette, updating the looks and handling while keeping it all Corvette.
It's hard to go wrong with a Corvette of any kind, but this one that also includes a ton of documentation, factory books, window sticker, receipts, and awards is a smart choice, especially at this price. Call today!