3 Must-Have C4 Corvette Model Years You’ll Want in Your Garage
The Chevy Corvette is one of America’s most beloved cars. During its 70-year history, this legendary sports car has evolved through eight generations. The fourth among them is C4, whose model years span from 1984 to 1996. Here are three C4 Corvette models every enthusiast should have in their collection.
1. The 1988 Corvette marked a milestone
1988 was memorable for the C4 Corvette because it marked the iconic car’s 35th anniversary. Chevrolet celebrated by introducing the aptly named 35th Anniversary Edition. The automaker built only 2,050 examples of this rare version.
If Corvette collectors can find one, they’ll get a Vette sporting white exterior paint, a black roof, and white leather upholstery. It also wears special badging celebrating the 35th anniversary.
In addition, Chevrolet made performance-related enhancements. This model packs a 5.7-liter V8 L98 engine harnessing 245 hp. That’s a 5-hp improvement over the previous Corvette model year. The automaker also upgraded the suspension and brakes, improving its track performance.
2. The 1993 Corvette ZR-1 pumped up the power
This C4 Corvette model year is highly desirable for two reasons. First, it marked the Vette’s 40th birthday, so Chevy offered the 40th Anniversary Package on all trims. It gave the sports car a red paint job and some unique badging. That said, even if folks can’t find a Corvette with this package installed, all 1993 Corvettes had specially embroidered headrests to celebrate.
The second reason why this version of the Vette is desirable is because of what’s under the hood. The ZR-1 trim debuted in 1990, but Chevy tuned up its 5.7-liter V8 LT5 engine for the 1993 model. That boosted the output to 405 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. For comparison, the 1990 Corvette ZR-1 made 385 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque.
Chevrolet made upgrades elsewhere too. However, the ZR-1 was a rare trim in the ’90s, so it’s challenging to find today. The automaker built only 448 examples of the 1993 Corvette ZR-1, after all.
3. The 1996 Grand Sport celebrated the final year of the C4 Corvette
1996 was the last model year of the C4 Corvette, and Chevy marked the end of the generation by offering two special editions. They were the Collectors Edition and the Grand Sport, honoring the Grand Sport Racer from the 1960s.
The latter gave the 1996 Vette a royal-blue paint job with bright-red hash marks above the front wheels and a broad white racing stripe running along the hood, roof, and trunk. Like most special editions, the Grand Sport also touted specially embroidered upholstery.
In addition, it featured a 5.7-liter V8 LT4 engine producing 330 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet also upgraded the suspension, Corvsport reports.
These three cars are only a few popular examples among many notable used Corvettes. Ultimately, the best C4 Corvette model depends on personal preference, desired features, and intended use.
