Vehicle Description
24,520 original miles. Very clean survivor in great colors. Pace
car decals still installed. Newer tires. Runs and drives very well.
Digital dash fully operational. A very affordable vintage Corvette
convertible that's a little more interesting than the usual C4.1986
marked the return of the Corvette convertible after more than a
decade, and to celebrate, the Corvette was selected to pace the
70th Indianapolis 500. As a result of this, all 1986 Corvette
convertibles are considered pace cars, including this low-mileage
Torch Red ragtop. Showing just 24,520 original miles, it's a nicely
kept survivor that remains handsome and fun to drive, and we're of
the opinion that if you're going to own a pace car, you may as well
get all the pace car livery as well. The original pace car decals
are still in place and they make this Corvette stand out a little
bit in a pretty crowded field. The paint shines up nicely and
there's no evidence that it was ever hit or repainted, so while
there are a few signs of use and age, it still presents well. The
front and rear caps aren't discolored or cracked, the headlights
flip open with enthusiasm, and the doors swing shut with the solid
THUNK that's typical of C4 Corvettes. For an affordable 40-year-old
car, this one looks quite good indeed.The bright red leather
interior is a nice choice with the Torch Red bodywork, and we like
it a lot more than basic black (which gets pretty hot out in the
sun). The C4's interior is definitely a product of the '80s, but it
remains highly functional and comfortable for the serious business
of driving. The articulated sport seats adjust a dozen different
ways and hold you snugly in place, and the fat leather-wrapped
steering wheel feels just right in your hands. A full array of
digital gauges (including bar-graph readouts for speed and engine
RPM) is the kind of retro-tech that's super cool to see today, and
all the displays are fully operational. Corvettes only came one
way?loaded?and this one includes things like power windows, locks,
and mirrors, automatic climate control, a power antenna, and an
AM/FM/cassette stereo system. Of note, the stereo powers up and the
antenna goes up and down, but the system does not make any sound,
but we'd argue if you get into your Corvette convertible and reach
for the radio, you've bought the wrong car. Overhead there's a
black canvas top that stows quickly and neatly under the rear deck,
giving the Corvette a clean profile top up or top down. There's
modest storage space behind the seats, but hauling gear isn't why
you buy a Corvette. For 1986, the lone engine was the venerable 350
cubic inch L98 Tuned Port Injection V8. Bullet proof reliable and
wonderfully torquey, it makes even a 40-year-old Corvette feel
quick and agile. Thanks to fuel injection, it always starts easily,
idles nicely, and generally goes about its business without any
fussiness. Hammer the throttle, and the 700R4 4-speed automatic
transmission (a no-cost option) drops down a gear or two and puts
the L98 in the fat part of its torque curve, so the car just lunges
forward. It is notably stock, which is how you want to buy your
vintage 'Vette, and as a result remains docile when you want it to
be and ferocious when you want to play. The suspension is equally
capable, a little firm maybe, but definitely world-class as of
1986. And for decades, Corvettes have offered world-class brakes
and this car is no exception. There's a great performance rumble
from the stock exhaust system, but it never gets annoying, making
the Corvette a good choice for a quick weekend getaway. 16-inch
aluminum wheels are unblemished and carry recent 255/50/16
BFGoodrich performance radials.Documentation includes all the
original owner's manuals and booklets.The Corvette hobby is one of
the most active of all, and when you're a member there are all
kinds of great events that open up. This handsome pace car offers
an entry-level price but doesn't force you to drive some tired '70s
coupe. A bright red Corvette convertible will always be
appreciated, so why not take this one home and see what makes these
cars so great? Call today!Harwood Motors always recommends and
welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our
inventory prior to purchase.
