Let’s put the 1984 Corvette into perspective. It was ground-breaking when it arrived, as big an upgrade as the C5 that followed it 13 years later. It did everything better than the C3, and turned the Corvette back into a legitimate sports car with an edge. It stuck to the traditional formula: small block V8 up front, manual transmission in the middle, fully independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, and just two seats, but otherwise it was a technological revolution. Faster, smoother, more comfortable, more efficient, and with spectacular performance in the corners, it put an end to the idea that the Corvette was a poser’s car. In 1984, this car was a weapon. Today, they kind of live in the back of the pack when it comes to C4 models simply because later cars have more power and more features, but there’s a real charm to the first of the C4s, including the awesome digital dash, the old-school Doug Nash “4+3” gearbox, and that angular look that was pure Corvette but updated for the future. Put this car into its place in history, and it starts to look pretty cool.

This awesome black Corvette isn’t your standard 1984 Corvette. First, it comes from long-term ownership by a dedicated Corvette enthusiast who acknowledges that this is his favorite to drive. The paint was refinished a few years ago and is maintained yearly by the body shop that did the work—part of a barter arrangement that works to everyone’s benefit. It has been freshly touched up and buffed and we’ll wager that there were exactly zero Corvettes in 1984 that had paint jobs like this. Factory black cars look dusty next to this one, the finish is so deep. Obviously fiberglass doesn’t rust, so the bodywork is in excellent condition and this car has never been hit or wrecked, so it’s still wearing its original panels. And there are plenty of cool details on the ‘84s, including the Kamm-back rear bumper that replaced the convex bumper cap on the ‘82s, the headlights that flip over instead of pop up, and quad exhaust tips out back. You still get traditional styling cues, too, including four round taillights, a subtle “Coke bottle” shape, and a fastback profile with a glass hatch. Looking at this car, we think you’ll be impressed with the preservation and the slightly nostalgic look that still attracts attention on the street.

The graphite leather interior is simply gorgeous, and if there’s one place the C4 Corvette excels, it’s in the driver’s compartment. Once you’re in (the high sill requires the “C4 shuffle”) there’s plenty of room and those articulating sport seats are every bit as comfortable and supportive as they look. The leather is in excellent condition with almost zero wear, strongly suggesting that this car has always been well-maintained. Original carpets are likewise in excellent shape and settling down behind the leather-wrapped wheel feels like strapping into an aircraft. The digital gauges are definitely a relic of the ‘80s, but they all work, they’re bright and easy to read, and you can see echoes of today’s configurable instrument panels in the secondary displays that can be switched to different settings. Everything works, including the A/C, original AM/FM/cassette stereo, power windows, seats, locks, and mirrors, and even the trip computer. The transmission is the Doug Nash 4+3 manual, which is really just a 4-speed with an overdrive that can be used in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears, and it’s activated by a rocker switch on the center console. Of course, the roof is removable and there’s decent storage in the rear compartment.

The engine is the original 350 cubic inch V8 with Cross-Fire Injection, but don’t go anywhere yet! Rebuilt with a long list of upgrades, including a more substantial camshaft, aluminum heads from a later LT1, long-tube headers, and a re-mapped computer, this doesn’t drive like any ’84 Corvette you’ve ever experienced. Power probably approaches LT1 levels and there’s a huge whack of torque available off the line and at speed. The fuel injection makes it easy to start, provides a stable idle, and doesn’t seem to have any flat spots or hesitation like a carburetor might. The engine bay is clean and well detailed and that Cross-Fire Injection housing does look cool and inhales through the side vents where the air is nice and cool. There are newer A/C components, recent tune-up parts, and a newer radiator up front, so it’s 100% healthy and ready to rumble.

The manual gearbox is a lot of fun to rip through the gears, offering more of a ‘60s Muncie vibe that makes it feel indestructible. 3.07 gears out back work well with the engine’s low-end torque, and provide fantastic high-speed cruising abilities when combined with the transmission’s overdrive. It all works correctly and as I mentioned, the hardware feels incredibly robust on the road. The C4’s handling is legendary, and was the first year that GM used fiberglass leaf springs at both ends, reducing weight and providing better control. The ‘84s were known to ride a bit harshly, but this one feels very user-friendly even on the pockmarked roads around our shop and its limits are still shockingly high. Massive 4-wheel disc brakes were also part of the deal, and this was the car that established Corvettes as having some of the best brakes in the world. Long-tube headers help the engine breathe and a low-restriction exhaust system eliminates the catalytic converters and adds a pair of throaty Flowmaster mufflers that sound spectacular at speed. This thing certainly sounds like a Corvette! And I distinctly remember the first C4 I ever saw as a kid and being amazed at those steamroller-sized 16-inch tires, which are on beautiful factory alloy wheels. OK, so 255/50/16s aren’t massive today, but in 1984 they were HUGE!

Take a closer look at what this gorgeous C4 has to offer. It’s fast, comfortable, competent, and unquestionably a Corvette. It still attracts envious stares on the road and with the big horsepower boost it’s a blast to drive. Extremely clean, beautifully maintained, and always treated as a special car, it’s the Corvette you want to own. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.