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.