Affordable Corvettes

In 1973 the chrome bumpers were replaced with body-colored urethane bumpers and the Corvette started down the path to lower performance. In 1975 the 454-inch engine option was dropped and the 350 was de-tuned to 205 hp. The convertible was axed in 1975, and the rear spoiler was eliminated in 1974. As a result, 1973 to 1982 Corvettes are among the least valuable Corvettes of all time. Expect to pay $5,000 to $15,000 for usable drivers, with 454s and convertibles going for more. In 1978 two special models were made, the Indy Pace Car and the Silver Anniversary models. These were not as rare as once thought, with over 6,000 Pace Car and over 15,000 Anniversary models sold. These sell for $15,000 to $35,000. The last year for the C3 was 1982. Since the C4 was late in arriving, there are no 1983 Corvettes.

C4 (1984-'96)
The new wedge-shaped Corvette was highly anticipated. Although horsepower was still lacking, Chevy spent a lot of development time on handling and braking to make this Vette a great driving car. And with electronic fuel injection, the power output slowly began to inch back up. The new model was successfully raced, ironically outrunning Porsches due to superior handling and brakes, not horsepower.


Early cars were troubled with stiff shocks and a rough ride, which was gradually tuned out. Initially only offered as a coupe, a C4 convertible came out in 1986. The early manual-transmission cars had an unusual 4+3 Nash gearbox that was difficult to use, but in 1989 this was replaced by a ZF 6-speed box with annoying electronic override that restricted shifting (to meet EPA fuel restrictions). Enthusiasts loved neither gearbox and most C4 Corvettes had automatic transmissions.


In 1990 Chevy introduced the Lotus-designed four-valve DOHC ZR-1 Corvette. This limited-edition model boasted 380 hp and a healthy price tag of $58,995. The price climbed steeply each year and power increased to over 400 hp, but the ZR-1 never sold in significant numbers. The LT-1 engine designation returned on the pushrod 350, which now produced 300 hp. The special blue-and-white Corvette Grand Sport was a limited edition 1996 model with wider ZR-1 wheels and the LT-1 engine. Regular C4 coupes and convertibles now sell for $10,000 to $25,000, with ZR-1s changing hands in the $35,000 to $45,000 range. Be aware that servicing the ZR-1 engine is expensive and parts are rare.

C5 (1997-'03)
The 1997 C5 Corvette was a big improvement, with a stiffer chassis and even better handling. The first models were all fastback coupes with 345-hp LS-1 engines. In 1998 a convertible was added, while a high-performance notchback coupe, the 385-hp Z06, came out in 1999. These were very popular with performance enthusiasts. In 2002 the Z06 was bumped up to 405 hp. C5 Corvettes start at $20,000 and go up to $40,000.