At $7,400, Is This 1991 Chevy Corvette A ‘Super Rare’ Deal?

Now is a good time to buy C4 Corvettes like today’s Good price or no dice convertible. Let’s see if the price of this low mileage and seemingly rare color example will make it easier to buy.

Generally, you can’t go wrong buying an old Toyota Land Cruiser, as they are, on average, pretty solid and reliable trucks. THE 1997 Land Cruiser, 40th Anniversary Edition that we reviewed last Friday looked particularly good, having avoided the cracked leather and faded paint that tend to plague the Land Cruiser range. That wasn’t enough to make its $16,500 asking price acceptable, however, as the winner’s circle in our voting was the only place the otherwise capable Land Cruiser couldn’t reach. Instead, he managed to lose 60% with no dice.

Hey, let’s start the week with a question. Do you think it makes sense to buy a lower version of a car at a lower price or spend more and get the one you really want?

I ask this question because even if today 1991 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible isn’t the most desirable Corvette edition – nor the worst – there are still better ones out there for not much more money than the seller of this car is asking. That being said, this one has a lot to offer for those looking to join the Jorts and goofy white sneaker set at the lowest possible price of entry.

First, let’s go over the good aspects. This C4 is a 1991 model with newer, more modern and, for many, more attractive bodywork. It also sports the improved hybrid digital and dial instrument cluster introduced a year earlier. Then there’s the fact that it’s a convertible. This can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on how much hair you have on your head.

Next we come to color. According to Corvette History, only 835 cars were painted Steel Metallic Blue in 1991. This includes coupes and convertibles, so the number of cars exactly like this is probably less than half that number. Needless to say, you wouldn’t see yourself coming and going in this car. Finally, there is the general condition of this car. It appears to be in very good condition for its age, with no major issues affecting the paint, roof or interior. It is also claimed to run and drive without problems.

Now let’s move on to the less attractive elements, starting with the engine. Again, being a ’91, this ‘Vette is powered by the old 5.7L L98 V8. This results in a somewhat disappointing 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. If this car was just a year newer, it would rock a 300 horsepower LT1. To add to its woes, the transmission is a plebeian 700R four-speed automatic. We can also lump the soft top in with the rest of the bad news, because for some, that just kills a deal.

For the rest of us, though, there’s a lot to like about this Corvette. The 89,000 miles reported by the odo are reasonably few and the car comes with a clean title. It also has a nice luggage rack on the back, which makes it practical as well. Then there’s the asking price of $7,400. That’s not a lot of money overall, but is it a reasonable price to take back a piece of automotive history, even if it’s one of its minor chapters?

What do you think? Is this neat looking Vette worth the $7,400 asking price as advertised? Or, agree or disagree, would you wait until a better edition comes along?

You decide!

Houston, Texas, Craigslistwhere to go here if the ad disappears.

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