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

Now is a good time to snap up C4 Corvettes like today’s Nice Price or No Dice convertible. Let’s see if the price tag on this low-milage and seemingly rare color example will make buying it a snap.

You generally can’t go wrong buying an old Toyota Land Cruiser, as they are, on average, pretty solid and dependable trucks. The 1997 Land Cruiser 40th Anniversary Edition we looked at last Friday was especially nice-looking, having dodged the cracking leather and fading paint that tends to dog the Land Cruiser line. That wasn’t enough to make its $16,500 asking price seem palatable, though, as the winner’s circle in our vote was the one place the otherwise-capable Land Cruiser couldn’t reach. What it managed was a 60 percent No Dice loss instead.

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

I ask that because while today’s 1991 Chevy Corvette convertible isn’t the most desirable Corvette edition—nor its worst—there are still better ones to be had for not much more money than the seller of this car asks. That being said, this one has much to offer those interested in joining the Jorts and clunky white sneaker set at the lowest possible entry fee.

First, let’s review the good aspects. This C4 is a 1991 model with the later, more modern, and, for many, more appealing bodywork. It also sports the improved hybrid digital and dials dashboard that was introduced a year earlier. Then there’s the fact that it’s a convertible. That can either be a plus or a demerit, depending on how much hair you have on your head.

We next come to the color. According to Corvette Story, only 835 cars were painted in Steel Metallic Blue in 1991. That includes coupes and convertibles, so the number of cars exactly like this is likely less than half that number. Suffice it to say, you wouldn’t see yourself coming and going in this car. Lastly, there’s this car’s overall condition. It looks in great shape for its age, with no major issues afflicting the paint, top, or cabin. It’s also claimed to run and drive without issue.

Now, let’s get to the less attractive bits, starting with the engine. Again, being a ’91, this ’Vette has the older L98 5.7-liter V8. That makes a somewhat disappointing 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. If this car were just one year newer, it would rock a 300-horse LT1. Adding 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, as for some, that’s just a deal killer.

For the rest of us, however, 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 jaunty luggage rack on the back, so it’s practical, too. Then there’s the $7,400 asking price. That’s not a lot of cash in general, but is it a reasonable price to pick up a piece of automotive history, albeit one of its lesser chapters?

What do you think? Is this tidy-looking ’Vette worth that $7,400 asking as it is presented in its ad? Or, deal or no deal, would you wait for a better edition to come along?

You decide!

Houston, Texas, Craigslist, or go here if the ad disappears.

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