1984 Corvette – Vette-net

The 1984 Corvette was unveiled to the public in March, 1983. Although there had been rumors and silent rumblings of a new Corvette for several years prior to it’s unveiling, the arrival of the C4 Corvette was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from both the press and the public. Although the car was a departure from its predecessor in both styling and form, it was still unmistakably a Corvette – although it was definitely a more technologically advanced Corvette than any that had come before it.

Pricing: $21,800.00

Engine options: 350CI, 205 Horsepower, Crossfire Fuel Injected V8 Engine

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 4+3 speed manual (optional)

Top speed: 140mph

Units Produced: 51,547

Available Colors: White, Bright Silver Metallic, Medium Grey Metallic, Black, Light Blue Metallic, Medium Blue Metallic, Yellow, Gold Metallic, Light Bronze Metallic, Dark Bronze Metallic, Bright Red, Silver/Medium Grey, Light Blue/Medium Blue, Light Bronze/Dark Bronze

Highlights of the year:

Conscious of maintaining the highest possible emissions standards, it was decided early on that, at least for the first model year, the C4’s primary focus would not be horsepower (as was the norm for generations of Corvettes before it) but handling. Many increases to the overall drivability of the Corvette were made, and a special performance handling package – option Z51 – was introduced for the 1984 model year.

While sales began almost immediately after the arrival of the new Chevy Corvette, GM continued to make on-going changes to the car’s final layout and design. These “running changes” were made even after sales began.

The most significant changes that were made to the 1984 Chevy Corvette from the earlier prototype models included an engine-oil cooler that was to be included as part of the standard equipment package.

Other changes to the design of the C4 also helped differentiate the new Corvette from all of its predecessors. Prior to the 1984 model, all Corvettes had been built to include a front grill. Since it’s inception in 1953, the Corvette front grill had served as a trademark that was synonymous with Corvette. Of course, in the 30 years that followed, the design of the grill had grown smaller and smaller. At the onset of the 1984 Corvette, it was removed completely. Corvette engineers had developed an under-car ducting system that provided adequate airflow to properly cool the radiator. Replacing the grill was a pair of halogen fog/running lamps which were inspired by the Porsche 928 (and other European sports cars of that era).

Another item that disappeared completely from the C4 Corvette’s design was the existence of actual bumpers on the car. While the new Corvette actually did have bumpers integrated into its design, (which were rated to absorb impact speeds of up to 5 miles per hour), it was done in such a way that they were not differentiated from the rest of the car, giving the car a “bumper-less” appearance.

As commercial production of the C4 Corvette began, so did the criticism. Because of the long lead/build time on the 1984 Corvette, General Motors had, perhaps mistakenly, provided many late ’83 model Corvettes to the automotive press for review. Chevrolet engineers invited the automotive media to test the Corvette to the Riverside Parkway as early as December 1982. These first, regular production Corvettes were being driven – and evaluated – by automobile reviewers all over the country. Initial reviews praised the Corvette for its quick acceleration and drivability. They focused on how well it cornered and handled road courses. At the same time, there was significant criticism about how the car treated its occupants. The ride was rough, especially in Corvettes equipped with the Z51 suspension package. While the car was deemed a superior car for the track, it was generally judged as being too harsh-riding for daily driving.

Despite the lukewarm reviews that began to circulate about the first model year of the C4, the excitement of being able to purchase an all-new Corvette for the first time in 15 years made the 1984 Corvette a quick sellout.

Photos of the 1984 Corvette: