1995 Corvette – Vette-net

Pricing: $36,785.00 (Coupe), $43,665.00 (Convertible)

Engine options: 350CI, 300 Horsepower, Multi-Port Fuel Injected LT1 V8 Small Block Engine.

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 6 speed manual (optional)

Units Produced: 20,742

Available Colors: Dark Purple Metallic, Dark Purple/White, Arctic White, Admiral Blue, Black, Bright Aqua Metallic, Polo Green Metallic, Competition Yellow, Torch Red, Dark Red Metallic

Highlights of the year:

Even with eleven years already behind it, the C4 Corvette still managed to receive the accolades of enthusiasts and critics alike. It received praise for its jaw-dropping acceleration and equally for its intense road grip and superior handling. However, with the announcement that an all-new, fifth-generation Corvette was under development and on track for the 1997 model year, there were few who were surprised by Chevrolet’s decision to make minimal changes to the existing C4 Corvette coupe and convertible and to completely eliminate the ZR-1 early in the 1995 production year.

The connecting rods were revised to improve strength and weight uniformity, the engine fan was made quieter, and the fuel injection system was improved to utilize alcohol-blend fuels, which began to have an increased appearance at gas pumps around the world at about that same time. Additionally, the new fuel injectors were developed to reduce fuel dripping when the engine was turned off.

Beyond the engine, additional mechanical improvements were also made to the drive train and other areas of the car. The electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission was refined to provide smoother shifting, and the torque converter was made stronger and lighter.

Cosmetically, the changes to the Corvette’s exterior really were very few, though those that were made did help to distinguish the 1995 model from earlier years. On the exterior, the single most notable modification was the redesigned fender vents which now featured more of a fish “gill” appearance.

Another special-edition Corvette was made available in 1995. After a near-stock LT1 Corvette Convertible paced the Indy 500 in 1995 – which was only the third time Corvette had ever been bestowed with this honor – Chevrolet decided to commemorate the occasion by producing a specially optioned Pace Car Replica. Option RPO Z4Z was offered to consumers at an extra cost of $2816 and was limited to convertibles.

With rocket-sled acceleration, mastiff grip, and right-now brakes, the ZR-1 has the largest performance envelope of any mass-produced American car ever built. It also has the amenities and acceleration of a modern passenger car and none of the temperament of a race car. With a slight tailwind, it will go 180 miles per hour, but it will also trudge through gridlock (traffic) without complaint, A/C on kill, and CD player on loud. We may never see the likes of it again.

Photos of the 1994 Corvette: