Bright red corvette, check Shots of whiskey, 8 in the morning, middle of the week, check 106 mph on the highway, check Country music on the cassette deck, check Bill your awesome
I "borrowed" dad's 1987 convertible and that was the first time I managed to hit 140mph. For it's day, it cornered like it was on rails compared to the Mustangs and Camaros of the same generation which were nowhere near the same ballpark. I also pulled into a resort, at 19 years old and for the first time in my life was called "Sir" by someone significantly older than myself. That stuck with me.
One of the most entertaining and informative videos I've seen on the C4. I've owned 4 C4s (85,91,92ZR1,and 96 Collectors). This car still holds a special place in my heart.
I’m considering purchasing a C4 Corvette sometime in the near future. I’m hoping for a mid 90’s model. Do you have any preference or recommendations between the 1990-96 year C4 Corvettes?
@@JW_Reviews 96 all the way. If you can find a good collectors edition get it. But really any of them. The 96 was the end of the production and had the most changes or improvements over model run. The red on red was a beautiful car. Any of em. Get ya one
@@Lordhumongus That’s great to hear! I’ve been watching ‘96 C4’s online for some time and I’m really impressed with the relatively low cost to get into a well kept example. I also LOVE the LT1 engine. Thanks for the feedback, I’ll certainly take it into account 😎
Bill, I have to say I really enjoy these longer type videos. Just what I need after a long stressful day at work, your sense of humour is just fantastic. Keep them coming, greetings from Germany!
I’m getting my first Corvette next month! My uncle is selling me his procharged 85 white C4 with red interior. The C4 has been my dream car since I was a kid and I’m finally able to get one!
I was 14 yrs old in 1984 and was blown away with its modern design at the moment I first laid eyes on this car in person. It really was a remarkable feat of engineering at the time. 1984 was one of my most memorable years growing up; it was a great era to live in and be a part of. It's definitely a different world today. Thanks Bill for taking the time to share and great review, keep them coming. I own a little barbershop and I play different playlist and this is one of them and the folks all the time ask me what channel this is, because they really are entertained with your presentations. This world is in need of more knowledge of its history, but more importantly this world today needs more laughter.
I guess that’s a knock on the new Vette. I have a ‘96 LT4 6spd and I love it. The C8 is brilliant! What is not to like. I say, it’s about fucking time! Zora would have been thrilled. They are selling faster than they can build them. I would love to have one next to my’96.
Bill, I listened to your Corvette C4 story. I must say you got a lot of it right. I’ll give you a solid B. So let me fill in some important details. The inspiration for the C4 was several cars. Yes the Porsche 928, but also the Porsche 959 and 911 Turbo, the Ferrari 330 GT and 308, the Lamborghini Countash and Muria, the Maserati Ghibli and of course our own Corvette high points including the mid engine prototypes. These were all cars we had in our inventory. The C4 started with new structure, all hot dipped galvanized steel. This with the forged aluminum suspension, fiberglas body panels and the use of stainless fasteners gave the C4 a life cycle way beyond its competitors and even past Corvettes. Yes, we made getting over the door sill a bit difficult but we pulled the sill inboard to help you get your feet on the ground. Gravity helps you in and lift work gets you out. We took the Pirelli tire from the Porsche 928 and asked Goodyear to do a full tread version capable of sustained running at the top speed of the Corvette. They did it. We went outside GM for brakes. Starting with the 1985 C4 we actively supported SCCA endurance racing in a new class established for Porsche and Corvette. Over the next 3 years we won every 6,12 and 24 hour race against Porsche. Racing with antilock brakes taught us the value of using a zero scrub front suspension geometry and different rear geometry as well. We completely redesigned the suspension to take advantage of what we had learned in racing. All this paved the way for the ZR-1 with its aluminum 4 cam V8 engine. In the 24 hour endurance run at Fort Stockton, TX, the car averaged 175.885 mph. in order to accomplish this with pit stops the car had to run180 mph. The actual running was at about 3/4 throttle. When we finished at 30 hours Tommy Morrison did a full throttle lap at over 190 mph. The LT5 engine in this car came straight from the Mercury Marine production line in Stillwater, OK. While all this was going on we were inventing the all new backbone structural architecture for what became the C5. You might want to read my book, “Corvette from the Inside.” Dave McLellan Corvette Chief Engineer 1975-1992.
WOW !!! Dave McLellan responds to one of Bill's hilarious reviews, much appreciated, Dave, thanks from a UK owner with a 1990 L98 vert, not a rocketship, but cats removed, twin stainless exhaust, a torque monster at low revs, lotsa fun, polo white with red sports interior, thanks for all your input 😉
I notice you don't mention the really screwed up design of the early tailights that are a PITA to change bulbs in, or the Atari dash cluster that was a failure of design, or the targa that when removed, made the car drive like wet taffy, or the cheap plastic gears in the heavy headlights, the idiotic Crossfire, or the many other stupid engineering ideas you came up with. I have been rebuilding an 84 for just over five years now. I have corrected most of your screw-ups, and come up with much better solutions. My engine now runs like a raped-ape, my analog gauge cluster replaced your stupid Atari one, and I could go on all day about what you did wrong, and what I made right. As a result, my car doesn't wear a single Chevy emblem anywhere. In all fairness, you guys got some things right, but I would not brag too loud, because Chevy did a lot of really stupid stuff with this car. Excuse me now, because I need to go clean up some more of your messes, Mr. Chief Engineer!
Bill! No apology needed! Love your commentary! Your terrific to listen too, entertaining and give a great history and informed coverage of these awesome cars! Great job!
I bought a 1994 C4 with 6-spd in 2016 when the prices were rock bottom. I was shocked how low the prices were for such a great car. Mine is Polo Green with tan. I get compliments on it often.
Hey Bill , in 2018 I flew from mid NC to Ft. Myers and bought a nice original 49k 96 LT4. Bucket list drive 850 miles home in a bit over 13 hours. Still have it. Lot of fun to drive and one of the best C4's made. Cheers !
I am a GM engineer and I have a pristine 1995 Corvette Z07 with the 6 speed manual. I want to point out that in the cluster display, all gauges are designed to read from left to right as the values go from low to high. This is a very standard convention for all gauges in an engineering sense, it has nothing to do with how the gauges are positioned in the cluster. You will find th hat this type of gauge read-out is pretty standard across the world as well.
Said it before and say it now this is the best auto channel ever hands down love every second of watching and all the info given only the new nam sucks lol thx Bill.........Ahmed from Baghdad Iraq
just locked in on a 94 in original black rose paint😩😍🤤🤤 I haven’t seen many in that color I think only about 4,000 were made. I feel very lucky. I go pick up Friday I Cant wait
Very detailed history lesson on the C4 and others, I've got to admit I never felt tired of watching your car throughout the whole video...I have an '85 and receive lots of compliments all the times...I believe the design was a hit and still remains so for a good chunk of car enthusiasts...cheers from the 305
Unlike Bill, I prefer the mostly analog instrument cluster on this example over the Knight Rider dash of the original C4. I think if Bill thought of the gauges as reading left to right instead of up to down, it would make more sense to him.
Hi Bill, im in the UK and own a 1991 C4 coupe with 39k on the clock, it's in Red and in stunning condition. I absolutely love these car's & the way they drive. Also love the way you get your covid whisky comments in there too. Just brilliant. 😊👍😊👍
Great video as always. The C4 has been viewed as the Rodney Dangerfield of Corvette generations. Sad thing is it saved Corvette and was the best sports car for the money during its time. I have an 88 35th Anniversary Corvette which although is powered by the old L98 it’s a fun torque monster at the low end. These cars have so much value in them. Have some extra bucks?? Buy a C4… this one is beautiful!!
Absolutely revel in your content! Like a friend few of us have. Super sharp, funny as the day is long replete with the most magnificently hilarious levels of completely accurate cynicism...Love it as much as I adore each and every one of the cars and the spot on reviews! 👌
as a mechanic i've always liked the c4, i really like the engine and front suspension access which was a major improvement over the c3. i was not crazy about the early crossfire injection because it was a pain in the butt getting it set up and tuned properly, and i also preferred the manual ones over the automatic ones. i actually liked the handling and found it very comfortable to drive on long freeway trips, but it certainly wasn't a track car. the thing i hated the most was the digital dash which was not very reliable, i wish they had put analog gauges in them instead. it was rare to find a digital dash with every lcd segment working.... and the dash was crazy expensive to replace, something like $3500 from the dealer or $1500 for a reman one.
The dash will cost you $400 and they WERE very reliable. You are talking 35 years later and yes they do need replaced. I have no idea where you got $3500 or even $1500.
@Jeff Spicolli Ya I disagree about the dash too. They actually sell a "analog" dash for the early C4's for $400 on Ebay or you can get your rebuilt for about the same.
Fantastic review on one of my faves, Bill. We are the same age and yes, this car captured our youth! This example is a beauty and it was a joy to have you go into it as you did, Best, Johnny :)
Perfect analogy for Florida drivers: You're having a great, goat free morning. Your Canadians are chipper because they have containment options for their infants. You're on the the highway with your V8 surging to life... and suddenly there's a Prius in the left lane oblivious to the 119 miles of empty space next to it where it could get over.
I've seen that before, some soft-headed tree hugger hanging out in the far left lane slowing down traffic and forcing right lane passing. Owning a Prius shouldn't be a license to drive like a fake conscientious knob.
Bill, I love your videos. You are the funniest person I know. You should be on stage. You talk the way most of us think. Your review of this corvette is excellent. My favourite model…. Thank you
Love the Basil Hayden's switch-up!! Definitely smooth! My neighbor had a '95 C4 that he kept a mirror shine on! When I was in the market for a grown and sexy car, he suggested I get a Vette and insisted I drive his. Great throttle response and that exhaust note at Wide-Open Throttle (WOT) was enough to make me giddy! Problem; I'm 6'2 and didn't fit in the damn thing! And WHY did they put the e-brake lever on the left side of the seat???? lol He suggested I check out the C5's. So I picked up my 2001 for my 30th birthday. That was 17 years ago... Time flies, but not like the roof of the C5 if you forget to latch it! lol Cheers!!
I had this very same car. Same year, same color, only mine had the murder red interior. These cars are extremely under appreciated. Superb handling and balance (as long as you keep the targa in place). 300 HP and 340 lb ft of torque was the perfect match for the weight and suspension.
I always loved the C4. As a child of the 80's, I was quite excited to see Chevy come out with a modern version of the Vette that could rival any other car of the time period.. I own a '99 FRC, but I still have a soft spot for the C4.
He literally told a story about how his parent’s accidentally left him at a car dealership in South Carolina while on a road trip from Chicago to Naples when he was a baby.
I have owned 3 c4 s over the years , a 88 black on grey a 91 zr1 black on black and a 94 zr1 red on black . My dad still owns his 88 anniversary white on white . Seeing this nice example of a c4 I may just have to pick up another . Great video great car 👍
I was in my early teens when this car was introduced, and the ZR1 variant fascinated me the most. I find the C4 the most appealing of all the more "modern" (if I can call it that since this is nearly 40 years old now!) Vettes - the C5 and up just don't do it for me though they're streets ahead of this one in many ways.
@Jeff Spicolli IMO, the C4 is one of the best looking cars ever. I'm thinking about another one. The downside is the foot well and my age. 70 is distant history.
My family was always into GM products. Starting with a 1992 Oldsmobile Bravada. A 94 Chevy Suburban, a 95 Pontiac Grand Am, a 96 Chevy Beretta z26, and then we were on the lot looking to replace the suburban. My parents picked out this 97 Cadillac Sedan Deville in White Diamond Pearl. It also had that stupid pass key system. It was a stunning car. But I won’t ever forget this exact c4 corvette in this color that was next to the Cadillac. It brings back serious nostalgia!
I've had my 1991 C4 ZR1for two and a half years and still have not turned on the stereo yet. That Lotus designed 4 Cam V-8 is all the sweet music I need...
Enjoyable video and comments. I fell in love with my 1996 LT - 1 Corvette coupe while I was deployed w/ USCG, and vowed to someday get one. I eventually did find a super clean 1996 model that was well kept, and garaged. Good video
The Design Team for the Corvette gauge cluster "are obviously just assholes" was definitely the gem line in this one hahaha keep it up Bill we love your videos!
A neighbor had a LT4 blue grand sport corvette with the white stripe and black ZR1 wheels It looked awesome and I used to admire that car every time I saw it!
People who think the C4 is a dog forget that when it was released it really was at the bleeding edge of performance, even in 1984. It’s basically the victim of the rapidly increasing horsepower outputs that began when the malaise era came to an end. I wish the interior design was less futuristic, but the exterior is easily my favorite Corvette design and definitely among my favorite sports cars ever built.
Great stuff again, Bill. I'm not all that lucid on engine specs; I swear you could entertain any soul who doesn't give 2 hockey pucks regarding things on 4 wheels. You are that good.
I started watching your vids a little over a year ago when we both bought z31 300zx's around the same time. Pretty much watched everyone since. It comforts me to have some abscond into insanity with. Especially after last week when a drunk driver totaled my z.
My '94 had the same color combo, but with five spoke ZR1 style chromed rims and dual chrome exhaust tips. It also had both targa tops. Thanks for the memories.
I love these reviews - there is so much history, expertly presented, notwithstanding the review of the car in question. And of course the updates on Florida weather and invading birds/ animals. I see how the cast of Miami Vice wore those linen suits and no socks if the humidity is how you describe it. Good to hear Seabring was good to you !
Great video Bill. I had a 63 and an 89, why did I sell the 63, why, why, why?? I drove the 89 from Phila to South Florida nonstop once, drugs in the 80s were fantastic weren't they LOL. I drove down I95 and by the time I reached Florida my back was shot. I swear you could drive that thing over a pack of matches and tell how many were missing. Thanks for the informative video.
I would love one of these, but at 6’5” I literally can’t fit in the damn things. Was able to fit fine in the C5 and C6 but couldn’t fit in the C7. Haven’t tried a C8.
@@jaydoeslife4307 Im 6'3 and fit in fine. its a manual as well and i dont feel cramped in it at all. It helps that it came with the glass targa top which gives me a few extra inches of head room. getting in and out on the other hand remains an absolute bitch.
@@karlbudde5906 6'3" myself, and it's a little rough getting in and out. I have to make sure I always put the steering tilt in the full up position, before getting out. Sometimes I tap the light switch with a knee on the way out, turning on the parking lights. BUT, once I got inside, it wasn't too hard to adjust the seat, where i wasn't hitting my head all the time, and everything felt comfortable. Though, it does feel like I'm laying down, while driving, heh, heh. Unless, of course, the top is off, then I have 0 issues getting in and out.
This exact car is a mint version of my own C4, only one year older. I'm thoroughly impressed with how clean this one looks, because my own, which is quite a good example, still has flaws that don't seem to exist on the car in the video, such as cracks in the side body panels (where the battery is), slightly warped hood/front fascia causing gaps, etc...
Dear Bill- Thank you so much for everything- this is one for the books. You're a superb auto historian, and a super entertainer. How's the goat/woodpecker situation these days? Happy Holidays.
My favorite Corvette body style… I’m about the same age as Bill, and in the late 80’s this car had a huge impact on me as well as the Fox Body Mustang - which I still own one… As usual, great vid Bill.
Jays and woodpeckers can be hazardous to your health not only that, but at 6 a.m. today there were about 2 dozen squirrels running around my neighbourhood, like that horror movie, "Ben," about a kid with a pet rat. Good luck Bill!
I drove my 96 from Boston to the Indy 500 and back w a neck brace from a fusion in 2001..Rattled the dash loose while I beat the snots out of it!! Traded it in at Chevy w 50k on the ticker for a Colorado ZR2. Miss those days lol Great video 👊💪🏁
Bill, great video. I was 16 in Jan'83 and remember this well. I seem to remember lots of talk about the tires and supposedly the car was built with the tires in mind...sounds like you're in the Disneyland Tiki Room (I'm from California)
_Beautiful example of a one-owner fourth generation Corvette. Now can we talk about the production value of your exemplary content Bill, damn spot on! Lots of good facts, and yes humor in your vlog. Having owned seven of these C4s(and still drive a '96 today), I love the car. Yes, it doesn't have the more desirable electronic A/C, the better Bose system with CD, and just power driver's seat. That said, the car is a red winner!_
Beautiful car and excellent, knowledgeable review as always. One request. Could you open the gate before you're ready to pull out of the drive way? I don't like to wait.
I owned two C4 cars back in the day. A 1985 coup manual and a 1986 convertible automatic. They were good cars for the day but really were lacking in the HP Dept. The tune port injection would fall on its face at around 5000 rpm. Like it ran out of gas. Also the digital dashes went out regularly. The cars handled and braked great though. For the day they were great cars.
