I can't believe I'm doing this...

[Owen L.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

For just a little air fare and expenses, I'll pick it up and drive it home for you!

[Carl N.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

Hi Mark, For what it's worth (not much) IMO I had a '87 6 speed coupe and put about 80k miles on it Road Tours, Hot Rod Power Tours, vacations, trouble free just one clutch and couple sets of tires. My current "DRIVER" is a '98 vert. I have put 90K miles on it over many of the same roads. I would NOT go back to a C4, IMO the C5 is much much better. Can't advise on C6 or newer. Drive a C5 before you make a decision. Many C5's are now less $$$$ than C4's

[Mark E.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

Hi Mark, For what it's worth (not much) IMO I had a '87 6 speed coupe and put about 80k miles on it Road Tours, Hot Rod Power Tours, vacations, trouble free just one clutch and couple sets of tires. My current "DRIVER" is a '98 vert. I have put 90K miles on it over many of the same roads. I would NOT go back to a C4, IMO the C5 is much much better. Can't advise on C6 or newer. Drive a C5 before you make a decision. Many C5's are now less $$$$ than C4's

I understand what you're saying. I'm more familiar with C6, and those perform much better than C4. But C4 is special to me. It came out when I was a young man who couldn't afford one. I coveted it. It felt exotic, even space-age when it launched with its amazing features: huge clam shell hood that exposes the engine and suspension, an attractive engine that wears more aluminum than plastic, sport seats with buttons and interesting stitching, a large sill that you climb over and into, fighter cockpit instrument panel, spin-around headlamps, unidirectional wheels and tires, frameless all glass hatch, targa top, and body panels with no exposed seams.

It's so cool. And completely different than the generation before or after.

It's also the first generation that has everything a great grand tourer needs: overdrive, good stereo, large luggage compartment, standard creature comforts like AC and PW, fuel injection for fuel economy, comfortable seats and 150 mph power.

Plus, I like the way they look.

[Gary C.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

Mark,

Always ask on a C4 about the radio, particularly if it's a Bose as to whether or not it's been redone.

FWIW, you want a '93 or newer, because the radio is behind the passenger seat, instead of buried in the passenger dash. Need I say more.

Gary
....

[Richard G.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

The Bose "Amp on my C6 is out. Seems they would have added a little reliability to the system by 2006?

Funny comment made by my grandson when he was in the C6. I happen to have the navigation on which I never do.
Latrelle says "Grandpa that's old".
And yes, Latrelle was correct!
The performance is still great and especially performance for the dollar.
The electronics do quickly date our cars.
The C4's? You love them or you don't.
Rick

[Dan A.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

I love the C4’s. I have had three 85’s (the first bought new which I could not afford), an 87 convertible, a 95 coupe and a 90 ZR-1. I know the later ones were better and all of them had their shortcomings but the early ones always get to me. They were so advanced for the time!

[Carl N.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

I understand what you're saying. I'm more familiar with C6, and those perform much better than C4. But C4 is special to me. It came out when I was a young man who couldn't afford one. I coveted it. It felt exotic, even space-age when it launched with its amazing features: huge clam shell hood that exposes the engine and suspension, an attractive engine that wears more aluminum than plastic, sport seats with buttons and interesting stitching, a large sill that you climb over and into, fighter cockpit instrument panel, spin-around headlamps, unidirectional wheels and tires, frameless all glass hatch, targa top, and body panels with no exposed seams.

It's so cool. And completely different than the generation before or after.

It's also the first generation that has everything a great grand tourer needs: overdrive, good stereo, large luggage compartment, standard creature comforts like AC and PW, fuel injection for fuel economy, comfortable seats and 150 mph power.

Plus, I like the way they look.

Hey Mark ! Understand totally where your heart is regarding C4's, good luck with your search, be patient and the right ride will turn up. If I see anything in the Hill Country that I think might work, I'll pass connection on to you!

[Mark E.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

Update: Last month I spotted a '93 40th Anniversary coupe with 6-speed and 14k miles for sale by owner near Syracuse, NY (coincidentally, the '95 I looked at earlier was also in NY).

Fellow Texas member Tim Gilmore connected me with Gene Barone, a NY member who asked Tim to inspect a C2 in Texas for him (a nice L79 which he purchased). Gene was gracious enough to drive an hour to look at this '93 for me. He gave his enthusiastic approval so I decided to get it. After spending four weeks trying to arrange transport (apparently NY to TX is not a popular route for carriers), last week I decided to fly from my Dallas home to Syracuse, and drive it home.

It still has its original GS-C tires so I ordered a set of tires from Tire Rack which are waiting for me in Syracuse. The originals will be shipped home via Greyhound (cheapest way I found).

I don't have the return route mapped out yet, but intend to avoid interstates and enjoy the back roads. My flight to NY is Monday... I'm so excited!

My sincere appreciation to Gene and Tim. Thank you for your help!

87649425.jpg
87649424.jpg
87649428.jpg
87649435.jpg
87734469.jpg

[Michael J.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

Great news, good luck and safe travels.....

[Terry M.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

Safe travels Mark, and many miles of smiles.

[Mark D.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

Great looking Corvette!

[Mike M.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

mark: if u are coming thru cumberland md, stop by. we are 3 minutes off I-68. mike mccagh

[Mark F.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

Hi Mark,

Luv that color on your 40^th !

You have quite a drive ahead of you and maybe your route has already been planned – not sure how “slow” you want to take it, but here’s a few thoughts I had after reading your story…

If you’re tempted to take Mike McCagh up on his offer (and I would, because his place is spectacular – scenic-wise and Corvette-wise!), PA Route 45 would take you 86 miles from Mooresburg, PA (east end closest to Syracuse just off I-80) to Water Street (not far from Altoona). I always thought it was my favorite part of my drive from Pittsburgh to State College, PA (Penn State) when I was at school in the early ‘70s. It takes you diagonally northeast to southwest (from where you’d be coming) along the Appalachian Mountains (see link below). Spruce Creek (where a few of our Presidents have gone trout fishing) is a really nice stretch…you drive thru lots of small burghs and hamlets, but after all, this is the bowels of PA

If you do go back-roading in PA, make sure you’ve had enough coffee when you see the Deer Crossing signs – PA has LOTS of deer and they’re not very bright up here when it comes to crossing the highway.

Mike’s place would only be another hour+ south from Altoona (depending on what route you took).

Also, I have only been on part of PA Route 6, but it is touted as a well-known PA tourist destination.

Let us know how it goes and what route you took…

Most importantly, have a safe and enjoyable journey!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Route_45

https://www.paroute6.com/

[Tim G.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

I'm glad that Gene was able to help you out, nice find on your new ride.

[Michael J.]

Re: I can't believe I'm doing this...

As a side note, it is very unfortunate car transport is so hard to come by lately. There would be many more cars at the Mobile National if it was available, many complaints out there about this situation.