Here’s how the C4 Corvette had a hard time winning over long-time Corvette fans

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In this episode I provide the history of the fourth generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, typically known as the C4 Corvette. This was the first Corvette to have a "uniframe" platform with sheet molding compound for the body panels. Launched as a 1984 model in early 1983, there was no 1983 model as delays pushed it back to force that year to be skipped. The C4 had a digital display which wasn't well-received by Corvette purists, plus its initial engine for 1984 was a holdover from the last C3 generation model in 1982. In 1990, the ZR-1 model was offered with the most powerful engine in a Corvette. The last year of the C4 had a special Grand Sport model as a send-off.

[@davidp2888]

"I owned a 'Vette. Okay it was a Chevette." Good one, Pat.

[@Hubjeep]

That car must have looked like a rocket ship when it came out! 1984-1996 was quite a run!!!!

[@johnjones393]

It sure did especially when it was driving with only the fog lights on. It was so low and sleek. It was like nothing else on the road, certainly like nothing else American made.

[@Scott_From_Maine]

Man, it must take a ton of work to find all those clips. They're all perfectly chosen and show a good sense of humor. I appreciate every video you make.

[@andrewkessinger5966]

The idea of a C4 Corvette going 255mph is terrifying.

[@michaelmarks5012]

I was thinking the same! What's amazing is it didn't even look like it had an exotic ground effects package.

[@katieandkevinsears7724]

The idea of any car going 255 is kind of terrifying. But I'd still like to experience it.

[@averyparticularsetofskills]

​@@katieandkevinsears7724 RIGHT Agreed!! Didnt read b4 I commented

[@C4VETTELT1]

The sledgehammer held the top speed record for over 20 years!!! Only one of those cars actually exist. I believe the sledgehammer was based on the 88 model year.

[@Brimstoneandfire]

Yup! They should have put it in a black trans-am 😅😂❤

[@S-T-E-V-E]

I had an A-Team C4 toy as a kid in the 80's!

[@Suprahampton]

Same

[@padroooo]

I remember the 1984 Corvette. A guy I worked with showed up at a retirement party with his new Corvette. He threw the keys to anyone who wanted to drive it including me. The only thing is everyone was young and everyone was drinking. He didn't keep it long. Thanks Pat.

[@seanbarnes1151]

Was that the motley crew guy who ended up with the keys?

[@gordocarbo]

Neighbor bought a new vette every yr. He didnt have his 84 very long

[@colinschmitz8297]

To me, this was the Corvette as a kid. I prefer it to the current versions. I like the simplicity in styling, technology, and personality.

[@bzilla-d4i]

To me this will always be the Barbie Corvette 😂😂😂

[@Wasabi9111]

As a kid of the 80s, I didn’t know much about corvettes and I knew they were special in the rare occasions I saw them. I still think they look amazing?

[@bzilla-d4i]

@@Wasabi9111 it does look good, I grew up in the 90's and corvette's weren't sold in large numbers where I'm from due to them being LHD, where I mostly remember them from was the Barbie playsets in the stores like Toys R Us😂😂

[@thebionicbassplayer]

C4, Corvette. I'm one of those Boomers that wouldn't mind getting one. If it's the Lord's will I might, because they are now very reasonably priced.

[@gordocarbo]

@@Wasabi9111 Still like them for what they offer. DIrt cheap good mpg fun to drive and reliable unless you get a hackjob Autos were quick off the line remember being walked a few times in an 86 5.0 gt

[@Henry_Jones]

Orange dash lights that were made to resemble a monochrome monitor, pure high-tech 80s.

[@eternal1635]

I suppose as an 80s kid, I’m a bit bias because I’ve always loved the C4.

[@sambirdwell3002]

It’s wasn’t a revised release date that made them do the grand sport. They were gonna kill off the corvette but a team developed a new C5 in secret and WAY under budget and the big wigs were so impressed that they actually let them make it and that saved the vette the GS was originally the Corvette’s swan song

[@LevyHappyClapper]

interesting ... is that story validated ? not heard it before

[@texan176]

1996 also had a Collector’s Edition at the very end like the C3 did in the 80s. The ZR1 set all sorts of sustained high speed driving records and was a masterpiece at the time.

[@chrisbullard5901]

Love the 1984 Corvette commercial - saw it on a Computer Animation special in the early 90s.

[@SimonTekConley]

I never understood Corvettes until recently, when I realized I could buy a base level Corvette for about $64k, and a suburban costs twice that.

[@bdfdpcce]

Congratulations on the video. I'm passionate about Corvettes, I was a teenager in the 80s and the first Corvette I fell in love with was the C4, in January 1983, when I saw it on the cover of a car magazine here in Brazil. Greetings from Brazil.

[@325xitgrocgetter]

I recall that the first Corvette C4 commercial aired during the last episode of MASH which was Feb 28, 1983. GM did a large ad buy for the episode and had a huge audience to showcase their new 1983 models and introducing the 84 Corvette. Considering the record breaking audience, it was a good return on investment.

[@SayAhh]

Thanks for including commercials! Never seen them before!

[@benjochs]

I’ve owned two C4 corvettes. A 1986 and a 1995. Both white on red coupes. The 95 was a better car overall but the torquey 86 L98 had more spunk. I have a C7 now but may own another C4, probably a convertible..

[@howebrad4601]

As a gen xer growing up in the 80s I was and am still fascinated by the 84 Corvette. Loved the car, especially the hi tech interior. Now much older I finally have a red 84, like the one shown here. Still enjoy owning and driving it!! Gm did a great job on these

[@TheNewChevyRoll48]

Finally! An episode on the C4 generation.

[@silverwings11035]

I always wanted a 84 C4 with the Crossfire! Its a great engine and easy to service!

[@Slowgroovin]

The early C4s are iconic to both baby boomers and generation x'ers. Few american cars generate such a level of 80's nostalgia.

[@Bentsi2002]

One of the cars I regret selling, a beautiful 94 convertible with low miles, had a cooler matching hardtop and custom made velvet interior.

[@ironspyder-db8fd]

Ouch😢

[@reinatycoon3644]

I love Corvettes this was a wonderfully made vid man. The most beautiful Vettes are the C1-C3 vets but I LOVE the C2 Vettes the most so much class and style combined with awesome power levels and potential.

[@JSFGuy]

It's face from the A-team, Coolio...14:50

[@oldschoolvitin3860]

This car is so legendary I love it❤

[@peterhessedal8539]

I didn't like the C4 when it first came out. But 30 years older now, I wouldn't mind having one these days.

[@CommodoreFan64]

If you ever do get one make sure the digital dash is still working, or it's been replaced as they where notorious for burning out.

[@geographicaloddity2]

That dash looks like KITT.

[@LevyHappyClapper]

C4 is one of the most underrated corvettes made ... it was light years ahead of the previous generations ... and was killer once they gave it decent power.. Interior plastics ... well thats another matter

[@corvettefever360]

I don't care about plastic interiors in a Sports car, race car etc. That's what Mercedes can for. Lol! Interestingly why so many consider the F40 Ferrari the last real Ferrari. Which literally had a cable wire that you pulled down on to open the door. Luxury is for those who don't drive, & only get fast cars to impress women. Then do 35 MPH on the highway

[@jonathanmorrisey5771]

Patrick does a stellar job on these videos and youtube ruins the experience by interrupting his work mid-word for some bullshit ad! PISS-OFF OLD SPICE!!!!!

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

1977-1996 GM B-Body platform cars please

[@rtcturnemup7028]

Definitely need a video for this !!!

[@mikeks8181]

It was the television show " A-Team" that got me Hooked! I bought the Largest model kit I could find and painted it the same colors! The C3 Was Beautiful Only with the Chrome Bumper! After that it just went Bland! Thank You for the Memories

[@anthony_rivera4735]

Please do a video on the Ford Explorer sport trac pickup

[@JSFGuy]

Keep asking every week.

[@giggiddy]

Why?

[@MyOldCar]

Do you still own a Sport Trac? Or did you own one? I'm due for another Ford episode and I may try this one if you have some of your own photos or experiences with the car that explain why you've been asking for this one for so long (and I will talk about in the video)

[@highwayman1218]

As a teen in the 80s, thought the cars were amazing with cars like the Delorean and these C4s were popping up in the neighborhood.... Big fan of the 80s sportscars.

[@jasonz7788]

Awesome thanks great work Sir

[@pmafterdark]

Always loved the looks of the C4, even more than the C3. And the new ones 😝

[@dougdiebert6974]

I currently own the red 1990 zr1 you showed. Very cool to see it.

[@todd3563]

I still feel the C4 is the best looking Corvette ever made..

[@SA-zoom1]

The TPI and later LT1 engine cars are a hoot to drive, especially with the LSD rear end.

[@chosenclips6799]

I absolutely love every corvette except the c8

[@jackbower8671]

Big props man! Watched this channel for a few years

[@pauljr.harrington1905]

I'm actually pretty soon going to get a C5 Corvette, the successor to the car in this video. Parking the two side-by-side, the C5 is definitely a more rounded, curvy C4. It's still a wedge shape with pop up headlights.

[@garrycook3749]

Google Jan 19th 2020 C4 Corvette entered the National Corvette Hall Of Fame 275 mph still holds the record 35 years later. Fastest Corvette ever. Happened before KZbin. Naturally Aspirated on gasoline Then Reeves Calloway built the Sledgehammer it’s on KZbin 255 mph

[@jetcitykitty]

A long-time favorite of mine 😊 gotta get it last 2 years or so, to avoid the fatal condenser dripping issue, or ya gotta take careof that. A first year would be pretty unique, and probably sound the best with its carbureted engine 😊

[@JozefLucifugeKorzeniowski]

as far as 80s cars go the c4 still looks pretty hot. actually i think all generations (aside from c6 of course) are nice looking cars.

[@Revolutionary_War443ī]

The Saturn curve is a nice look car

[@jasonw9423]

All I hear is “Flash, savior of the universe “ in that commercial.

[@truckfreak1027]

I had a 94 Vette. Miss that car a lot. Black with tan interior. Gold emblems. It was almost perfect.

[@michaelgorman4229]

I own 1985 C4 since 2008 with 83,000 miles now I still have it with 107,000 miles,runs and drives

[@beforeyourimmigrants8471]

Do the Ford EXP next

[@barrymccaulkiner7092]

Now one on the C3, please.

[@joshwaltman5450]

I had an Isuzu stylus in about 1997. I believe the car was a 1991 model but I have never seen another one. I’d like to see that video. Thanks for all the great content!

[@weaponizedautism6199]

The C4 handles like it’s on rails. Not so fast but man it was a fun car.

[@flcopperhead766]

Favorite C4 cameo, Gleaming the Cube...

[@dannysdailys]

"But it was a Chevette." Now that is hysterical!

[@mauriceldisgreecanadahaspr9560]

YES YES Good Video Good Corvette 75 YEARS General Motors 😮😮😮😮😮

[@RipRoaringGarage]

More and more examples of how idiots keep taking away cool features. RIP popup headlights. Solution is simple. STOP WALKING IN TRAFFIC!

[@alpaljl]

I drove a C4 with the LT1 once. It was fun, but man was it hard to get in and out of that car.

[@kc0lif]

nice corvette.

[@wesleyclark947]

Can you do a video on the Nissan sx cars?

[@GreenHawkDrive]

Great video as always!

[@Daniel28021991]

I love the C4

[@hecklepig]

It will always be the Scarecrow and Mrs King car to me.

[@Paulie1232]

O own a C4 and love it..😊

[@williamsternes6907]

1980 Cobra Mustang

[@moodberry]

I own a 92 C4. I LOVE the styling of the C4, even more than any other Corvette generation. I wish it had the tech of the C8 in the C4 body. BTW, where did you get the opening video sequence in HD? Is it available on its own?

[@MyOldCar]

I provide the source of the video clip in the lower left corner while it's playing

[@LPVPisFr33]

I never liked the wheels, I thought the body style was fine but those wheels uuuggghh!

[@garthhancock3373]

I like the salad shooters. Had a set of them on a 91 Z28 for some time.

[@fred-ov3hh]

best sport car I've bought a c4

[@quentinsheckles3548]

Just to correct, Chevy made 61 corvettes in 1983, 43 testers and 18 prototypes.

[@danielb-c9100]

Can you do the Silverado?

[@kussstuff]

Well done video with good information.

[@keith91z28]

Low 200hp yes but also 330+ lbs of torque. Definitely fun down low.

[@transagenda]

Love me a coke era corvette!

[@doug6191]

Mazda 929 next

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

Yessss

[@JSFGuy]

Do remember these.

[@JonathanMoosey]

I love the later year C4s the most out of any Corvettes. Mainly from 1991 until the end of the run for the C4 generation.

[@gordocarbo]

they certainly rode better and the late C4seats were great. LT4 is a great engine but the usual LT1 auto cars just didnt do it for me

[@srtnoor]

1998 Lexus LS400 video?

[@Fokkerc1]

I always thought the C4 styling was bland after the swoopy C3.

[@tristanconnolly5675]

Nice.

[@maxant4285]

Ian Ziering in Beverly Hills, 90210 😉

[@britannic27]

Recommendation for a video on the Plymouth Fury?

[@elvistwatty]

That's crazy to think the sledgehammer had about 900 HP but didn't reach 200mph But Ferrari f40 and Porsche 959 with much less HP did

[@CarlosGuzman-bq8fr]

Great video 📹 👍 thanks buddy

[@fred-ov3hh]

my corvette in 1985 coat 38k new 😮

[@nicotoscani8270]

What are the chances that guy spraying clear coat without a mask on is still alive?

[@Project_Low_Expectations]

I did it in the early 90’s… once

[@nicotoscani8270]

@@Project_Low_Expectations 😂

[@davidminassian9953]

Man I spotted that too.

[@flcopperhead766]

Plastic Fantastic

[@akkmdk]

Volvo 242 262c Gt Glt Turbo!

[@patrick9316]

78' Pontiac Grand Prix LJ. T tops white exterior red velour seats power everything. 😢😢😢

[@goose4150]

A c4 launched onto an E21 3 series. That was painful to watch

[@ManfredEWhite]

Nice video.

[@michaelcabral2174]

Virtually all Corvettes are mid engine the engine sits behind the front wheels, therefore still mid engine

[@lancebaldock8180]

I had a 1984 with the crossfire in it and the fastest. I could get it to go was 146.

[@googleuser3760]

What a great video. 👍👍

[@aitorinarra]

The latest one looks like a McLaren

[@1mzfe]

Pontiac Catalina

[@kee-hoyu8586]

Please do a video on the 2004 Toyota matrix

[@Henry_Jones]

I was born in 79 and never liked the c4.

[@1mzfe]

British Leyland

[@1mzfe]

Mazda 626

[@geebs76]

I was so disappointed when I saw the C4 for the first time. To me it lacked all of the flash of previous generations.

[@sharedknowledge6640]

Perhaps a nice video but I couldn’t keep watching past the cheesy mid roll ads.