Why did I buy a Chevrolet C4 Corvette Z51 instead of a 2024 C8 Stingray?

This 1986 Corvette is very special to me and there is a big reason. Take a ride with me to get the details on how at the age of 17 years old I was about to buy myself a carbon copy of this C4 Corvette. Why did I buy a Chevrolet C4 Corvette Z51 instead of a 2024 C8 Stingray?
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videography: Lori Raiti 🎥

[@TaxEvader772]

Saw the jorts in the thumbnail and knew this was gonna be a good one 😂

[@RaitisRides]

That is always a given! LOL

[@joe34096]

We love jort jorts

[@rizzystaydizzy]

it’s the air jordan 5’s for me 🔥🔥🔥

[@jeffybuddhem145]

Reason why I clicked too lol!

[@user-gs2ih7bb2b]

Ok the jorts was on purpose 😂

[@Maestrodamus]

This is a great all American story. Young man works hard, saves his money, buys the car that every kid had a poster of and the buys it again as an adult. RESPECT!

[@EvilSardine084]

While working at McDonalds. Show's how hard the young generation has it now. lmao

[@Clooger-]

HAHAHAHA. Was a good story, good luck trying to pull this off in the current economy!

[@squallxvi]

I want to see a kid working at McDonald's today buy a C8 Corvette Stingray with that job money.

[@hellocar123]

@@EvilSardine084what?

[@omarcortes5754]

Rocking the Corvette owner uniform 😉 It's so nice that you were able to reconnect with this car, enjoy it.

[@RaitisRides]

You know it! LOL Thanks for letting me share my past with you!

[@leejohnson2024]

almost had it right, just missing the newbalance.

[@omarcortes5754]

@@leejohnson2024 He's still young for making the full transition to New Balance.

[@Fmandan77]

I too had a C4 in high school (1995). A few Kids called me "90210" because of "Steve" in the show who drove a vette to high school. I didn't care, I just loved cars and had the means to buy a lightly used corvette. I drove it for 18 months, put about 10K miles on the odometer and sold it for damn near what I bought it for. After that I went on to own some Formula 350 Third Gens with the same TPI 350 as the Vette and a few Fox Body Mustangs too. Now I'm 46 and I'm building muscle cars and engines. It never gets old.

[@tlangton]

Good to see your matching your shorts to the year of the C4 corvette.

[@RaitisRides]

Heck yeah! 😂

[@innerlightfilms]

My first car at 16 was an 89 Firebird Formula. I now own a 93 ZR-1 Corvette! The C4 gets so much hate, and its usually from people that have never driven one. They're a great car if you care about it being driver focused and raw visceral feel. Even for not being fast by today's standards, they're so much fun to pilot that you won't even care. Plus the high torque makes up for most of it.

[@mmserbmmserb3871]

C4 corvettes are so under appreciated!

[@RaitisRides]

You are so spot on about that

[@pbarnwell]

My 86 is the convertible, and I’ve got 3 first place trophies for autocross racing … love it…. BTW Mine is also Red

[@mmserbmmserb3871]

@@pbarnwell awesome

[@Freddy_Confetti]

C4’s suk

[@aztr0k1d]

Most of them on the market are the 4 speed auto. Probs why it’s under appreciated

[@polklovesrt10]

I see you 👀 man, C4 with the Jean shorts and retro air Jordan 5 , Corvette tee tucked in… my man

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks brother!

[@daltonnko9901]

Jorts and 5s this is gonna be a classic

[@RaitisRides]

I wanted to make it authentic as I could.

[@masonbell3891]

1. Love the outfit matching to the car. 2. Congrats on getting a classic. I just got my C8 Stingray in Rapid Blue with the Blue Interior 3LT, but this is a thing of beauty.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome of you to say Mason! Congrats on your C8! Rapid blue is an outstanding color.

[@chrisgelo1425]

Joe, this is a heck of a special story from you to us. Keep up the passion, Raiti, and never let off throttle! 💪 This is what it means to be part of the Raiti's Rides family. It's called the C4 Corvette cause it's literally Dy-no-mite!

[@RDSZ]

This video brings so many memories, I purchased a used 85 corvette in 1990 when I was 25, those were one of the happiest times of my life.

[@tedbell4416]

Absolutely the best times

[@gramb5611]

Nice to see my old car again. Great memories and a great story 🤙🏼 Thanks Joe

[@RaitisRides]

It is always the stories behind the cars that are always my favorite to hear!

[@charles9215]

Great story. Love to hear these stories because it says a lot about how many of us around that age had to go to work to earn the things we wanted. Life’s lessons that were important yesterday as they are today and into the future

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that Charles!

[@josels1292]

Here is my story. I was always a Chevy guy from elementary school, when I was in high school I got a part time job after school in a local metal shop. My goal was to save money to purchase a Camaro Z28, this was one of my favorite cars but the ultimate dream car was the new C5 corvette. I would drool over this car. One day while at work our shop manager drove in on a new C5 corvette, man was I exited and all over that car. It was like looking at a brand new Ferrari but better to my eyes. I always told myself one day I will own one and be just like him. After a few years of working in this great company I decided to leave to a competitor company to better my knowledge in this field, after leaving for 12 years they the first company called me back and made me an offer to comeback at a facility manager. I accepted the job and soon after while driving home I seen a beautiful C5 with a sale sign. I stopped to look at the car and soon after made the purchase. I remember pulling up to work in my C5 and telling myself well I said one day and today is the day. I still have my C5 here. Not sure if I would ever sell it.

[@markspence3750]

I love this video. I worked at Hardees and then Wendy's when I was 15-18 years old. The manager at Hardees had an Chevy IROC Z-28 with the louvers in the back window. I loved his car. I was never able to save enough to buy a car. My parents would NOT allow me to have a car because they were afraid that it would make their own car insurance go up while living at home with them. Only after I turned 18 and moved out of their house was I able to have a car. I appreciate that Joe was thrifty enough to be able to save his money, and not spend it on other things that kids waste money on. In 2004, at age 34 years old, I graduated Pharmacy School and became a Pharmacist. The 1st thing I bought was a 2000 Chevy Corvette, dark red from Hendrick Chevrolet in Charlotte, NC. The day I bought it, I went on I-85 and was doing 95mph. I was instantly pulled over by a NC Highway Trooper. When he pulled me over, I told him I had just bought it, just graduated. He gave me a warning and sent me on my way. Thank you, Trooper!! That was the best day in my life getting that Vette.

[@brianbarbe9646]

Holy smokes. How did you find a car this old with so few miles! Can't wait for the future stories on this. I suppose that will include what happened to the original Vette.

[@bradhewitt6779]

What a breath of fresh air.Great story, yes do more of these . My first brand new car was a 1985 Firebird with the v8.

[@gsczr1]

Joe, I have a very similar story. I am a bit order then you. I saved my money and when I turned 18 I walked into my local Chevrolet dealer and ordered my 73 Corvette. When it came in the sales guy called me and said come and get it. I paid the balance and drove off. It was one of the happiest days of my life. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I sold the car 3 years later because I was getting married and as my dad said, you need a practical car. 50 years later and 7 Corvettes later I ordered a 2023. The color I picked for my 73 was orange. Of course my 2023 is also orange. There is no comparison of course. The C8 Corvette matches the hype. It's the real deal. I think of my 73 Corvette often and wonder where it is today. I hope it's still burning gas. Enjoy reliving those memories when driving your 86 Corvette. As they say, your only young once. Cheers!!!

[@davidp2888]

The jorts, man. You're amazing, Joe! I wish I could find a copy of one of my old cars: 1973 Firebird, red with black interior. Fast? No. Fun to drive as a 20-something? Absolutely!

[@RaitisRides]

Oh man that would be amazing! I really love Firebirds and miss them so much!

[@TheSpeedDemon64]

Love the C4 Corvette! Such an amazing classic

[@tophit97]

This is the best video on your channel. Enjoy your memories. ❤

[@timberlv22]

Rockin the jean shorts just like I do!

[@RaitisRides]

Heck yeah Tim!

[@jerseattle0722]

This makes me so happy for you!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jerseattle0722]

You look so happy!!!!

[@DavidisNice]

You brought me back to my 94 Z28 I bought during senior year of high school in 98. I can’t find one in the same color that is also clean. They’re mostly all beat up on.

[@Tom-cp6yj]

Remember those late 80s Firebird "Formula 350" with the large decals on the doors? That's nostalgia for me...

[@RaitisRides]

Those were the days!

[@stephenboneau9090]

Wow! Owning an immaculate vette at 17 had to be incredible. You were definitely the man! Thanks for sharing.

[@renojpuente]

Thank you for that story. I can relate and now my boys are going through the same thing Looking for to more videos Thank you

[@RaitisRides]

You got it my friend!

[@joshlavallee8139]

YEESSSS! Love it! I have a 1987 C4 Corvette Z51, it's blue on blue, instead of red on red. That sure is a beauty! The 80s super car engineering is so wild on these, really. Ahead of their time.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome Josh!

[@catchawave21]

Chevy dealership was on my walk to highschool, lusted after a silver/ burgundy 82 until the first 84 appeared. White with blue cloth. Late for school that day, the future had arrived. Thanks for the memories Joe, enjoy your Vette!

[@Anthonypatrick1]

What an awesome heartfelt story of the past by Joe. Really touched me listening to your good old high school days. Brings back those classic memories

[@RedPanda_______]

Fantastic story! Thanks for sharing! Please make more videos like this with your car stories. I am looking forward to the video where you revisit places you have been in the past! Super cool video idea!

[@RaitisRides]

You got it my friend! I am so glad that I can share it with you!

[@jeffwesthof9711]

Ahhh. Those were the days! Loved growing up in the 80's. Loved the story Joe!

[@michaelsteward4423]

I recently bought an 86 convertible. It is exactly like my boss's car in high school ( I worked for Zip Corvette in high school). Sitting in it brings back so many memories! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome Michael! Those were the good old days!

[@Vutsman1]

I got a 1985 Mustang GT Cobra - brand new, came with no stereo, or speakers, nor an antenna, had a glass sunroof, silver, and that was 13k new. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I couldn't drive stick yet. My dad had to bring it home. My dad had a 1987 red corvette just like this one but convertible white top. We had so much fun back in the day. Memories are Awesome.

[@JasonAkrami1]

My Fav Raiti’s Rides Video. I’m Smiling Ear to Ear the Entire Video. We Need More Content Like This! 🚗 🚘❤️

[@patrickeast6926]

Nostalgic ride - I enjoyed the trip down memory lane...a lot of similarities for this 75 year old car guy! (Especially the lock on the tool chest story!)

[@roubinekibinian1578]

One of your best videos. Incredible story of hard work and Passion 👍

[@eabcool]

interesting story. i love the 80s Corvette's, Camaro's and Firebird's. They styling was so clean , no one can ever say they look bad.

[@pes20114life]

Shoutout Tim for being a legend

[@davidlepoidevin4239]

Joe great video! It also brings me to a time when young people worked their ass off to buy a used vette…. Today too many young people won’t work like we used to! I saved for a used Honda crx. Worked hard for it and loved it!

[@lucasarmstrong437]

Great hearing the childhood memories. Keep it up!

[@johnnyjoseph8824]

Mad respect!! Congratulations!! You deserve everything great, you work really hard, and I am very happy for you.

[@doctorrobert60]

Thanks for taking us on a trip with the time machine Joe! Referencing Allan Funt's Candid Camera brought back memories watching that show. More of these types of video would be fantastic for retro reviews of cars. Thanks Joe!

[@johng.4959]

Wow! Now that's a Corvette!!! Beautiful car! I know the feeling and it must make you feel amazing to have 'your car" back! Congrats to you! Love the C4 Vettes!👍

[@54FLEX45]

I’m not surprised at all. You seem like a great guy who probably makes friends easily and forms close relationships with people. Networking and befriending people has a lot to do personal success and achievement. I really enjoyed the vid! Would love to see some more of your backstory.

[@numb3rcrunchr90]

What an awesome and authentic story Joe! Thanks for sharing. Love to see and hear more of your story!

[@DanielC.959]

Hey, this was a good change of pace video, it was great to know your history. Thanks for taking us along the ride and kind of going through your journey it was really awesome.

[@anthonyfarias998]

Oh man this was an all timer right here. Great video. Thanks for sharing the story that helped shape your future. Just an awesome story. Definitely want to see more videos of where you came from and the events that turned you into a true enthusiast.

[@connorl7679]

Love the car, love the fit. Banger video

[@edwardm.6132]

Joe... I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!! So happy for you that you found the car of your youth! I felt a flood of emotions watching this. It's awesome to see and hear the stories of what inspired you. By the way, not a car of my youth, but I just purchased a Firesand Orange Jaguar F Type S convertible... dream car!! Your channel really helped fuel my passion for performance cars, and this was the result. Thank you, Joe!!

[@silverwave010]

This is incredibly inspiring to us younger enthusiasts Joe! I love hearing these stories, especially being in my mid life crisis 20s. Congrats on the purchase- it makes complete sense for this to ignite the Joe Raiti we all know today. Please continue to tell us your stories man!! You are very important to the car enthusiast world!

[@dko8546]

What an an amazing story! Thanks for sharing, Joe!

[@jerseattle0722]

Omg that is an amazing story, Joe I see you in a new light that I didn’t see before. Wonderful and thank you so much for sharing! Love seeing pics that match the story

[@donacianoc.sandoval2587]

Love the new vid format where Joe just brings us along, and has some wholesome convos with us. We get to know Joe more, and his stories about his perspective on life. Thanks for all that you do Joe!

[@gordonmills2748]

Nice ride! I got to take a spin in a black C4 convertible once, and my buddy had the best line: "Drives like a glove."

[@RaitisRides]

Oh yeah! The good old days!

[@user-ts8zr7qm7w]

Great video! I purchased a 77 Corvette when I graduated high school in 1986. I sold my 74 Camaro and used my part time job savings to purchase it for $5500 at the time. I only owned it less than a year and realized I could not truly afford it. Reluctantly I sold if for a small profit. It did teach me the value of hard work. I went on to buy a 65, 64 and 71 all of which are long gone. But the memories and smiles will last a lifetime. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@joecharmley]

I love your hat Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Joe! I can't believe Lori found it!

[@faxonbissettiii2388]

One of your best videos ever! Loved it!

[@moflow99]

I love love love these kinds of videos you do from time to time. Oh, and nice jorts 😆

[@clays1507]

Great story! Love it Joe

[@TWISSTR]

Please keep doing these videos Joe! I love hearing updates on the cars you own and, of course, the HISTORY and stories behind the cars and what fueled your passion! These videos are my favorite!

[@effluent2]

That’s awesome that you got a 1986 Corvette when you were only 16👍🏼 the closest I got to that was a 1971 Pontiac T-37 when I was 18

[@OrionInception]

Classic Corvette and classic Jordan 5s....awesome combo!

[@captncoke49]

Congrats Joe. The C4 was the first Vette I ever drove when I worked at a Chevy dealer. Wanted a Vette ever since. One day I’ll have one!

[@zachizard88]

Awesome car!

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate you saying that Zach!

[@robsoto6340]

Hey Joe, I’ve seen you walking around at rides by the river and at provisions car meet and wanted to say hi but didn’t want to bother you. After seeing this, it makes me appreciate your beginnings and see how hard work and being a total car guy have paid off for you! Congrats to you and Lori for being so good at what you do! And nice vette from a fellow vet owner!

[@RaitisRides]

Hi Rob! Thanks for posting this and letting me share it with you! We seriously can't do it without your support! Please, next time you see me, don't be afraid of bothering me and just say hello!

[@user-ft4lq1mj2e]

I had the same exact car long time ago when I was in high school , 5.7 TPI with digital dash that looked so high tech for its time, loved everything about this car, the torque and the handling was superb !Miss this car so much, I am still a Corvette guy.

[@carlj4992]

Thanks for sharing brought back a lot of memories growing up in FLA in the late 80s. Like the candid camera reference and explanation 😂

[@davidholmes1771]

Normally wouldn't be interested in Long stories about wayback days . But I admire JRaiti. So its worth Hearing, how our dude grew into who he IS.

[@terryrutherford2114]

I mentioned in your other C4 video, my first Corvette was a red 1988 Z51 with the standard transmission. I got it in 2002. I loved that car. In 2004 I bought a 1991 ZR-1. It too was awesome. I went to a Cadillac CTS-V for 5 years, but I'm happy to say I'm back in a Corvette. A 2016 Z06, 3LZ convertible. I have loved them all, but there is a special place in my heart for that first red C4. Thanks for the video Joe. Glad you were able to get your car back! Oh by the way, when I turned 21 years old (yeah I got some years on you Joe) I bought a brand new 1988 Mustang GT. I kinda forgot about it, but it was hella fun too. I never owned a C5 or a C6 and I'm fine with that. I love the C4 and C7.

[@NickVanek-lm2gx]

Love your videos

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate your fantastic support!

[@mikejames-drummerreginacan1386]

I owned a 83 Firebird, 83 Mustang GT and an 85 Vette 4 +3 transmission but not when I was a kid. Joe, your story was AWESOME. Thanks !

[@PRO4XKEV]

I was 25 when these came out in 1986. Still a cool car, keep it stock and enjoy. In 1982 I bought a new 1982 Mustang GT for 10 grand. I lowered it, removed the cat, installed a Carter 625 AFB electric choke carb on a Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, damn that woke that car up, cause it came with a 2 bbl carb.. Fun times, I drove that car trouble free for 93k miles.. and sold it in 1987.

[@iarpak]

Awesome video! I was 14 years old in 1984 when I first saw a C4 Corvette. Corvettes have always been special to me for the great price-to-performance aspect but also how they look. Feel so happy for you. Thanks for sharing your passion and looking forward to see more videos on this cream puff.

[@mickeybickeyboston]

Joe, your personality is always a major part of your reviews, as well as your passion for cars. I loved this video. I'm a little older (5 years) and totally get everything from the good and plenty to the twinkies, etc. Laurie encouraging you to buy this car shows how great your relationship is. I had a Barbie Corvette and big yellow Barbie camper. That was as close as it got. Somehow, my automobiles have always resembled the camper more than the Vette from station wagons to my Suburban. Also, first job was McDonald's in 1985. Anyone who worked at McDonald's can do anything in life! Definitely do more videos like this. As always, enjoy your amazing stories. Lessons from Dad are priceless. .

[@hamdanalraeesi4924]

Loved the corvette outfit! Even as a fan of fords, the vette still rocks💪🔥

[@RaitisRides]

I am glad that you can dig it all! Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@efstorms]

Awesome story man love that you got JoesVette back. I completely agree the C4 is a total Time Machine for me too. Looking forward to seeing more to come in the C4 stories.

[@davidramirez199]

Very interesting. In 1986 I was about twice your age.I also bought that years vette,which is still in my garage, and my very first brand new car was a 1985 (knight rider) Trans Am. Thanks.

[@shermanelliott5730]

Joe I love this story from your past and the C4 story, we need a follow up on this past

[@uperez71]

Love the story Joe. Keep them coming! God bless!

[@amill1563]

Awesome story. Wish I had memories like that.

[@RobinMster]

You've inspired me to get back to work on my 1987 c4! I've now completed almost everything on it 2 days later (It just needed a new tensioner pulley, brakes and an oil change) what a beast man! I can't wait to have it painted so I can have a badass ride this summer. Cheers!

[@1ROCKY89]

This puts a big smile on my face JOESVETT

[@aymanlockhartable]

True destiny! Amazing! I can relate to this story with my 1989 Nissan S13/240sx when I was 17 years old!

[@n-power-automotive]

Gosh I love car stories like yours, Joe! Especially since we grew up in the same era. Sadly those types of situations don’t really happen now-a-days. My most beloved car was my Sunburst Yellow 1972 Buick Skylark. I was 16 y/o, working at a retirement home, mowing lawns, shoveling snow and umpiring little league games. I scraped together every penny I could and found the Skylark in the local classified newspaper. It was a classic story of the original owner little old lady who had to sit on a pillow to see over the steering wheel! 76,000 original miles and completely stock. She wouldn’t let me test drive it so I had to go for a ride in the passenger seat while she drove 15mph around her neighborhood! 🤣 $2,500 later she was all mine! I too thought I was the man, especially once I started modifying it. It was a base 350 2 barrel with a black vinyl roof and hubcaps. I found original Buick ralley wheels, got a custom bent dual exhaust put on with Dynomax mufflers, found an original Buick 350 4 barrel manifold and carb, put a Sun Tach on the steering column and converted the column shift to a floor shifter. The icing on the cake was when my best friend and I installed a shift kit. I was chirping tires all over town! Those memories will forever be part of who I am and why I love cars so much. Related to your story, growing up my dad had a Mustang too, but not a classic in those days. He bought a 1982 Mustang GT (the original Fox body) off the showroom floor and modified it the entire time I was getting to driving age. Obviously that was a huge influence in my life too. Anyway, just thought I’d share my car story.

[@eliaseliopoulos4087]

It’s all about memories that get us attached to our very first car 💜 Loved every second of this review-Personal story down the memory lane ✔️

[@serbeefheart9964]

New favorite Raiti's video

[@barrydraper]

Very nice story and car!!! Wow! Z51 has always been a great package. Love the manual. Glad you were able to recapture the likeness of your 1st Vette. Only thing I'd do to it might be an exhaust...

[@aymaneoubad5057]

Congrats buddy. You deserve more ! Great video as usual & cheers !

[@nickwingate1834]

The Jorts and Jordan V are an indication that this video is going to be amazing 🤩

[@LuisUrbieta]

Oh my dear Apostle Joe, I love the 1986 C4 Chevrolet Corvette I think this is the Apostle to the American Sports Cars.

[@RaitisRides]

I always appreciate you tuning in Luis!

[@LuisUrbieta]

@@RaitisRides Oh yeah Apostle APOSTLE Joe I love the way it looks.

[@LuisUrbieta]

@@RaitisRides Yeah

[@mattmekhaeil]

The story you said is a masterpiece! Dreams come true!

[@SexPot99]

I loved coming home to relax and watching this video and hearing about your years growing up in Florida with your dad. I am a bit envious. You don’t understand how many hearts you heal with your videos.

[@michaelfraher6375]

I had a 1995 c4 for 15 years and do not regret it at all it was fun and reliable

[@Ghost-eu1rg]

I love the old corvettes, this is one of the coolest ones too

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome!

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@SO_S55m]

What an awesome story. Thanks for sharing how your car passions started. Congrats on getting your childhood car back!

[@theyoutubeofmyname]

Raiti rocking the Jordans

[@MikaalWatersVoice]

So sweet that Joe called Lori a "Cream Puff" Awwww 🥰

[@tonym1314]

This was awesome Joe. So great - thanks.