1990 Chevrolet Corvette - Corvette Cabriolet

With its last owner for 25 years

Maintenance records from 2006 to 2025

Engine and gearbox replaced around 50,000 kilometres ago

Long-standing rally companion

America’s sports car had grown up. Perhaps a little too much, some thought. When Chevrolet introduced the fourth-generation Corvette in 1984, little remained of the voluptuous curves of its predecessor. The C4 was low, angular and technically far more modern.

The Convertible returned as well. After Chevrolet discontinued the open Corvette in 1975, it reappeared in 1986 with a soft top for the first time in eleven years. Under the long bonnet, meanwhile, things remained reassuringly American.

In 1990, that meant the 5.7-litre L98 V8, producing 245 SAE net hp and plenty of torque. Power went to the rear wheels through either an automatic or the modern ZF six-speed manual gearbox. Around six seconds from 0 to 100 km/h was possible – thoroughly respectable for an open sports car of the period.

For the 1990 model year, the Corvette also received a revised cockpit. The futuristic digital displays of the early C4 gave way to a combination of analogue instruments and digital readouts. At the same time, the new ZR-1 was grabbing headlines with its four-valve V8, while the Convertible followed a rather more traditional American recipe: a big engine, an open roof and as much road as possible stretching out beyond the bonnet.

This Corvette has been with its last owner since 2001, accompanying him for almost a quarter of a century. Invoices and maintenance records from 2006 to 2025 document the Convertible’s continuous care. Around 50,000 kilometres ago, both the engine and gearbox were replaced – an investment from which the Corvette continues to benefit today.

Its long-standing owner was firmly rooted in the Austrian classic-car scene and active as an organiser of historic rallies. Accordingly, the Corvette was not merely collected, but driven extensively over many years – exactly as an American sports car ought to be.