Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
14th June, 2023 13:00
1994 Chevrolet Corvette C4
1 of just 80 factory examples for the Japanese market
Estimate
£15, 000 - £18, 000
Registration No: L828 WYJ
Chassis No: 1G1YY22P5R5105918
MOT: March 2024
1 of just 80 factory examples manufactured for the Japanese market and the only known example in the United Kingdom
Numerous factory differences solely fitted to the Japanese market examples
Only 64, 628 miles recorded on the odometer (at the time of consignment)
Winner of the Best C4 at the Classic Corvette Club UK National Rally 2021 Rated as ?very good? or 'excellent' throughout by the vendor
Arguably the most radical 'Vette in two decades, the fourth generation or C4 model was introduced in March 1983. Built around a C-section beam reinforced monocoque, it was equipped with composite transverse-leaf independent suspension and rack and pinion steering. Fitted with 16 x 8. 5 alloy wheels shod with P255/ 50VR-16 tyres as standard (although this example is fitted with 285/ 40/ 17 tyres at the rear with 255/ 45/ 17 at the front), the C4's handling drew considerable praise from the contemporary press. Powered by a 350ci / 5. 7 litre V8 engine mated to either four-speed automatic or manual gearboxes, it was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in under six seconds and over 140mph. Boasting new aluminium calipers, its four-wheel disc braking system proved more efficient than ever. Noticeably lower-slung than its predecessor, the new car actually possessed greater ground clearance (thanks to a cunningly routed exhaust) and a more spacious interior. A definite hit with buyers in the period, the latter's digital instrumentation now looks somewhat quaint. Manufactured new in 1994, the example offered is exceptionally rare being one of just 80 examples manufactured from factory direct for the Japanese market. The factory differences from American market cars included full arch extension, sidelights removed from the front and rear bumpers, rear license plate holder amendments, aerodynamic additions to the wing mirrors, fitment of side indicators, Japanese chassis sticker, and door shut stickers. Finished in Black paintwork with a Red leather interior upholstery and carpets, the ?Vette is fitted with the 350cu inch 5. 7-litre engine allied to the three-speed with overdrive automatic transmission. Imported into the United Kingdom in 2007, the Corvette has been in the ownership of the vendor since 2021 and is only offered for sale due to the purchase of a C6 Z06 Corvette and lack of storage. Offered for auction with a recorded mileage of just 64, 628 miles on the odometer (at the time of consignment), ?L828 WYJ? was displayed at the Classic Corvette Club UK National Rally 2021 and won Best C4 Corvette with the trophy included with the sale. Accompanied by a history file that contains an original 1994 Sales Brochure, a 1994 Service Manual, a large collection of invoices, numerous previous MOT certificates, and both a current V5C document and copies of previous. The invoices on file document extensive work completed and parts supplied by Corvette specialists such Topcats Racing, EuroVettes, Eckler?s Corvette, Zip Corvettes, Claremont Corvette, and Grove Garage. Most recently benefitted from renewed ignition coil and distributor replacement in 2019 (costing over £1, 500), belt and tensioner in 2021, and gearbox sensor in 2022, and has two sets of keys. An exceedingly rare Corvette having supplied new to Japan (the car-friendly climate), the Corvette is rated by the vendor as ?very good? with regards to the interior, ?very good to excellent? in terms of paintwork, and as having ?excellent? bodywork, engine, electrical equipment and gearbox, this is surely a great American muscle car to acquire.
