1988 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

5.7L Naturally Aspirated L98 V8 | 4-Speed Automatic | Aftermarket White Convertible Soft Top

Extended Warranty
LOT #

261067300

Classic Car

Vehicle Price$26,700
Pre-Delivery Service Charge$1,299
Total Price$27,999
Advertised price includes the $1,299 Pre-Delivery Service Charge. Price does not include taxes, tag, registration, or other mandatory government charges.
Pending Sale
Estimated: $276.40/mo
Estimated payment assumes 20% down, 9.5% APR, and 120-month term. Actual rates may vary.
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Listing Disclaimer:
Verified Seller provides all vehicle specific information and modifications listed below. Confirm any specifics with your Exotic Car Trader Representative prior to purchase. Sales tax or other taxes, tag, title, registration fees, government fees, not included in advertised price. $1,299 Pre-Delivery Service Charge not included in advertised price.
Make:
Model:
VIN:
1G1YY3181J5121781
Lot Number:
261067300
Condition:
Used
Odometer:
39,084 miles
(Exempt / TMU)
Engine:
5.7L Naturally Aspirated V8
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Transmission:
Automatic
Exterior Color:
Bright Red
Interior Color:
Red
Vinyl Wrap:
Vehicle Location:
Missouri
  • 1988 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
  • 5.7L Naturally Aspirated L98 V8
  • Tuned Port Electronic Fuel Injection
  • 4-Speed Automatic
  • RWD
  • Bright Red Exterior
  • Red Leather Interior
  • Aftermarket White Convertible Soft Top
  • Aftermarket Wheels
  • Limited-Slip Rear Differential
  • Power-Adjustable Sport Bucket Seats
  • Digital Instrument Cluster
  • Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column
  • Factory AM/FM Cassette Stereo
  • Air Conditioning
  • Replacement Left Rear Hub Bearing Assembly

Extras Included in the Sale

  • Spare Exhaust Muffler
  • Service Records

Overview of 1988 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible For Sale by Owner

The fourth-generation Chevrolet Corvette brought a dramatic transformation to America's sports car, introducing a sharply styled, aerodynamically efficient body, advanced digital instrumentation, and a sophisticated chassis designed to challenge European performance cars. By 1988, Chevrolet had refined the C4 platform with improved suspension technology and increased output from its celebrated Tuned Port Injection V8. This 1988 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, showing just 39,084 miles, is finished in eye-catching Bright Red with a matching Red leather interior and contrasting White convertible soft top. Powered by a 5.7L L98 V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, this example combines classic small-block performance with the distinctive styling of the late 1980s. Its appearance is complemented by aftermarket chrome five-spoke wheels, while documented recent work includes a replacement convertible top, left rear hub bearing assembly, and attention to several mechanical components. With its vibrant color combination, open-air configuration, and documented maintenance, this C4 Corvette offers an appealing opportunity to enjoy an important chapter of Chevrolet's performance heritage.

Exterior and Interior

The exterior of this 1988 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is finished in Bright Red, a vibrant color that complements the C4's low-slung profile, wedge-shaped front end, and sculpted bodywork. The fourth-generation Corvette departed significantly from its predecessor, introducing a more contemporary appearance characterized by flush-mounted lighting, integrated bumpers, and smooth aerodynamic surfaces. This example features a replacement White vinyl convertible soft top with a plastic rear window, providing an attractive contrast against the Bright Red bodywork while preserving the Corvette's classic open-air character. The car rides on aftermarket chrome five-spoke wheels, adding a distinctive custom touch to its otherwise recognizable C4 silhouette. Additional exterior details include retractable headlamps, integrated side vents behind the front wheels, and the Corvette's signature quad taillight arrangement. According to the supplied service documentation, the vehicle has also received engine and exterior detailing, along with work involving the power antenna and door locks. A set of polished dual exhaust tips is pictured among the accompanying components, although their installation has not been confirmed. With its contrasting white convertible top, chrome wheels, and unmistakable 1980s styling, this Corvette captures the bold visual character that helped define the C4 generation. The interior of this 1988 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is finished in Red leather, creating a striking monochromatic cabin that complements the exterior's Bright Red finish. The deeply bolstered sport bucket seats feature perforated leather inserts and supportive side bolsters, reflecting Chevrolet's emphasis on driver engagement and comfort. One of the C4's most recognizable features is its futuristic digital instrument cluster, which replaces traditional analog gauges with electronic displays for essential driving information. The dashboard incorporates a driver information center with selectable readouts for engine temperature, oil pressure, fuel economy, and other vehicle functions, reinforcing the Corvette's technologically advanced character for its era. Additional appointments include a factory AM/FM cassette stereo, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power-adjustable exterior mirrors, and cruise control. A tilt-and-telescoping steering column and power-adjustable seating further contribute to driver comfort. With its extensive Red leather upholstery, distinctive digital instrumentation, and traditional Corvette cockpit layout, the cabin provides an unmistakable glimpse into Chevrolet's vision of a modern sports car during the late 1980s.

Engine

Beneath the long, sculpted hood of this 1988 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible resides the legendary 5.7L naturally aspirated L98 V8, producing a factory-rated 240 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. Featuring Chevrolet's Tuned Port Injection system, the L98 utilizes electronically controlled fuel delivery and long intake runners to produce substantial low-end torque and responsive acceleration. This engine helped establish the C4 Corvette as a capable performance machine, offering smooth power delivery and the unmistakable character of a traditional American small-block V8. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission, complemented by a limited-slip rear differential. The Corvette's sophisticated chassis incorporates four-wheel independent suspension, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, and four-wheel power disc brakes with ABS, providing a considerable advancement in handling capability over earlier generations. According to the supplied maintenance documentation, this example received a replacement left rear hub bearing assembly in May 2026, along with additional service involving the shocks. The combination of fuel-injected V8 performance, independent suspension, and a balanced rear-wheel-drive layout delivers the engaging driving characteristics that helped establish the fourth-generation Corvette as one of America's defining sports cars of the 1980s.

Walk-around Video of this Chevrolet Corvette

2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Coupe 3ZR Centennial Special Edition

For Sale
ASK: $146,299
Miles: 10,490
Estimated: $1501.04/mo

Chevrolet's 2012 Centennial Special Edition celebrated 100 years of automotive history by bringing exclusive styling and commemorative details to the Corvette lineup, with the supercharged ZR1 representing the pinnacle of the celebration. Already one of the most powerful American production cars of its era, the C6 ZR1 combined a hand-built LS9 V8 with a lightweight performance-oriented chassis and serious track capability. This 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Coupe 3ZR Centennial Special Edition takes that formula considerably further, pairing its exclusive Carbon Flash Metallic finish and Ebony leather interior with an extensive collection of performance upgrades. Showing just 10,490 miles, this example features the desirable 3ZR Preferred Equipment Group, ZR1 High Performance Package, and a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission. More importantly, its supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V8 has been enhanced with a Lingenfelter Performance Upgrade Kit, American Racing long-tube headers, a K&N carbon fiber cold-air intake, and a Corsa Sport exhaust system. A dynamometer report from Tony's Corvette Shop documents an impressive 645 rear-wheel horsepower and 642 lb-ft of rear-wheel torque, with estimated flywheel output reaching 758 horsepower. Combining exceptionally low mileage, Centennial Edition exclusivity, and documented high-performance modifications, this ZR1 offers an exciting interpretation of Chevrolet's ultimate sixth-generation Corvette.

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