The very first production-numbered 1984 Chevrolet Corvette (VIN 0001) is now headed to auction, giving collectors a rare chance to own the car that launched the C4 era. This milestone Corvette, finished in white over red leather, represents a turning point in the model’s history, the beginning of the digital age for America’s sports car.
With only 277 miles on the odometer, the car remains in nearly factory-fresh condition and includes its original window sticker and build sheet. Early reports suggest bidding will start around $100,000, however the opening bid, at the time of writing stands at $25,000, though auction watchers expect the final price could climb much higher thanks to its unique provenance when the auction ends in four days.
A Time Capsule of the 1980s
Built in early 1983 for the 1984 model year, this VIN 0001 car marked a dramatic technological leap from the chrome-bumper Corvettes of old. The C4 introduced a digital dashboard, all-new suspension geometry, and aerodynamics that pushed Chevrolet’s sports car into the modern age.
While the C4 generation is often overshadowed by its forebears and successors, well-preserved examples are gaining renewed appreciation. Some even offer incredible value for enthusiasts, like the 1985 Corvette Z51, which proves that not every collectible Corvette requires deep pockets. But VIN 0001 stands apart, both for its originality and its status as the first car to roll off the assembly line for an entirely new era of performance.
Provenance and Prestige
Collectors place enormous value on “first-off-the-line” vehicles, and the Corvette world is no exception. While a 1967 example celebrates classic mid-century style, VIN 0001 from 1984 captures the dawn of computerized driving. It’s the bridge between mechanical muscle and modern precision, complete with period-correct square styling and pop-up headlights that defined a decade.
Even newer models continue to celebrate that same heritage, the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Z16 Grand Sport Convertible 2LT shows just how far Chevrolet’s engineering has come while staying true to the Corvette spirit. In that lineage, VIN 0001 represents the origin point of Corvette’s technological confidence, an icon for an era that prized progress as much as power.
Why It Matters
The sale of the first C4 Corvette is a rare chance to preserve a key turning point in Chevrolet’s sports-car evolution. For serious collectors, the car’s immaculate condition and verifiable VIN make it a museum-worthy centerpiece. For enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that every new generation of Corvette builds upon the foundation set by cars like this one, the pioneers of progress.
With its mix of heritage, documentation, and historical importance, VIN 0001 could become one of the most valuable fourth-generation Corvettes ever sold. Whether it ends up in a private collection or on public display, it represents the moment Corvette truly stepped into the future.
