How do you classify a C4?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fla.
Very generic - but I've always felt the term "Muscle Car" applied to big displacement, rear-wheel drive, solid axle passenger cars.
I do not classify a Vette as a muscle car. I have always considered it a Sports Car.
I do not classify a Vette as a muscle car. I have always considered it a Sports Car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
Generally, Corvettes are in the sports car category. Some may throw in "2-seater" or "coupe" but it's still a dedicated sports car. The 2009-2013 ZR1 is so extremely powerful that it qualifies as a supercar IMHO.
I dont' think C4s are old enough to be classics yet, but that may only be due to the C4 styling being so modern even by today's standards. I think the State of CA says anything over 25 years old is smog exempt, which many people consider the trigger for "classic" status.
My understanding of the muscle car classification is a 4-seater fitted with an engine that's larger and more powerful than what comes in the standard model. Nova, Camaro, Mustang, etc. My first car was a 1972 Gremlin with a big 6-cyl (actually very cool) and Gremlins also came with factory 305s and were pretty fast. Was it a muscle car? HA!
The Chevelle came with a 305, and 350/396/454 options so it had muscles on its muscles.
I dont' think C4s are old enough to be classics yet, but that may only be due to the C4 styling being so modern even by today's standards. I think the State of CA says anything over 25 years old is smog exempt, which many people consider the trigger for "classic" status.
My understanding of the muscle car classification is a 4-seater fitted with an engine that's larger and more powerful than what comes in the standard model. Nova, Camaro, Mustang, etc. My first car was a 1972 Gremlin with a big 6-cyl (actually very cool) and Gremlins also came with factory 305s and were pretty fast. Was it a muscle car? HA!
The Chevelle came with a 305, and 350/396/454 options so it had muscles on its muscles.
Last edited by DGXR; Jun 25, 2013 at 02:42 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
All that said, I think of the C4 Corvette as a sports car. It doesn't seem to quite fit the definition for other categories very well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
That is correct, and for us lucky ones in NVa. we get emissions inspections until its 25 yrs old. Still have to continue to have emissions equipment and get a annual safety inspection to keep a regular plate, but we can get the antique plate, (with restrictions of use) and be emissions, and inspection exempt!! Wahoo in 4 years for me!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
The Corvette may be a sports car but it will always be the ultimate muscle car to me. When I hear sports car I think of pleather jackets, gold necklaces, long sideburns, and white shoes.
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In other words a 1977-1980 Pontiac Trans Am. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 10
From: That one city...you know that one. Idaho
In Idaho a classic car is 30 years or older and is in original or authentically-
restored condition without major modifications from factory specifications
taken from this link
http://itd.idaho.gov/dmv/vehicleserv...ts/vsspecl.pdf
But I have never thought about a class for my c4.
restored condition without major modifications from factory specifications
taken from this link
http://itd.idaho.gov/dmv/vehicleserv...ts/vsspecl.pdf
But I have never thought about a class for my c4.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 27
From: Monroe Twp, NJ
If your Corvette is 25 years or older most States consider it a classic. You can call it a classic sports car. My 84 has classic plates given to me by New York State. It also qualifys you for collectors insurance rates if you milage meets the limits of the insurance company.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 689
Likes: 12
From: huntington wv
most shows are flled with 60s and 70s muscle cars.and some older hot rods.and then your modern mustang crowd.i have to admit i have a few cars and go to shows all the time.i have never taken my corvette.took my zr1 i owned a few years back and was shocked at the young people who actually knew what it was.a c4 over 20 yrs old is a classic,in my opinion