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1989 Corvette Research

The Ultimate 1989 Corvette Database

In-Depth Guide / Special Models / Videos & Pics / Technical Research / Colors / Engines / The Market / Latest

Everything You Want to Know About the 1989 Corvette, All in One Place.

Since its introduction in 1984, the C4 had undeniably evolved into a sports car that could hold its own as a contender amongst some of the staunchest sports car competitors from around the world.

With each passing model year, ongoing modifications to the engine, drive train, suspension and steering had transformed the C4 Corvette from a car that was recognized more for its handling than its performance into a machine which had successfully mated technology and horsepower.

The 1989 ZR-1 Corvette as photographed at Mireval, France. (Image courtesy of Car & Driver Magazine).

The result of this fusion had created a platform upon which Corvette’s engineers and designers could (and would) breathe life into a car which was even more powerful than anything that had come before it. The fullness of that potential would manifest itself late in the 1989 model year and would transform the future of Corvette for all time – and would give rise to one of the most sought after Corvettes of all time – the ZR1.

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1989 Corvette - The Ultimate Guide

As early as 1988, the rumblings and rumors of a new ZR-1 model Corvette had begun to circulate. With fuzzy spy photographs and a growing rumble amongst the Detroit automotive community, there had been a growing speculation that a new “King of the Hill” Corvette was on its way.

1989 Corvette Special Editions

An important year for special Corvettes. The ZR-1, was engineered by John Heinricy and this lightweight was aimed directly at maintaining the Corvette's performance supremacy. With a specially built 475hp LT5 V-8 and a curb weight of less than 3,000 pounds, this vehicle quickly became a legend in enthusiast circles.

1990 Corvette Challenge Car Series

The 1990 Escort World Challenge Series Corvette R9G's were only available for one week. Only race teams were allowed to order this very rare Corvette through dealerships. The 1990 Corvette had its own code like the '88 & 89's did, it was dubbed the "R9G" Corvette. The cars were produced for the express purpose of racing in the SCCA World Challenge Series. In 1990, dealers could order cars destined for the World Challenge race series.

1989 Corvette ZR1 ‘Snake Skinner’

In the late 80s, Chevy was developing what some dubbed a ‘Super Vette.’ But the 1989 debut of the Dodge Viper sent GM engineers on a new path to develop a ‘Viper-Killer.’ It started with a factory test mule and the experiment was to see how a ZR-1 would perform if given more power and less weight. It was so fast it was called "Snake Skinnner", for it's ability to beat the Viper and Cobra.

1989 Corvette Challenge Car Series

The 1989 Corvette Challenge cars had a unique option code from the factory, it was "R7F". The documentation from GM clearly indicates that the cars were produced for the express purpose of racing in the SCCA Corvette Challenge Series. There is also documentation that identifies by serial number, all Corvettes produced with these option codes. Therefore, it is relatively easy to validate the authenticity of any Challenge car.
ZR- World Record Endurance Run Corvette on display at NCM

1989 ZR-1 World Record Endurance Run Corvette

On March 1-2 1990 a unique group of people using a Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, reset The 24-hour World Speed Record. That achievement proved unequivocally that the car is indeed...King of the Hill. "The 24" had stood for 50 years. Last set at Bonneville in 1940 by AP Jenkins driving the "Mormon Meteor Ill", a purpose-built. single-seat race car with an aircraft engine. The objectives: set the 24 as well as 5000 kilometer and the 5000 mile marks with a ZR-1 while using an L98-powered Corvette to set the six-hour record and other shorter distance marks.

1989 Corvette DR-1 Concept

There were several successful attempts to build a convertible ZR-1, most of them by private people. The DR-1 was a GM prototype to test the structural integrity of the ZR-1 chassis when it would be topless. The car was built by American Sunroof Corporation (ASC) for Don Runkle, who was the vice-president of Advanced Engineering Staff, which explains the “DR-1” designation. It was a standard convertible transformed to ZR-1 specs.

1986 – 1989 Guldstrand Grand Sport 80 (GS80)

When Dick Guldstrand introduced the GS80 series in 1986, the car was targeted specifically at Pro-Solo and autocross enthusiasts. He knew all about the needs of these groups, as he was a longtime provider of performance upgrades for the C3 and a direct supporter of a small team of racers from the Western Council of Corvette Clubs. Up to this point, Dick had basically been a tuner. With the intro of the GS80 he was venturing into the realm of small-volume manufacturing.

1989 – 1991 Callaway Corvette Speedster

In 1989 Callaway introduced a Speedster which was the culmination of their styling, engineering and trimming talents. Their first example was a bright green ZR1, which had a severely chopped windscreen, no side mirrors, eighteen inch wheels and a vibrant blue leather interior stitched purposefully from Germany. Nothing about Callaway’s Speedster was reserved, and this is especially true when investigating the specification. The car had 450 horsepower.

1989 Corvette ZR2 ‘Big Doggie’

How do you beat a slew of Fox-Body 5.0 Mustangs that seemingly dominated the roads in the late '80s? You take a 454 cu.-in. big-block engine and stuff into a C4 Corvette and call it "Big Doggie". An experimental vehicle used to determine how to convert from a small block to a big block. Its 454 big block V8 along with its orange paint make this high horsepower engineering study a one-of-a-kind standout in Corvette history. The car had as much HP as the '90 ZR-1 did and it was named "ZR-2" or "Big Doggie". Old dog, new tricks joke?

1989 Corvette Pictures, Wallpapers & Videos

Because who doesn't love a good-looking fourth generation Corvette?

1989 Corvette Technical Research & Data

Dig into the numbers behind the 1989 Corvette and check out these hand-curated research papers and data-driven reports, including VIN information, production numbers, pricing/options, color samples, and more.

1989 Corvette Colors

Looking for information on the colors for the 1989 Corvette? Here you go.

1989 Corvette Engines

Looking for information on the engines powering the 1989 Corvette? Look no further.

1989 Corvette Market & Sales Data

1989 Corvette auction and sales area. We share upcoming auctions, recent auction results, cool 1989 Corvettes we find for sale and commentary on the current market for the 1989 Corvette.

The Best Resource for 1989 Corvette News, Auctions, Reviews & Videos

Get all the latest news stories, upcoming auctions, prices, videos and more about the 1989 Chevrolet Corvette! The latest headlines here.

1984 L83 350CI V8 Engine
Josh Boyd·
Engines

A Guide to Every C4 Corvette Engine

The C4 Corvette debuted to a frenzy of publicity and would ultimately enjoy a lengthy run, spanning 13 years of production. During this period, GM installed a number of memorable powerplants. Many of these engines proved to be quite innovative in design, even when saddled with newly-mandated emissions equipment of the era. The following is a comprehensive guide to powerplants of the C4 era.
1989 Corvette Sales Brochures
Cameron Martel·
1989 – C4 Corvette

1989 Corvette Sales Brochures

Download this 1989 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure for a quick look at the features of the car. Corvette has been blowing the competition into the weeds since Sebring '56. From Turbo-Fire V8s to Tuned-Port Injection, the machine has generated its own mystique - and legions of....
CorvSport·
Concepts & Prototypes

1989 Corvette ZR1 ‘Snake Skinner’

In the late 80s, Chevy was developing what some dubbed a ‘Super Vette.’ But the 1989 debut of the Dodge Viper sent GM engineers on a new path to develop a ‘Viper-Killer.’ It started with a factory test mule and the experiment was to see how a ZR-1 would perform if given more power and less weight. It was so fast it was called "Snake Skinnner", for it's ability to beat the Viper and Cobra.
ZR- World Record Endurance Run Corvette on display at NCM
Josh Boyd·
Special Series Models

1989 ZR-1 World Record Endurance Run Corvette

On March 1-2 1990 a unique group of people using a Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, reset The 24-hour World Speed Record. That achievement proved unequivocally that the car is indeed...King of the Hill. "The 24" had stood for 50 years. Last set at Bonneville in 1940 by AP Jenkins driving the "Mormon Meteor Ill", a purpose-built. single-seat race car with an aircraft engine. The objectives: set the 24 as well as 5000 kilometer and the 5000 mile marks with a ZR-1 while using an L98-powered Corvette to set the six-hour record and other shorter distance marks.
CorvSport·
Concepts & Prototypes

1989 Corvette DR-1 Concept

There were several successful attempts to build a convertible ZR-1, most of them by private people. The DR-1 was a GM prototype to test the structural integrity of the ZR-1 chassis when it would be topless. The car was built by American Sunroof Corporation (ASC) for Don Runkle, who was the vice-president of Advanced Engineering Staff, which explains the “DR-1” designation. It was a standard convertible transformed to ZR-1 specs.
Scott Kolecki·
Buyers Guide

The C4 Corvette Buyer’s Guide

The early C4's had their problems, what with the 1984 Cross-Fire Injection and its unusual 4+3 manual transmission. By the late 1980's, the fourth-generation Corvette had evolved into a more desirable automobile, thanks in part to the arrival of the ZR-1. 
1989 Corvette
CorvSport·
Research

1989 Corvette Production Numbers

For the first time in several years, the 1989 model year would actually see an increase in the total sales numbers of the Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet sold a total of 26,412 Corvettes in 1989.
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