1986 C4 Chevrolet Corvette Model Guide
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For those that lived through that era, 1986 probably resonates as one of the most innovative and exciting years of the entire decade. It was the year that the Human Genome Project began, a study that would help scientists understand and map the genetic structure of the human body. IMAP (Internet Mail Access Protocol), the groundwork for Email, was put into place, forever changing the way humans would communicate with each other. IBM unveiled the “PC Convertible”, the first-ever laptop computer.
And, in its own way, General Motors was also pioneering new territory as they continued the evolution of their famous sports car. With the continual refinement of their L98 engine, a bigger focus on safety and security, and the development of many new functions and luxury features, the arrival of the 1986 Corvette carried with it the continuation of the spirit of innovation that had helped Corvette rise to become a world leader in the sports car market since its humble beginnings in 1953.
Since the introduction of the C4 Corvette in 1984, a significant increase in Corvette theft had been reported all across the country. Of all the Corvettes built in 1984 and 1985, approximately 7 percent had been stolen. Recognizing a need to make their cars more secure for the customers who were purchasing them, General Motors introduced a new security technology as a standard feature on all Corvettes.
“VATS” or “Vehicle Anti-Theft System” was a simple but effective addition to the existing alarm system. A small metal pellet with a specific electrical resistance was impeded in the ignition key, and had to be read by a hidden, electronic “decoder” before the engine could start.
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