In 1981, the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky was chosen to adapt the new basecoat/ clearcoat paint technology. Problems with quality and production delayed the all-new C4 corvette. In 1983, 44 Corvettes were manufactured, but none were sold. Build number 23 is the only 1983 Corvette that was not destroyed.

The 1984 Corvette fiberglass was significantly improved, and “pre-bake” before applying the primer fixed the blow-out gas problem that plagued the previous Corvettes. The next step in paint technology was developing a basecoat, mica flake mid-coat finished with a clear topcoat; it would be called “Tri-Coat Paint.”

The paint trial was conducted on November 16, 1983. Two employee Corvettes that were ordered were volunteered for this production trial. The focus of the study was to test the case of three variable paints on rigid and flexible substrate with repairs. The result was a finish that “produces a spectra flair that splinters light into incredible hues.” In the daylight, the paint is said to look light gray with subtle highlights of blue, red and yellow depending on angle and light intensity.

The experiment was a success in paint technology; and the development division at Cadillac became interested in the paint technology. A first-class Tri-Coat paint was released in 1989 for Cadillac, and called White Diamond.

This spectacular 1984 Corvette offered here is finished in Blue Pearl and is the first car that the new paint technology was used on.

Powering the car is the standard L83 350-cid V-8 engine married to a fully automatic four-speed transmission. The odometer is only showing 12,600 original miles. Factory features on this car include: power steering, brakes, windows; black upholstery, air conditioning, radio with cassette player and a matching hardtop and glass top.

The Corvette inspired the story “Color Me Corvette” that was published in the winter issue of Corvette News Magazine in 1984. This car received the coveted Top Flight Award by The National Corvette Restoration Society. Included with the purchase of the car is the NCRS judging sheet, window sticker, build sheet, line build sheet, and the Tri-Coat paint trial report.