1989 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

Out of a combination of a lifelong automotive passion and an unyielding desire to support the people of his Alabama community, the Generous Collection was born. Mr. Greg Rusk, a successful business leader in the cardboard industry, with a big heart for helping families and friends in times of need, would regularly pay overly generous fees to acquire an interesting vehicle. After decades of collecting and supporting local automotive enthusiasts, the Rusk family is ready for these vehicles, each with their own story, to write their next chapter back on the road, where they belong.

The Generous Collection debuts with Part 1 offering over 200 cars in October, all offered without reserve, emerging from years of long-term silent storage. Many additional lots will be offered in the coming months. From the quiet shadows of the Generous Collection to the sunshine of backroads and highways, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own a piece of a generous car-collecting legacy. 

* * *

The 1989 Chevrolet Corvette marked an important year in the evolution of America’s iconic sports car. While visually similar to the 1984–1988 models, the 1989 Corvette introduced several key refinements that enhanced performance, comfort, and technology. Most notably, it debuted the ZF 6-speed manual transmission, replacing the quirky Doug Nash 4+3 unit. This new gearbox offered smoother shifts and better performance, aligning the Corvette more closely with European sports car standards.

The 1989 model also featured standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) and a passive keyless entry system, showcasing Chevrolet’s push toward integrating advanced electronics. The interior saw improvements in ergonomics and materials, while the exterior retained the sleek, aerodynamic styling of the C4 generation.

Under the hood, the Corvette continued with the L98 5.7-liter V8, producing 245 horsepower, paired with Tuned Port Injection for strong low-end torque. The convertible model, reintroduced in 1986, remained popular in 1989, offering open-air performance with modern amenities.

Overall, the 1989 Corvette represented a mature and refined version of the C4, blending classic American muscle with emerging technology. As Road & Track (1989) noted, “6.2 sec to 60 mph, 14.8 sec quarter mile at 97.0 mph — the Corvette continues to deliver performance that rivals European competitors.”

Highlights

• Offered from The Generous Collection

• Finished in Black (41) with gray cloth interior

• 5.7-liter Tuned Port Injection V8 engine rated at 245 hp

• Four-speed automatic transmission

• Power windows, locks, mirrors, and hatch, and cruise control

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Features

• 17-inch black five-spoke wheels wearing 275/40R17 tires

• Fighter-aircraft inspired digital instrument panel

• Air conditioning

• Driver information system

• Electronic speed control

• Aftermarket Dual AM/FM/CD stereo

Known Imperfections

• While reasonable efforts were made during preparation for the sale, due to the volume of cars in this collection it was not possible to diagnose or detect all imperfections present in the cars. 

• Paint chips on nose

• Emblems are faded

• Dash and weatherstripping is worn and cracking

• Upholstery and driver side seat bolster is worn

• Hatch carpet discolored

• Valve covers discolored

Included

• Keys

• Owner’s manual for an earlier C4

• Torx wrench for removable top

Ownership History

This 1989 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe is offered from The Generous Collection of no reserve automobiles. The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places it in California and since 1998, Alabama.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: William Cooper  Phone: 469.463.4542  email: wcooper@hagerty.com 

Alabama Sales Tax Notice to Bidders: Because this car is located in Alabama, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama state sales taxes of up to 2% of the purchase amount, even if the buyer plans to register the car outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer is located in AZ, CA, FL, IN, MA, MI, or SC (capped at $500 in SC), and (b) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives the car or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer). Additionally, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama county or city taxes from buyers located outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer), and (b) the buyer fails to provide an executed Drive-Out Certificate for Nonresidents. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Alabama that are sold to residents of another state.  

Please note that all lots in The Generous Collection are offered after many years of storage, without operation or service, in warehouse facilities. The seller endeavored to provide limited mechanical servicing to bring some cars back to running potential, however, not all cars will be running at time of sale. Because of the extended static display, it must be assumed that all cars will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely and, in most cases, cleaning to both the interiors and exteriors. All the cars will have imperfections associated with long-term static storage and require extensive sorting to perform best and safely. The burden of determining a car’s status, both mechanical and cosmetic, rests fully on the bidder, prior to bidding and the close of the auction. All lots are sold as is, where is. 

Additionally, due to the location of the collection and limited access to the facility following the close of the auction, all lots must be retrieved while a Hagerty Marketplace representative is onsite beginning Monday, November 3 through Wednesday, November 19. No cars can be retrieved prior to November 3 and any lots remaining after November 19 will be re-located outside in the parking lot for retrieval by their buyers.