VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1980-1989 30 Yrs Later: Are There Any Good 1984 Chevrolets?

Its the first day of 2014, and the cars of 1984 just turned old enough to have a few kids and a mortgage. Some Chevrolet friends of mine have recently acquired some newer (old) cars for the upcoming cruise season and a lot of drivers are appearing at meets with 1980's iron. I thought it would be nice to share a few cars from 1984 that may make an appearance in the coming years and point out a few interesting tidbits about them. Hope you enjoy.

1984 Chevrolet Corvette



The Corvette for '84 debuted in early 1983 and featured many advancements including a new aerodynamic glass hatchback, digital dash cluster, and those rims that look like a Norelco shaver head. Kidding aside, these cars were a breakthrough in automotive design and construction, and GM basically used this C4 platform until 1996. Corvettes of 1984 were powered by the cross-fire injected 350, the last time that option appeared on a Chevrolet car. Using GM's Computer Command Control, the CFI motor squeezed out 205 horsepower, or 5 horsepower more than the previous generation's base engine. These cars are still plentiful, affordable, and can make for a great tour car due to their overdrive transmissions and great road manners.

1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo


If you want a mid-sized RWD cruiser with two doors, the Monte Carlo can accommodate you. This G-body car sold well in 1984, 136,000 cars were snatched up by the public. This was largely in part to a successful NASCAR season with 23 Monte Carlo cars fielded that year. A sporty SS model would be a nice addition, but the regular coupes such as this one look just fine if you as me. If you're looking for a super rare model, only 168 diesel Monte Carlos were built this year with the Oldsmobile-sourced 350 diesel engine. Some would say a diesel Monte Carlo would be more of an oddity than a rarity.

1984 Chevrolet Camaro


In its second year of a 10 year body style run, the F-body Camaros have been showing up at VCCA meets in recent years. They're a popular choice due to their large aftermarket support, parts availability, and sleek looks. The Z28 models featured two-tone body cladding and spoilers as well as a unique hood. Dressed up today, they still command respect among folks on the street. 1984 Z28 models were called the "best handling car in the United States" by Car and Driver magazine, quite an honor in its time. A luxurious Berlinetta was still available in 1984, but a convertible and the IROC-Z would come a few years later.

1984 Chevrolet Caprice / Impala


This goes without saying. Folks from all over the country and all walks of life love the B-body Caprice and their economical cousin, the Impala. Many have been collected and taken care of over the years. Even when new, the Caprice / Impala lines were considered roomy, comfortable, and came with most of the creature comforts that we expect in a modern driver such as AC, tilt wheels and cruise control. From 9C1 police package cars to "Grandma's Sunday Driver" Caprice Classics, these full-sized bowties are a great daily driver or tour or show car. Station wagon models have enough room for the whole family, too.

Olympic Sponsorship




Memorabilia collectors have a few neat items available to them from 1984, including Olympic pins and other marketing from the Olympic Winter Games in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. GM sponsored both Olympic games that year, with Chevrolet serving as the official US Car of the winter games & Buick serving as the official US car of the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. If you come across some items like the bumper sticker or pin at a flea market, grab it! It makes for a great conversation piece or addition to any collection.

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That's it for my brief look at 1984, 30 years later. I don't know about you, but I think the Monte Carlo SS, or Caprice Classic have held up better than other hits of 1984...such as Madonna!

What 1984 Chevrolet cars or trucks are in your collection?

Do not see too many on the roads these days around here in the rust belt.

I see them here since we are not in the rust belt. As a matter of fact, a 1984 is our daily driver.

I was just looking at a 1986 caprice classic ? parked opposite a repair place with for sale sign on it. Comes with 135,000 Km = 85,000 miles , elderly lady driver always garaged. Looks almost brand new underneath. Dark blue paint, dark blue? vinyl top. Power everything including tilt--cruise---not sure about radio probably cassette am/fm. Fantastic blue velour type interior. Tires looked new with beautiful wire wheel hub caps.

I got 2 35's ( coupe & roadster ) in garage, 96 bonnie SSE-I in driveway, 2003 S10 extreme truck parked beside bonnie and sons 2012 hemi orange challenger across bottom of driveway. I got no room !!!!!!!! Town won't let me park on lawn.

They went nuts about my pirate flag and if I put a car on lawn would bring out the inspectors threating tickets.

mike lynch-----------------

I saw an 89 Caprice 4 door this week on Craig's list with 42000 miles in Iowa, looked nice.

My favorites were the 1977-1990 Caprice and Impala. Problem is if you find a nice one in this area the frame is usually rusted out.

Gene, I've noticed that, too. Even 'clean' cars from here in the midwest are still likely a little crusty underneath. :(

'Saw a Caprice 4-dr last week at the grocery store. That dark burgandy color - looked like it was 2 0r 3 years old! You can still find 'em here if you are patient and really look for 'em.

The frames aren't bad for rust locally. Not much snow/salt.