1996 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

Considering all of the American classic muscle cars in the world, none come to mind that are more adored than the Corvette. Every one of Chevy's plastic sports cars have an eager and enthusiastic following and cars like this 1996 Corvette convertible will always be an A-list choice for collectors.

1996 was the final year of C4 production, and while GM rolled out some special edition cars, few were as appealing as this bright Torch Red roadster. That color ages well of course, and gives the Corvette an appropriate look that's practically legendary. Walking around the car you quickly notice this very low mileage, two-owner example is what is commonly referred to in the trade as mint. With the exception of some small marks in the clear coat the car is in remarkable condition. Traveling just over 68,000 miles probably means this one might have never seen inclement weather and like many Corvettes, probably had a very easy life as a collector vehicle rather than a daily driver. The final iteration of the C4 was a great-looking car, too, with highly stylized "gills" behind the front fenders, a smooth nose, and the convex end cap that was borrowed from the more expensive ZR-1. Build quality was very good on these final C4s and it shows throughout this one, which looks like it should cost thousands more than it does.

Inside you find an equally well-preserved cabin. The black leather seats show well and are as supportive as they were in 1996. Real leather was used and has held up well, particularly in a convertible, and the red-on-black combination is pretty hard to beat. The carpets, dashboard and frankly everything your eyes see or hands touch is in excellent shape, again indicative of a car that was properly maintained. All the gauges are fully functional, and the combination of digital and analog instruments is not only cool, but surprisingly easy to read. You may also have noticed that we almost ran out of room listing all the features these cars carried as standard equipment, including automatic climate control, power windows, locks, mirrors, and seats, a trip computer, cruise control, and a great-sounding AM/FM/CD stereo system. And it is all fitted inside a cabin that wraps around you like a cockpit and your hand rests comfortably on the shifter. The brand new black canvas top fits well and stows so easily you can put it down in a few seconds at a red light.

The 1996 Corvettes used the final variant of the venerable 350, called the LT1 and generating an impressive (for 1996 anyway) 300 horsepower. Mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, power flows to the wheels seamlessly, and explosive acceleration is only a prod of your right foot away, making this perhaps the ultimate point-and-shoot machine. The engine bay is showroom fresh, suggesting expert care and a distinct lack of foul-weather driving, and despite how modification-friendly these cars are, this one is completely stock. The suspension is capable and by 1996 it was no longer rock hard so this roadster makes for a fine grand-touring machine that's competent without being on edge all the time. Powerful brakes, complete with ABS and traction control, are a Corvette hallmark, and it wears gorgeous chrome A-mold wheels and 275/40/17 BFGoodrich radials.

People who buy Corvettes normally treat them with care, use them sparingly, and maintain them to the highest standards. If a red Corvette convertible has always been on your bucket list, call us today!