1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Description

You already know this is a special Corvette. The 1996 Grand Sport wasn't for everyone, which is why they're sure-fire collectors' items in the future, and with the optional red interior and just 19,495 original miles, this is probably the one to sock away for posterity. No, it isn't subtle, but it is the ultimate expression of C4 Corvette performance.

You already know the Grand Sport story, so we won't go over the whole thing here; suffice to say that just 217 Grand Sport coupes were built with the red interior and only 91 were equipped with the desirable F45 adjustable suspension like this one. That's rare in anybody's book! The dramatic Admiral Blue paint with Arctic White stripes and Torch Red hash marks is legendary and looks as good today as it did in 1996, perhaps even better since it's had 20 years to grow on us. Obviously this car has always been a cherished collectors' item, so it doesn't have many signs of use, especially with so few miles, and the shine on the penultimate Corvette is pretty impressive. In addition to the bespoke paint job that was unique to the Grand Sport, also note the small fender flares over the rear wheel arches, ostensibly added to allow the use of ZR-1 spec rubber, which gives this 'Vette a wide-body look all its own. If you don't love this car, you should probably just turn in your car guy card right now.

The red interior was optional and in this writer's opinion, should have been mandatory. Sure, the black leather was the safe choice, but this is an all-out car, not a car that plays it safe, so bright Torch Red leather is the way to go. The seats are top-of-the-line buckets that are every bit as comfortable and supportive as they look, and only the driver's seat shows minor wear, certainly within reason given its age and mileage. The rest of the interior is totally stock and nicely preserved, from the matching Torch Red door panels and lower dash to the gauges that are still crisp and bright, even the digital read-outs. The Grand Sport came only one way: loaded, so everything you could install on a Corvette was part of the deal and a 6-speed manual was the only transmission choice. Everything works and the pile of trophies this car has collected are evidence enough of its awesome preservation.

The LT4 was new for 1996 and was the last and most powerful small block V8 of them all. It snarls to redline without running out of breath like the standard LT1 and is easy to spot with its bright red intake manifold. It's just as modification-friendly as the standard engine, but this one, being in a Grand Sport, was wisely left alone. As a result, it starts and runs like new and delivers a thrilling driving experience that was the top of the automotive food chain in 1996. The aforementioned ZF 6-speed manual was the only choice and with it, the Grand Sport can deliver some rather impressive fuel economy and it's a blast to drive. Big brakes, the adjustable F45 suspension (a whopping $1695 option), and those black A-mold wheels make it capable when the road starts to twist. Giant 275/40/17 front and 315/35/17 rear Nitto radials are fitted, probably only the second set of tires this car has ever worn.

Fully documented with the original window sticker, manuals, Corvette Museum paperwork, and a reproduction build sheet, this is a sure-fire future collectable that's a lot more fun than a stock certificate. Call today!