1999 Chevrolet Corvette FRC (Hard Top)

Description

This is the 'Vette that they snuck out of the factory for the real racers and drivers. This 1999 Chevrolet Corvette Fixed Roof Coupe was the first year Chevrolet started showing how serious they were about getting back to building more hardcore Corvettes.

This was the first true hardtop Chevrolet offered on the Corvette since the 1975 Stingray. But this one is not removable, because this hardtop serves a very specific purpose. With extra convertible bracing but not the mechanical pieces, these were lighter and stiffer cars that Chevrolet aimed for those who wanted to utilize for competition on the street or dragstrip. That's why these coupes look a bit meaner than any other 1999 Corvette out there. But despite being built to be used, this one shows all signs of a very good life. The Torch Red paint looks exceptionally nice, and front end, which usually has a few stone chips, is quite clean thanks to an included protective bra. The hallmark C5 wheels look like they've never seen a curb. But take a look at those exhaust pipes... there's something very different out back, but more on that later.

Inside is exactly what you expect from a C5 – a loaded interior that's comfortable for two. The black leather buckets mach the dark interior. But this one is broken up with aggressive red inserts in the doors and on the dash. You'll never get tired of watching the gauges do their dance every time you start the engine, and there's tons of useful data to be gleaned from the driver information center in the middle of the cluster. This car offers plenty of luxuries, such as dual zone climate control, power steering, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power seats, cruise control, and an AM/FM/CD stereo system. Because this is a modern classic, it also means modern safety features such as dual airbags and anti-lock brakes.

As many of you already know, the 5.7-liter 345 hp fuel-injected LS1 V8 engine is a great powerplant. It's quick, powerful, and tough as nails – exactly what you want in the more hardcore hardtop Corvette. But the fixed roof model also came with some interesting features. This was only available with the Borg-Warner T-56 six-speed manual transmission and Z51 performance handling package, which were optional on other C5 models. This one is further enhanced with the Active Handling System that was optional in 1999. Plus, remember those huge dual exhaust tips? That's one end of the titanium Corsa performance exhaust system that adds some more power and a seriously sweet sound to this V8. Add that to four-wheel disc brakes, and grippy Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires, and this is a recipe for a great weekend. From all of what you've read so far, this one sounds like the perfect affordable coupe to transform into a monster racer, right? Well that might be true, but don't forget that only about 6,000 of these Fixed Rood Coupes were built, over two years before the Z06 program began. That kind of statistic is important to Corvette people as the C5 matures into a classic.

Here's an affordable and unique C5 that has been well maintained by its previous two owners, and comes with plenty of documents, including the maintenance records, reproduction build sheet, and owner's manual. Hurry up before someone else realizes this is the best value in a Corvette today. Call now!!