2003 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
The C5 Corvette was a game changer because it improved on the progressively rounder C4 and created a sleeker car with more power, better fuel economy, and more driver focused ergonomics. Magnetic Selective Ride Control was standard on 1SC equipped anniversary editions and most other 2003 models. The successful run of the C5 went from 1997 through the 2004 model year with more than 30,000 units produced each year.
For consignment, a 2003 Chevrolet Corvette coupled with a title verified 65,262 actual miles, originally purchased in California by our consignor, the car's second owner. It's a clean, sleek example of America's sports car, an eye catching, tire frying, canyon carving beast from Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Exterior
Only 1,600 coupes were painted black in 2003, just 12% of total production. The wide and low front end with its hidden headlights and narrow horizontal grille is sporty and aggressive and there is no mistaking this look when one is coming up behind you on the highway. The side gills set the stage for body contours that extend past the door. The chrome 5 spoke wheels are excellent and so is the paint, we were hard pressed to find any flaws save for a scuff on the front fascia and many under the chin. The side mirrors and flush door handles are body colored and the rear valance, topped by those epic four tail lights, is wide and aggressive. The air splitters and quad tailpipes at the bottom create a stunning visual and auditory delight. The glass targa top is in place and the consignor states that a fiberglass top also comes with the car. This option of dual roofs was reserved for just 5,184 of the 12,812 coupes in 2003.
Interior
The molded plastic doors are black on black and controls are canted to fit the wrist. The black leather sport bucket seats are in good shape with straight stitched inserts and firm side bolstering. The driver's side shows some compression and what we call patina creases in the leather. The thick black steering wheel shows just a touch of usage, and the standard gauge package is clear and easy to read with no unnecessary extras. The car is equipped with a heads up display which shows illuminated information seemingly floating at the bottom of the raked windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes forward. For those who prefer the analog read out, the heads up can be toggled off. The standard AM/FM/CD radio is in the center stack along with the heat and AC controls. Everything is housed tidily in molded black plastic. The shifter is booted in black leather and is in very condition just ahead of an active handling button and an added double cupholder. The gray low pile carpet is perfect and protected by fitted mats. And the back hatch area is covered in near pristine gray carpet.
Drivetrain
Power comes from a 5.7 liter LS1 V8 rated at 345 horsepower. It is fed copious amounts of air and fuel via electronic fuel injected, and this potent mill is tied to a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission. 3.15 gears with limited slip are found in the back and power disc brakes are found all around. The engine bay, like the rest of the car, is in clean condition with no alterations from stock configuration. Power disc brakes occupy front and rear wheels.
Undercarriage
All clean underneath with minimal surface rust and road dirt and look ma, no leaks, or really errant fluids of any kind. Suspension consists of independent unequal length double wishbones with transverse fiberglass monoleaf springs and optional magnetorheological dampers. To improve handling and weight distribution, Chevy put an integrated transaxle in the back, and this can naturally be seen from under the car.
Drive-Ability
No surprises on our short jaunt around the test loop. The car has amazing acceleration, incredible handling, and the cabin is a very nice place to be. Some people prefer the heart pounding impact of red interiors, but some of us prefer the quiet surroundings of black tones. All functions operate as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Kentucky may be known for horses, but Bowling Green is known for horsepower and America's iconic sports car that has never been dull and the C5's provide a somewhat simpler front engine version of what would come years later. It also represents a lot of car for the money and unmolested coupes like this are still a relative bargain in the performance car world.
1G1YY22G235125860
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
YY-Corvette
2-Coupe
2-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
G-5.7L LS1 V8 350hp
2-Check Digit
3-2003
5-Bowling Green, KY Assy Plant
125860-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
