35,030 original miles. 100% stock and unmodified. Clean CarFax. New Michelin radials. Beautiful Torch Red with black leather interior. Loaded with options. C5s represent what might just be the biggest bargain in the entire collector car world!
1998 was the first year of the Corvette C5 convertible and Chevy pulled out all the stops. Its hard to over-state just how revolutionary the C5 really was-from performance to comfort to efficiency, it transformed what Americas favorite sports car could be. Today the C5 represents the biggest bargain in performance anywhere and this 1998 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is a great example. With just over 35,000 original miles, it has been treated like something special from day one. Like most Corvettes, it was saved for sunny day driving and stored in a warm garage when the weather turned inclement. As a result, the factory Torch Red paint practically leaps off the bodywork-we have it parked next to a later 2014 Corvette thats also Torch Red and the C5 is notably more vivid. Fit and finish were vastly improved on the C5, so the doors swing shut with a sold THUNK, the lightweight hood snaps closed with your fingertips, and the trunk lid-the first in decades-doesnt require a heavy slam to secure it. Both headlights snap to attention, there are no major dings or scratches, and you can tell right away that this is a car that was washed and waxed on a regular basis. Bright red Corvettes tend to make people fall in love.
The black leather interior was where the C5 really showed its upgrades. Getting in is no longer an exercise in flexibility; with low sills and plenty of legroom, even tall drivers have no problem getting comfortable behind the wheel. The leather bucket seats are comfortable for all-day cruising and show only light wear but no damage or other issues. The carpets have been protected by monogrammed floor mats and remain in excellent condition, while the door panels remain firmly affixed and dont even show a small divot where the driver might have rested his elbow. Options include the Bose audio system with CD player and dual-zone climate control in addition to the long list of standard features. The gauges snap to attention the moment you turn the key, and no, this car does not have the ignition lock issue that plagues some other C5s. Everything works properly, which you should expect from the C5, which has turned out to be incredibly reliable. The "waterfall" between the seats makes for a dramatic look and offers access to the rather spacious trunk, which has plenty of room even with the top down. And speaking of the top, its an easy-to-stow black canvas unit that seals up well and remains in excellent condition overall.
Today the LS1 is almost a household word, but in 1998, it was brand new. The all-aluminum 5.7-liter OHV V8 punched out 345 horsepower and 350 lb-ft. of torque, enough to make the C5 considerably quicker than the C4 it replaced and right on the heels of the mighty ZR-1. The last 25 years have taught us that the LS motor is also bulletproof reliable, making the C5 a great choice if driving instead of tinkering is your thing. It springs to life quickly, idles properly, and pulls the relatively lightweight convertible with genuine vigor. This is still a seriously fast car. Of course, you get traction control and ABS brakes to help keep things in line, and as with all Corvettes, the brakes are extremely powerful. The 4-speed automatic transmission was standard equipment, and its a great partner regardless if youre cruising or running hard on a twisty road-it always seems to be in the right gear. And with 2.73 gears in back, its a fantastic high-speed cruiser that effortlessly consumes pavement while turning in surprisingly good fuel economy. Youll note that the undercarriage is clean and has never seen winter weather, with most of the factory markings still visible. The cars lone modification is a quartet of chrome tips on the factory exhaust, but they look so good you wont complain. Chrome factory wheels look awesome against the red paint and carry new 245/45/17 front and 275/40/18 rear Michelin Pilot radials.
Documentation includes the original books and manuals, a copy of the window sticker, a build sheet, advertising literature, and a few souvenirs.
Were big fans of the C5. It does everything well and asks for almost nothing in return other than gas and oil. Theyre still stylish with a classic Corvette look, and nobody will complain about the accommodations. If youre looking for a reasonably-priced convertible that will make you smile every time you get behind the wheel, a C5 Corvette is an outstanding choice. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
