1996 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

Chevy gave the C4 Corvette a grand send off by more powerful small block known as the LT4. A few smart people were able to order a standard 1996 Chevrolet Corvette with this very desirable upgrade and a six-speed. Now a coupe like this one is in the league of the ultra desirable Grand Sport and Collector Edition models, but you can pick it up for an irresistibly affordable price.

The C4 was a great-looking car, and even today they command respect on the street...and now you're looking at the ultimate sleeper. This final-year fourth-generation Corvette has the most powerful motor available that was typically reserved for special cars, as well as for a few people who knew how to manipulate the ordering system. From the outside this one shares the legendary wedge styling that made all C4s look like they are aggressively in motion even at a standstill. The factory Arctic White paint is still in amazing condition thanks to expert care over the years. This was basically a show car for the previous owner, and so it has only averaged less than 700 miles annually. The rest of the time was devoted to retaining the showroom-worthy shine. This bright white is a great setup for the aggressive appearance of the tinted glass (including the optional glass targa roof) and making the red taillights look like they are out for blood. The iconic "sawblade" wheels heighten this attitude even further. In fact, those alloys also offer the only bit of chrome on this classic American sportscar.

The taillights were not the only part that looks like it was out for blood. Just like the exterior, you can tell serious care has been taken with the interior. That means when the targa top is out, everyone can see this bold red in all its glory. The stylish and grippy bucket seats are all day comfortable. This is a great looking interior with the black and red on the original door panels, carpeting, center console, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dashboard. The revised C4 digital speedometer has matured into an interesting readout that looks good and functions flawlessly. A premium Corvette like this means a long list of features, including automatic climate control, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power driver's seat, electric rear defogger, control cruise, dual airbags, ABS, keyless entry, and a powerful Bose AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo system. But the soundtrack you'll covet the most starts under the hood.

The 340 hp LT4 engine boasted a number of improvements, and its willingness to rev makes it a blast to drive. It's easy to spot with its red intake manifold, and like its brother the LT1, modifications are plentiful. Still, this numbers-matching original motor remains faithfully stock except for a little extra fun from the G Force performance chip. The well preserved and maintained V8 also means it starts easily, idles smoothly, and runs like it should. While this coupe is beginning to sound like a potential car to park for an investment, it would be a shame not to have fun on the backroads with the ZF six-speed manual transmission (this was actually the key to getting the LT4 installed in a more subtle-looking standard 'Vette.) The fully independent suspension on the late C4s found the perfect balance of road carving sports car and highway-mile cruiser. It was all part of a package that includes power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, and now grippy Nitto NT555 Extreme ZR tires.

With the ZR-1 gone, the LT4 was the top motor to send off the C4 Corvette in its final year. It's the most desirable 1996 motor today, and a standard Corvette with the LT4 is a valuable rare find. Complete with the original window sticker, owner's manual, and other docs, this is an important future classic available at a driver's car price. You better hurry and snap this one up because it will be leaving our showroom soon. Call today!!!