2000 Chevrolet Corvette FRC (Hard Top)

Description

The C5 Corvette was remarkable in a lot of ways, and perhaps the most interesting aspect that it was the only Corvette model available in three different body styles: hatchback, convertible, and the unusual "fixed roof coupe" or FRC. Ostensibly designed for Corvette fans who wanted the lightest, stiffest, fastest and most affordable Corvette possible, this 2000 Chevrolet Corvette fixed roof coupe is an interesting experiment that we probably won't see again.

With only 31,580 original miles, this is a very clean Corvette. The stripped-down (relatively speaking, anyway) FRC came in only a few colors, with Torch Red being an obvious choice. The car has the profile of a convertible and uses the convertible's rear deck and conventional trunk lid, but the solid roof is part of the structure, making it by far the most rigid of the C5 triplets. It was also lighter, so performance benefitted in every measurable way. This one is beautifully maintained in nearly new condition, so it's clear that it never actually went racing the way its designers intended. In fact, it doesn't look like it did much of anything beyond looking good at car shows and maybe comfortable Sunday afternoon drives in the country. If you want one that's close to new, this is an excellent specimen. The usual excellent C5 fit and finish are here, and people still do a big double-take when they see the unusual roof line, which is probably the most enjoyable part of owning such a car.

The FRC was only available with the base seats, and only in black, so that's what's here now. It was also only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, so that will give you an inkling of its intentions. Other things like A/C, power windows, locks, seats, and mirrors, and a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo were definitely on the menu (this is a Corvette, after all), so it's comfortable on the road and for long trips. The shifter on this one is an aftermarket unit with an oversized shifter ball, but beyond that, it seems to be quite stock. The gauges still light up and dance when you turn the key and the grippy leather steering wheel feels great in your hands. Embroidered floor mats add a dash of color to the all- black interior, and aside from some very minor comfort marks on the seats, it, too, looks almost new. The trunk is decently sized, and comes with a special mat and an internal liner that is simply decorative.

While it's dressed like a Z06, which was also based on the FRC, this is a standard LS1 V8, which is certainly no slouch in the performance department. Smooth and torquey, it's shockingly easy to drive fast or slow, and represented perhaps the greatest leap forward in Corvette performance ever. It's been augmented with a custom dual air filter setup, which was pretty popular when the C5 was new, as well as a Borla stainless steel exhaust system that's a big improvement over the original pipes. The added red pieces under the hood certainly dress it up nicely. The 6-speed shifts smoothly and there are 3.42 gears out back that make it punchy, especially with the lighter curb weight that makes it feel very tossable. The big Corvette brakes are augmented with cross-drilled rotors and red painted calipers, which is a tasteful modification that works rather well on the FRC. And the polished forged aluminum wheels look spectacular wrapped in fat Michelin radials.

A neat experiment in Corvette engineering, this is also a great Corvette to own and drive. Very affordable, still very fast, and most likely to be the only one of its kind at a show, this isn't to be missed. Call today!