2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Description

With Corvettes, you can almost ensure future collectability with a few key ingredients: more power, limited production, and original condition. This low-mileage 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 captures all three, and while it isn't going to make you rich overnight, it is the kind of car that you can drive and enjoy (big time!) without worries.

The Z06 was the C5's answer to the ZR1: more power, better handling, and less weight, all adding up to a formidable factory performer. It kept the ZR1 tradition alive in that it, too, kept a low profile with subtle changes to its appearance, and it was only available in one body style: the fixed-roof coupe (FRC). Bathed in slick Electron Blue paint, it looks like a track weapon thanks to performance-based upgrades like the screened-in brake cooling ducts up front and in the rocker panels, the lowered ride height, and the titanium exhaust, which is visible from behind. But despite its abilities, this one seems to have led a very easy life, and shows very few signs of use and none of the usual "upgrades" that the aftermarket all too willingly will supply to Corvette fans eager for more performance. Instead, it seems that looking good was this car's primary mission and someone made sure that the blue paint remained in very good shape overall. With only 40,498 original miles, it just hasn't had time to get too beat up, and with the special crossed-flags badging on the new commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Corvette, you know this car is extra special.

The Z06 stuck to the basics inside, getting a black leather treatment on the seats (which were the lightweight standard Corvette buckets, not the heavy Sport seats), but otherwise looks like most other C5s. That's OK because the hardware is really what matters and the C5's driving environment was already pretty good. Key it up and the gauges do a little dance and the car springs to life with a single turn of the key. A 6-speed manual transmission was the only choice, and it featured revised ratios in every gear to hone the Z06 into a track-based superstar. And yes, all the usual stuff was standard including power windows and locks, keyless entry, A/C, and a great-sounding Bose audio system that was powerful enough to overcome the thunder under the hood. The C5's biggest calling card was storage space, because the FRC offers a real trunk with plenty of space for track gear or a week's worth of luggage.

The revised LS6 engine was booted to 405 horsepower in 2002 (which surely enraged owners of 2001 Z06s who only got 385), but dyno testing after the fact suggests that Chevy deliberately under-rated the Z06 and that the real number is somewhere closer to 425 horses. Virtually every single part inside the engine was changed for the Z06, making it faster, lighter, and more powerful, and it happily spins to its 6500 RPM redline, which is 500 more than the stock LS1. This one remains stock, so you don't have to worry about someone else abusing it. The undercarriage is clean enough to convince us it has never seen inclement weather, and bright red brake calipers are just about the only bit of color on the car. Even the Z06-only alloy wheels add to the sinister look and wear staggered and grippy Nitto performance radials.

Fun today and even more collectable tomorrow, this Z06 represents perhaps the biggest bang for the buck in our showroom. Call today!