Vehicle Description
Anniversary Corvettes are safe places to park your money, but when
they're as fun to drive as this 2003 example, well, it's a wonder
how the first owner was able to control himself, since it shows
just 18,756 miles on the clock.
Chevy always pulls out the stops in the color department for their
anniversary models, and they're always a subtle and sophisticated
balance to the in-your-face graphics of the pace cars. In 2003, the
50th anniversary, they brewed up a lovely burgundy metallic color
that looks like candy and dares you to touch its impossibly smooth
surface. With under 20,000 miles on the odometer and obviously
purchased as more of an investment than a daily driver, this
Corvette is in exceptional near-showroom-fresh condition
throughout. Even the usual areas like the chin and rockers haven't
been abused by the rigors of the daily grind. Only a few smallish
50th anniversary badges adorn the flanks, but all Corvette fans
will recognize this car from a mile away simply due to the gorgeous
color. And while cosmetic add-ons for C5 Corvettes are a major
industry all by themselves, this one is refreshingly devoid of
goofy dress-up stuff from the aftermarket. You want factory
workmanship without any extras, this is it.
Anniversary models could be dressed any way you wanted it as long
as it included a "Shale" leather interior. More anniversary emblems
and embroidery make sure you know you've got a special Corvette,
and all the options were available. This particular 'Vette includes
power sport seats, dual-range climate control, a heads-up display,
and the F45 adjustable suspension system that really offers the
best of both worlds: comfort and performance. And as you'd expect,
the interior is virtually unmarked with matching carpets that have
never been dirty and leather seating surfaces that don't even look
like they've been tried on for size. The bright instruments flash
to life with the turn of the key, doing a little sweep of the dials
just to show you that everything is working, and the heavy duty
floor mats include big Chevrolet logos. The only notable deviation
is an aftermarket stereo with Bluetooth, but the original head unit
is included with the car. The trunk area is well-shaped and useful,
with an embroidered matching carpeted floor mat, and unlike earlier
Corvettes, there's plenty of room to store your gear under the rear
hatch.
All Anniversary Corvettes were powered by the aluminum LS1 that has
become the foundation of GM performance in the 21st century. With
plenty of horsepower and torque on tap, it easily fulfilled the
Corvette's performance image, but the smoothness, durability, and
efficiency were big bonuses. Like all small block Chevy motors,
they're insanely mod-friendly, but this one remains 100% stock,
right down to the mufflers and air filter because, obviously,
investments are best kept OEM. Lots of black plastic defines the C5
engine bay, but even details like the raw aluminum castings are
still bright and shiny, proof that this Corvette has lived a
sheltered life. The standard 4-speed automatic overdrive transaxle
shifts faster than you can, and with a limited slip in the rear
end, it hooks up hard. Disc brakes and forged aluminum wheels live
at all four corners, and it sits on a set of correctly-sized 17-
and 18-inch Michelin Pilot radials.
Complete with all the relevant documentation, from the window
sticker to the original manuals, this is a car that future
generations will continue to appreciate. Call today!
