Vehicle Description
GM has always known how to create special editions, but few were as
special as the 1996 Grand Sport Corvette. Limited to just 1000
models, it's arguably the best-looking C4 ever built. Add a rare
pedigree and a high degree of collectability and you have an A-list
future collectable that's an absolute blast to drive.
It was no secret, even in 1996, that these were going to be hot
properties. As a result, this one shows just 56,266 original miles
and remains in virtually 100% original condition. Collectors
snatched them up, and today they're still a desirable addition to
any serious Corvette collection. The Admiral Blue bodywork with
white stripe and red "hash marks" on the front fenders is designed
to emulate the early '60s Grand Sport 'Vettes fielded by Zora
Arkus-Duntov and the look works incredibly well on the sleek C4
shell. Thanks to proper care over the past two decades (has it been
that long already?!?) this one remains in virtually showroom-fresh
condition with only the most minor signs of having been polished
and waxed over the years. The bodywork was completely stock on the
Grand Sport save for the add-on fender flares over the rear wheels
which permit the use of ZR-1 sized rubber on the coupes, making for
a substantial performance boost. There are also a few chrome "Grand
Sport" badges, just in case you missed all the stripes.
The black interior in this coupe was the more conservative choice
but nobody will argue against it. Red upholstery was available but
not many guys stepped up to the full outrageous look, making black
seem like the smart bet today. Articulated sport seats are grippy
and supportive and are upholstered in leather that wears like iron,
so it's still in great condition. Aside from the "Grand Sport"
embroidery on the headrests, the interior is pretty much stock C4
Corvette, including the combination digital/analog instrument
panel, the center stack full of buttons, and a 6-speed manual
gearbox, which was standard equipment on the LT4-powered Grand
Sport. All the options and features are there, including Preferred
Equipment Group #1, which amounted to electronic climate control,
power driver's seat, and a Delco/Bose sound system.
Grand Sports used the final version of the venerable small block
Chevy V8, the LT4. With a slightly hotter cam, more compression,
and revised engine mapping, it made an extra 40 horsepower over the
standard LT1 and was available only with the 6-speed manual
gearbox. It's identifiable by its bright red intake manifold, which
is standard equipment, while the rest remains like other Corvettes.
Everything is just the way the factory intended, from the A/C
compressor to the air intake, which is remarkable given how easily
modified these engines are. Even the air filter assembly and
exhaust system are still stock. The factory suspension offers a
great combination of performance and comfort (optionally equipped
with F45 adjustable shocks), making this a no-compromises cruiser
that can still hit the track on weekends. Massive brakes are part
of the package and it carries grippy 275/40/17 front and 315/35/17
rear Goodyear Eagle GS-C performance tires on those blacked-out
A-mold wheels.
Still available for less than sticker price, you should be aware
that it won't last long. These cars are on a lot of Corvette
collector's lists and this is one of the rarest of them all. Call
today!
