Vehicle Description
Chevrolet knows their clientele, and with the 1996 Corvette
Collector's Edition, put together a special package that would
entice hard-core 'Vette fans with a unique tribute to the outgoing
C4 model. The $1250 option brought unique Sebring Silver Metallic
paint, 5-spoke wheels, and, of course, special badges and
embroidery that left no secret about what it was. 5412 Corvette
fans ultimately stepped up to the plate and took one home, making
it a special 'Vette with a fantastic look.
This particular LT4/6-speed Collector's Edition coupe shows just
58,600 original miles, and is one of those rare C4 Corvettes that
hasn't been modified or abused. The lovely Sebring Silver paint job
on the Collector's Edition stands out with its subtlety, especially
next to the flamboyant Grand Sport. It gives the slinky 'Vette a
sophisticated look, and by 1996, build quality was among the best
in the GM stables. Always a cherished collector's item, it has been
immaculately maintained from new, and since it was purchased it has
always been garage kept and routinely serviced, and with a clean
Vehicle History Report, it's never been abused either. Paint is
about what you got in 1996 and shows well; it's especially
important for preservation classes, for which Corvette clubs are
famous. The special badging doesn't make a big fuss about being a
special edition, but Corvette guys in the know can spot one of
these a mile away. It looks great from any angle but doesn't
advertise that it was the fastest 'Vette you could buy in 1996.
That's pretty cool.
You could get black, red, or light gray upholstery with your
Collector's Edition, and in our opinion, there's nothing more
handsome than red leather in a silver sports car. Seating surfaces
remain in excellent shape, with the driver's seat perhaps showing
only the most minor signs of use, and the dramatic stitching and
special embroidery remains its strongest visual statement. All
Corvettes came loaded with standard equipment, but this one also
features the Preferred Equipment Group, which includes electronic
A/C, power driver's seat, and a Delco/Bose music system. It's all
functioning (note: the driver's seat lumbar options are not
currently working, although the other positions are working as they
should), as you'd expect from a car whose reliability is legendary
and which has been properly maintained. The carpets and door panels
look new, and because this Corvette has both removable tops,
open-air cruising is only a few calisthenics away. The rear hatch
area is incredibly plush and clean as well, showing no signs of age
or fading: an impressive feat in a red interior with a fish bowl
rear window.
The Collector's Edition received the upgraded LT4 powerplant
available in the Grand Sport, and with 340 horsepower on tap,
performance is explosive. Paired with the slick-shifting ZF 6-speed
manual transmission (which was the only transmission available with
the LT4), it remains a superlative highway cruiser and slices
through rush-hour traffic like a scalpel. It's also notoriously
easy to modify, so finding one that hasn't been hopped up (and by
association, raced or abused) can be a challenge. This one is stock
right down to the spark plugs, and GM engineers went the extra mile
to make the LT4 look pretty under that big clamshell hood, with the
red intake manifold setting the LT4 apart from the garden-variety
LT1. The chassis is equally clean, with original components
throughout, and it has always been serviced, so all the little
things work like they should. Handsome 17-inch A-mold wheels were
part of the package, and wear 275/40/17 Cooper performance
radials.
Complete with original manuals, warranty information, and other
original Corvette documentation, this is the Collector's Edition
for the serious Corvette collector. Call today!
