For Sale: 1997 Chevrolet Corvette in Lutz, Florida

This 1997 Chevrolet Corvette represents the first year for the C5. While that already makes it a great modern vintage coupe, there's also added appeal or rare features like the red interior and a six-speed stick. It makes for added distinction on a car that you know will absolutely be a blast to drive.

Red was the most popular color for the inaugural year of the C5. Sure, that always looks good, but there's something about Sebring Silver that really has our attention. The metallic elements in the precious metal paint have that perfect combination of looking sophisticated while loving the sunshine. It shows all the right signs of being the factory application, and this car still wears it with distinction. In fact, the low odometer is believed to reflect the full actual mileage (averaging under 2,400 miles annually.) So it has the right mix of a car that you can happily take out on the road, and yet, you can tell it has spent less time there than most of its contemporaries. It's all quite stock with just well-placed upgrades like the Flow One 19-inch alloys and updated muffler behind the quad exhaust tips. And the best feature of this C5 is the distinctive low, long hood of the Corvette that gives it a classic appearance connecting it with previous generations. It's this lineage that lets us know how much of a true classic we're looking at today.

If you were missing the red on the exterior, you'll certainly find plenty of it inside. The info shows this was born with a Firethorn Red interior. If you don't recall seeing this, that's because it's one of the rarest options for 1997. It was one of only three interior color options, but it's believed less than 730 people chose it! The red leather seats are even an upgraded pair so that you can really show off how vibrant the whole package is when you take the targa top out. C5 Corvettes come loaded right out of the box, and this one has plenty of great modern features. It includes a Bose premium stereo, dual airbags, power windows, power locks, keyless entry/alarm, and dual-zone climate control. The power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power steering, and full gauge package make for a great driver-oriented coupe. Plus, the center console shows off two rarer options that make this a terrific sports car: the stick shift and selector control for the F45 Selective Real Time Damping suspension.

One of the reasons why we love the launch of the C5, and that's the debut of the LS1 motor. The 5.7-liter V8 ignited a new level of passion in enthusiasts' hearts with the way this fuel-injected powerhouse provides useful power in practically all conditions. Best of all, you have full control over the V8 power and soundtrack thanks to the six-speed manual transmission. Plus, the fully independent double-wishbone suspension, four-wheel power disc brakes, and ZR-rated sport tires make for quite a nice driver's car.

This has the ideal mix of a true performance machine with the solid feeling of a well-respected modern classic. That's what makes this first-year C5 an all-around great driver's car. Call today!!!