Vehicle Description
Chevrolet knows their clientele, and with the 1996 Corvette
Collector's Edition LT4, the automaker 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 unique, low-production commemorative Corvette
with a fantastic, timeless look. With a powerful 350 LT4 V8 engine,
a quick-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox, and only 50K actual miles
on the clock, this low-mileage sports coupe is a heck of a find -
all for the price of a used Honda.
This particular LT4/6-speed Collector's Edition coupe shows exactly
50,233 original miles, and is one of those rare C4 Corvettes that
hasn't been modified or abused. Although it technically has had two
owners since new, the individual that owns it now purchased it in
late-1996, and in those very careful and conscientious 27-years he
averaged less than 1900 miles a year. And that exemplary care and
wonderful preservation shines through everywhere you look. The
lovely Sebring Silver paint job on the Collector's Edition stands
out with its subtlety, especially next to the more flamboyant Grand
Sport. It gives the slinky 'Vette a very sophisticated look, and by
1996, build quality was among the best in the GM stables. Always a
cherished collector's item and weekend cruiser, it has been
immaculately maintained from new, and since it was purchased it has
always been garage kept and routinely serviced and never raced or
abused. Paint is about what you got in 1996 and shows incredibly
well; it's especially important for preservation classes, for which
Corvette clubs are famous. Other than a few light swirl marks on
the hood from car washes and some surface water/acid rain spots on
the targa top, all of which could easily be remedied with a
buff-and-wax, the finish is in excellent shape. You'd never guess
it was almost 30 years old, and whether you want to show or go,
it's going to impress at any venue. 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, which is exactly why the design has ages so
gracefully.
You could get black, red, or light gray upholstery with your
Collector's Edition, and in our opinion, there's nothing more
handsome than black 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 (minor 'gentle wrinkles'
in the leather), and the high-end perforated leather hide, the
dramatic stitching, and special 'Collector Edition' embroidery
remains its strongest visual statement. All Corvettes came loaded
with standard equipment, but this one also features the Preferred
Equipment Group #1, which includes electronic A/C that blows cold,
a six-way power driver's seat, and a Delco/Bose AM/FM/Cassette
stereo system. It's all functioning as you'd expect from a car
whose reliability is legendary and which has been properly
maintained. The carpets and door panels look great, 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 black interior with a fish bowl rear window.
The Collector's Edition received the upgraded LT4 powerplant
available in the Grand Sport, and with 330 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. Other than the
ubiquitous K&N cold-air intake system (the original system is
available with the sale), this one is stock everywhere you look,
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 5-spoke wheels were part of the package, and these
unblemished beauties wear 275/40/17 Goodyear performance radials
with plenty of grip.
Complete with original manuals, the original window sticker, car
cover, and a stack of maintenance receipts, this is the Collector's
Edition for the serious Corvette collector. Call today!
