Vehicle Description
1997 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
"Completely new suspension geometry at both ends has greatly
reduced the C4's tendency to be pummeled by potholes, deflected by
crowned roads, and upset by truck grooves on the road. The new
model seems glued to the road, without transmitting all surface
imperfections to its occupants. As valuable as these improvements
are, however, they would be worthless had they been achieved at the
expense of performance. We're happy to report that in the pursuit
of their kinder and gentler priorities, Dave Hill and his team have
not forgotten that speed is central to the Corvette experience."
Part of Car and Driver's extensive review of the newly released C5
Corvette coupe, February 1997
For consignment, a 1997 Chevrolet Corvette coupe with a title
verified 24,921 actual miles. This car has been family owned since
1998. Torch Red was far and away the most popular color in 1997
with 3,026 leaving Bowling Green that way. Black and silver were
second and third respectively.
Exterior
"Little red Corvette, baby you're much too fast," sang Prince in a
song released in 1983, oddly enough, the year the Corvette weren't
produced! But after the success of the C4's came this, the more
streamlined C5, rounded ends and more curvaceous overall, the wind
defying shape of this car is trumped only by its bright color. You
can see Torch Red coming from a mile away and this American classic
is augmented by the front fender gills which have a stingray like
tail in the form of a body molding spear. Air intakes up front are
molded into the face while splitters are cut into the rear valance
before making room for the epic quad exhaust chrome tips under
ovalized quad tail lights, pure Vette. The wheels are stock here,
known affectionately as wagon wheels in the Vette world, with
17-inch in front and 18-inch in back wrapped in staggered size
tires for grippy performance. Some scuffs on the nose and numerous
chin scrapes are noted as the only exterior flaws.
Interior
There aren't many colors that set red ablaze better than a black
interior and that's how this Vette is equipped beginning with the
black formed door panels, ergonomic, efficient, and clean, all
while housing integrated Bose speakers. Black leather sport bucket
seats keep the monochromatic theme going and are in excellent
condition with some slight compression and wrinkles on the driver's
side. A meaty leather wrapped steering wheel presents to the lucky
driver and frames a simple instrument cluster, still mostly
analogue in '97, and relaying information via gauges and some
digital readouts, under an arching dash pad. On the right, a pod of
push buttons allows the driver to scroll through a series of info
data points, adding to the race-like environment. Curves from the
outside are reflected in the center stack, where rounded buttons
control the AM/FM/CD radio and climate selections. The automatic
shifter wears a black leather boot in the center console above
black carpet protected by Corvette carpeted mats. Above us, the
blue tinted targa top hints at the optional open air experience to
be had. Black carpet perfectly coats the rear cargo area under the
hatch.
Drivetrain
Plastic panels abound in the engine bay that houses the venerable
5.7 liter LS1 engine rated at a respectable 345 horsepower. A 4L60E
4-speed backs it up, and power spins the back wheels with 3.15
gears and Positraction. Only the best for this legend, and it's
equipped with power disc brakes on all fours.
Undercarriage
Clean driver quality underneath, showing a car that's had some
drivetime with some typical surface rust and a slight film of oil
on the pans. Much of the underneath is flat through which a center
tunnel houses the enclosed driveshaft and dual exhaust which
carries on to meet the original equipment mufflers just from being
expelled as four, oval chrome tips. Corvette's race inspired
independent suspension at both ends employs aluminum controls arms
with transverse monoleaf springs and five link the back.
Drive-Ability
We could drive 1,000 Corvettes, (and we may have), and never get
tired of them! The comfortable cabin, the big power, that
incredible handling. This car has it all and don't make the mistake
of discounting an automatic, they are incredibly fun and offer a
more relaxing ride. This is a hot car, not just because it's a red
Corvette, but we note the A/C is not working. The good news is that
it's the only hiccup on the car where all other functions operate
as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
There are few car enthusiasts who don't like Corvettes, and that
usually arises from a physical barrier that makes getting in and
out a bit of a chore. But if your hips are healthy and a red
Corvette appears on your bingo card, it's time to put a chip on B1
and enter the world of Corvette ownership. This is a fantastic, low
mileage example.
1G1YY22G4V5106620
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
YY-Corvette
2-2 Door Coupe
2-Manual Belts, Front Air Bags
G-346ci V8 345hp
4-Check Digit
V-1997
5-Bowling Green, KY Assy Plant
106620-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
