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 (of which this is one of only 91 coupes with the red
interior and F45 adjustable suspension), 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. This particular Grand Sport also has a
lot of documentation including the original window sticker and
more, making it a no brainer investment.
It was no secret, even in 1996, that these were going to be hot
properties. As a result, this one shows just 26,633 original miles
and remains in virtually 100% original condition. Collectors
snatched them up, and only the most visionary of them ponied up for
the red interior, which really and truly makes the car so special.
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 use. 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 red interior in this coupe truly sets it apart and is a big
part of what makes this a sure-fire bet for future collectability.
Black upholstery was available and a lot of guys took the easy way
out by buying it, but that only makes the Torch Red that much more
valuable today. Articulated sport seats are grippy and supportive
and wear leather that wears like iron, so it's still in almost new
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. An aftermarket Power Effects exhaust
system is the lone modification. The F45 adjustable suspension
makes this a no-compromises cruiser that can still hit the track,
and it carries fresh Goodyear rubber on those 17-inch black A-mold
wheels.
Still available for less than sticker price, you should be aware
that it won't last. These cars are on a lot of Corvette collector's
lists and this is one of the rarest of them all. Call today!