Vehicle Description
This 2000 Chevrolet Corvette fixed-roof coupe, or FRC, represents
the first, last, and only time the Corvette has been offered in
three distinct body styles. The FRC was intended to be lighter,
faster, and cheaper than the rest of the Corvette lineup, and it
facilitated the arrival of the Z06, which was indeed faster and
lighter than its siblings. Great performance, low mileage, and a
reasonable price make this FRC a winner.
The FRC wasn't a big seller so finding one like this is a
relatively rare occasion. In its second year, 2000, the fixed-roof
coupe was only offered in a few colors, with black being an obvious
choice. This one looks purposeful and lean, and most folks will do
a double-take when they see it hammering down the road, as most
have never seen the FRC body style up close. It's in great
condition, pretty much what you'd expect from a car with only
27,125 original miles, and the only notable demerits are some swirl
marks that are all but impossible to avoid on a black car.
Otherwise, it's in fantastic condition and shows off the excellent
build quality for which the C5 was justifiably famous. There are no
modifications, no add-ons, just clean OEM styling and hardware that
makes this a car that should appeal to the serious Corvette fan. If
you want someone else's abused car with questionable mods, they're
out there, but untouched cars like this are getting rarer by the
day.
The only interior you could get in a FRC was black leather with
standard bucket seats and a 6-speed manual. It was all part of the
goal to build a stripped-down street fighter, and we have to say we
like the concept. This interior remains in very good shape with
only very light comfort marks on the driver's seat, all well in
line with its age and mileage. The carpets are unmarked thanks to a
set of fitted floor mats and the door panels are like new. Standard
equipment included A/C, power windows and locks, cruise control,
and a power driver's seat, and that's pretty much how this one is
outfitted. There's an optional Bose AM/FM/CD stereo system that
sounds quite good, and the shifter has been upgraded to a Hurst
short-throw. The FRC also received a real trunk that's big enough
for luggage and gear for a long road trip.
The FRC is still a C5, so that means a silky-smooth and torquey LS1
V8. The all-aluminum 5.7 liter engine was a real revolution when it
hit the streets, and while we take it for granted to day, cars like
this FRC were quite formidable. Even today, it delivers a heavy
punch of acceleration at just about any speed and thanks to the
FRC's lighter curb weight, it's the fastest C5 save for the Z06. As
I mentioned, there are no modifications here, not even an upgraded
air filter or exhaust system, so you know it's been treated well.
It starts easily and idles perfectly, as you'd expect, and if you
take it easy on the throttle, you'll probably find that mid-20s
fuel economy is possible. The suspension was a bit more aggressive
than the standard setup and 4-wheel disc brakes were, of course,
standard equipment. The gorgeous forged alloy wheels were standard,
but the polished finish was optional, and it really dresses the
black car up nicely. Standard 245/45/17 front and 275/40/18 rear
Nitto performance radials are a nice improvement over the
run-flats.
Documented with a build sheet and window sticker, this is one you
can enjoy and hope that it turns into a future collectable. After
all, owning a Corvette is always a pleasure, so go out and have
some fun! Call today!
