The fifth-generation Corvette was introduced in 1997 and ran through 2004. This platform was created from the proverbial “clean sheet of paper” and this opportunity was used to take everything General Motors engineers and designers had learned about sports cars since 1953, and make the C5 series the best Corvette available, to that point in time. Car and Driver magazine stated; “powerful drivetrain, balanced chassis, fun to drive….the best Corvette ever, and better value than a 911.” The good reviews continued with Motor Trend magazine writing that “with its ground-up redesign, the Corvette has emerged not only as a world-class performance car, but an unbelievably comfortable riding grand tourer.”
Already recognized as an automotive force with their production specification cars; this 1999 Corvette is unique after being extensively modified with numerous performance and appearance enhancements. The car has had a single owner from new and has less than 70,000 miles that are termed as actual. The Corvette has always been garaged and maintained to a very high standard. Despite the serious performance nature of this machine, it has never been raced and has been used as a daily driver in rotation with additional cars in the owner’s collection. The Corvette is reported as being extremely reliable and has been taken on extended journeys without incident.
Among the modifications that feature prominently on this car; you are drawn to the powerplant. The unit is a 427-cid, 700-hp supercharged LS series C5R V-8 that is paired with a six-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter. The engine is fortified by its second-generation Magnuson Products supercharger and multiple operational improvements including premium crankshaft, rods and pistons combined with ported high-flow cylinder heads and proprietary cam design. The Corvette also has a high performance transmission with a McLeod twin-disc high-capacity clutch and 3.73:1 differential with recently installed carbon fiber synchro-rings. The high-capacity fuel management system and ECM programming is by V’s Performance. The 700 horsepower is measured at the flywheel and the engine is run on 91-octane gasoline. Custom tubular headers, Borla exhaust system, high-capacity aluminum radiator and custom air box all are primary components on this breathtaking Corvette.
The body exhibits a custom hood, rear spoiler, winglets, protective film application on the front of the car, extensive use of carbon fiber and chrome trim under the hood and Hickok aftermarket forged aluminum billet wheels with recently installed Toyo tires. Wilwood high performance disc brakes; with six piston fronts and four-piston rears are utilized, as are Bilstein shocks and upgraded suspension bushings.
The interior has also received the special treatment with Corbeau seats, custom sound system with CD, Eclipse receiver, McIntosh amplifier and custom speakers. The gauges have bright trim rings as an added detail. Air conditioning and power conveniences such as windows, door lock, steering and brakes are also onboard.
To top it off; the supercharged Corvette is reported as an easy car to drive with acceleration performance stated to be better than the Corvette ZR-1 or Corvette C7 ZO6. This strong statement is backed up by a very strong car.