Inventory Listing

6-speed. 24,000 original miles. All options, including dual tops, stingers, and heads-up display. F55 Magnetic Ride adjustable suspension. Totally original and in like-new condition.

In Anniversary model terms, the coupe is considerably rarer than the convertible (4085 built vs. 11,632), and while they did have a long list of features, this particular coupe is equipped with every single available option, including dual tops, heads-up display, and the “Stinger” body side moldings. With just over 24,000 original miles, it has obviously led a very easy life and it remains completely stock, right down to the original Goodyear F1 run-flat tires. The 50 Anniversary cars’ most distinctive feature, the lovely “Anniversary Red” paint, makes this car simply gorgeous in the sunlight.

Condition-wise, this car is almost as-new in every way. The low mileage certainly helps, but it’s been properly maintained, with a good coat of wax protecting the finish since Day One. C5 build quality was always excellent, and this car fits together as well as any, with tight gaps and doors that close with a reassuring solidity. Subtle 50 Anniversary badges replace the usual nose and tail emblems, with another set on the front fenders, just in case nobody noticed this was a special car. You’ll note that the rubber is as-new, the dark-colored moldings haven’t been baked by the hot sun, and there are no signs of damage anywhere on the car save for one or two nearly invisible nicks on the nose. The car is just lovely.

Anniversary models also got a gorgeous two-tone interior in a color called “Shale.” It’s not quite gray, not quite beige, and it works exceptionally well with the ruby red paint. The optional sport seats were standard in Anniversary cars, giving you the most comfortable chairs available, all wrapped in that lovely sandstone-colored leather. This car is fitted with every single available option, including the highly desirable 6-speed manual transmission, dual-zone climate control, Bose stereo system, and power seats, windows, locks, and mirrors. It also has the heads-up display, which projects speed, RPM, and other details onto the windshield so that it looks like it’s hovering out there above the front bumper. Of course, it goes without saying that everything inside this car is in exemplary condition, with virtually zero wear on the seating surfaces and even the original floor mats are still wrapped in protective plastic. Special embroidery on the headrests further identifies this as an Anniversary model, as do icons on the gauges, which do a wonderful sweep every time you turn the key. The C5 also offers a remarkably spacious trunk, which, in this car, is fitted with both a cargo net and a privacy shade, and there are convenient storage hooks for the removable tops.

The C5’s robust 5.7 liter all-aluminum LS1 really needs no introduction. With 350 horsepower, it is plenty quick, but it’s also docile, tractable, and perfectly happy to sit in rush hour traffic with the A/C blasting. And with a booming aftermarket of go-fast parts, it’s actually somewhat rare to see one like this, which remains in 100% factory-fresh condition, from the air filter to the exhaust tips. That means it should run beautifully virtually forever, service is quick and easy, and parts are available everywhere. But don’t let that user-friendly demeanor fool you, because this is a seriously quick car, even by today’s standards.

Part of that performance advantage comes from the 6-speed manual gearbox, which, despite hanging out back, has great feel and precise action. Gear ratios are well-chosen, and with 3.42 gears out back, there’s torque available at any speed. On the other hand, drop it into 6, cruise at 75 MPH, and enjoy the ride, because thanks to the F55 Magnetic Ride Control, it was the best-riding Corvette up to that point. The F55 system offers driver-adjustable settings that you really can feel, and it reacts so quickly that you may not even notice some of the bumps. It really is that good. Finally, the Anniversary cars got a gorgeous “Warm Nickel Metallic” finish on the forged aluminum wheels, the perfect accent to the beautiful burgundy paint, and those are the original Goodyear F1 run-flat tires, which still have plenty of tread left on them.

Unlike so many previous Corvettes, the 50 Anniversary cars are more than just a few badges. This is arguably the best of the C5, a gorgeous car with cutting-edge tech that coddles as well as it excites. If you’ve been looking for an affordably-priced Corvette with a great pedigree and no stories, why not buy the one with the most options in the best color?