The introduction of the 5^th Generation or 'C5' Corvette for 1997 marked the first all-new model in 13 years. A comprehensive refinement of "America's Sports Car", the C5 featured a new chassis and a milestone evolution of Chevrolet's small-block V-8 engine. The design team, led by Dave Hill and John Cafaro, systematically addressed every shortcoming of the fourth-generation Corvette and improved, if not eliminated, all of them in the C5.
 
Engines have always defined Corvettes, but perhaps no engine has so comprehensively defined the car's evolution as the 1997 LS1. Its similarity with the original Corvette small block began and ended with its basic layout. The new aluminum engine featured an integral cast aluminum oil pan, composite intake manifold, individual-coil ignition system, and a hollow camshaft design. Delivering 345 factory-rated horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, the LS1 was a more than worthy successor to the previous design.
 
The C5 chassis featured a noticeably longer wheelbase length and hydroformed side rails that improved rigidity and reduced weight. Corvette engineers worked with GM's Hydra-Matic division and Borg-Warner to create rear transaxles with four speeds in the electronically managed automatic and six speeds in the manual gearbox, providing an ideal 50/50 weight distribution.
 
Handsomely finished in Sebring Silver Metallic over Gray leather, this outstanding 1997 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe is offered with just 19,051 miles at the time of listing. The clean Carfax vehicle-history report lists just two prior owners, with the first owning the car for 5 years and covering approximately 13,500 miles, followed by the second owner, who only added approximately 5,500 miles from their acquisition in 2002.
 
Sold new for $40,474 when new, this collector-grade 1997 Corvette Coupe features the aforementioned 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic rear transaxle and a limited slip differential housing a highway-friendly 2,73:1 rear-axle ratio. Desirable factory options are numerous, including the RPO 1SA Preferred Equipment Group, a no-cost option, plus Code AQ9 Adjustable Sport Bucket Seats ($625), the Code AG2 Power 6-way adjustable passenger seat, Code CJ2 Electronic Dual Zone Air conditioning ($365), a visually striking and highly versatile Code CC3 removable transparent blue tinted roof panel ($650), a Code UN0 ETR AM/FM Stereo unit with CD player and auto tine control ($100), fog lamps ($69), floor mats ($25),. A luggage shade and parcel mat ($50), and Code B84 body side moldings.
 
Offered from the inaugural 'C5' model year the first for Chevrolet's all-new LS1 V-8 engine, this 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is now offered from limited ownership with low miles. Ready to collect and, best of all enjoy on the open road, this 1997 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe is a fabulous example, hand-picked by The Last Detail. Ready to enjoy, it can be experienced first-hand by contacting us today to schedule a viewing and test drive.