It's probably the most American car out there- and certainly the most storied and celebrated muscle-car of all time. For generations, the Chevrolet Corvette has been continually improved and updated- making it ever-more appealing to the masses who are after a powerful piece of history that's easy to drive every day. Personally, I've been dream-shopping for a C5 model on Ebay for some time now, and am happy to report that they're nearing an affordable level.
When the C5 was launched, Chevrolet had finally endowed their flagship with an arsenal of power and features to make it fit for play on the global field. Competition with the likes of Ferrari and Porsche is no easy feat- unless you can give their best a run for the money for a fraction of the cost.
That's exactly what the C5 did. It came with a 345 horspower 5.7 litre V8 engine wrapped up in a platform which was lighter, stronger, safer and stiffer than any model before it. Unlike some finicky Italian or German machinery, the Vette is fairly reliable and easy to take care of too. And you can buy most parts and even find a mechanic for one in the town where you live.
Selection is also decent - with several body types and suspension tunes available. A manual six-speed or automatic four-speed transmission were available, the latter being most common. If you're a driving enthusiast who likes rowing your own ratios, you'll probably need to do a bit more digging.
In 1997, only a fastback coupe was offered though the lineup later expanded to include a fixed-roof hardtop and a convertible model. Taking in the sound of the lusty V8 engine with the wind blowing through the cabin is as magical an experience as any behind the wheel.
It's worth noting that for a V8 powered muscle car, the Chevrolet Corvette is exceptionally fuel efficient- all things considered. Owners report 28-30 MPG during highway driving- mileage that few if any machines as powerful can match.
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When the C5 was launched, Chevrolet had finally endowed their flagship with an arsenal of power and features to make it fit for play on the global field. Competition with the likes of Ferrari and Porsche is no easy feat- unless you can give their best a run for the money for a fraction of the cost.
That's exactly what the C5 did. It came with a 345 horspower 5.7 litre V8 engine wrapped up in a platform which was lighter, stronger, safer and stiffer than any model before it. Unlike some finicky Italian or German machinery, the Vette is fairly reliable and easy to take care of too. And you can buy most parts and even find a mechanic for one in the town where you live.
Selection is also decent - with several body types and suspension tunes available. A manual six-speed or automatic four-speed transmission were available, the latter being most common. If you're a driving enthusiast who likes rowing your own ratios, you'll probably need to do a bit more digging.
In 1997, only a fastback coupe was offered though the lineup later expanded to include a fixed-roof hardtop and a convertible model. Taking in the sound of the lusty V8 engine with the wind blowing through the cabin is as magical an experience as any behind the wheel.
It's worth noting that for a V8 powered muscle car, the Chevrolet Corvette is exceptionally fuel efficient- all things considered. Owners report 28-30 MPG during highway driving- mileage that few if any machines as powerful can match.
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