One of the most coveted of all fifth-generation Corvettes was the high-performance Z06 model. Here’s a chance at owning one in a stealthy black finish with only 75,000 miles on the odometer.
The Pick of the Day is a 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Spokane, Washington. (Click the link to view the listing)
“You are viewing a very nice Z06 that is an excellent driver,” the listing begins. “The car has 75k well cared-for miles and [I have] owned for the last three years. Runs and drives like new.”
The fifth-generation Corvette sport car initially came to market for the 1997 model year using all-new exterior styling on the General Motors Y-body platform. In the interest of optimizing strength while minimizing weight, most of the body was assembled from a type of fiberglass called sheet molded composite (SMC).
A high-performance C5 Corvette was introduced in 2001 and named the Z06. The heart this beast was its LS6 motor, which was essentially a tuned 5.7-liter LS1. Output was initially rated at 385 horsepower and was soon ramped up to 405 horsepower starting in 2002. The only available transmission for the Z06 was a six-speed manual throughout the production run.
There are a few visual things that make the Z06 stand out from other Corvettes. One is the fixed-roof coupe (FRC) body style which is a contrast to the traditional glass hatchback. Another noteworthy design cue is the brake ducts which are just forward of the rear wheel on either side.
The interior cockpit of this ‘vette has an eye-catching two-tone red and black leather motif. The seller states that a short shifter has been added but the rest appears factory-original. The digital odometer shows just 75,343 miles on this 20-year-old car, and the listing doesn’t discuss much about maintenance history other than the fact that the Bridgestone Potenza tires are newer.
The 405-horsepower version of the Z06 achieved zero-to-60 acceleration in 3.9 seconds and it was recorded as completing a quarter-mile drag race in 11.9 seconds. Those are significant numbers for any performance car – and that is precisely why so many Z5 Z06 models were heavily tracked and abused over the years. This black beauty remains unmodified and was clearly enthusiast-owned.
“A very nice car to drive and enjoy. Lots of performance at an affordable price,” the listing concludes.
The asking price is $28,500 for this special C5.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
