Pick of the Day: 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

It takes a certain element of physical dexterity and coordination to get out of many performance cars – especially ones that sit low to the ground and have seats that only recline so far. Such was the case with the C5 Corvette, and a low-mileage example of this car has gone on the market for that very reason.

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 2002 Chevrolet Corvette convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Phoenix, Arizona. (Click the link to view the listing)

“It’s top-down weather in Arizona,” the seller says. “I am the third owner. Private party, no sales tax. In perfect condition, none finer out there in this price range.”

Produced from 1997 through 2004, the fifth-generation Corvette received a hydroformed box frame which provided enhanced structural rigidity as well as overall handling. In fact, balance of this new “Y-body” platform was so well-executed with this car that its weight distribution was 50/50 front to rear. Engineers also incorporated things like composite body panels for strong yet lightweight architecture, an all-aluminum engine for improved durability, and composite leaf springs for a lower ride height.

The Magnetic Red Metallic exterior of today’s featured ragtop looks well-kept. The seller says, “No curb rash, no door dings, no rock chips. An outstanding example of a C5 at a somewhat affordable price. See it, drive it. You won’t be disappointed.” The photos included in the listing convey an enthusiast-owned vibe, including the car parked at shows as well as inside a garage with Corvette-themed signage. Pride of ownership is evident when you see things like that in a seller’s pictures.

One of the most remarkable attributes of the C5 was its 350-horsepower heart: Power comes from an unmodified 5.7-liter LS1 V8 mated to a Borg-Warner T-56 six-speed manual transaxle and a limited-slip differential. The odometer shows just 45,500 miles, which falls at the low end of the scale for a car that is over two decades old. The tires are reportedly new, and the seller says that everything works including the Bose sound system and the ice cold air conditioning.

“Selling why?” the seller asks. “It is harder and harder for a 78-year-old to get in and out of the car. Time to pass it on to some youngster out there.”

So, all you youngsters, listen up. Here’s your chance! The asking price is $22,500, and the seller is open to a pre-purchase inspection at the buyer’s expense. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, click here.