One of our favorite models of the C4 era is the 1996 Corvette Grand Sport. Just 1,000 Grand Sports were built and only 190 were convertibles. Combine the historical connotations of the 1963 Grand Sports with the 1996’s Admiral Blue and White exterior, unique VIN and a one-year-only optional V8 engine and you’ve got something that is a collector’s dream.
According to the Corvette Black Book, the Grand Sport RPO Z16 included the LT4 engine, Admiral Blue paint with a White center strip and special detailing. The previous year’s ZR-1 wheels were used, but painted black. Interior choices were limited to either Black or Red-Black combination.
The LT4 engine was a new engine in Chevy’s lineup and was used exclusively on 1996 Corvettes. It featured 330 horsepower, 30 more than the base LT1. Other differences were a higher compression, aluminum head design, crane roller rockers arms and a revised camshaft. LT4 engines redlined at 6300 rpm vs the LT1’s 5700 rpm and all LT4 engines required a manual transmission.
Our example here on eBay is Grand Sport #397. A rare convertible model with only 12,600 miles on the odometer, it’s only 1 of 53 Corvette Grand Sports built with the Red interior. A true blue RPO Z16, this Grand Sport is loaded with the F45 Selective Real Time Damping Suspension, dual power sport seats, electronic AC and a Delco Bose Stereo CD player. Documentation includes original window sticker and factory build sheet.
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The Grand Sport is on the clock until Jan 10, 2011 when the auction ends. There have been 14 bids with a current at $30,099 at the time of this writing. Click here to view the eBay auction page.
In our most recent Price Guide, we’ve seen Grand Sport Roadsters go for as high as $60,000. Not bad considering the original MSRP was $53,379.
Source:
eBay Motors
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The 1996 Grand Sport Convertible, oh yeah with the RED interior one of my all time favs….and it was the very first Corvette my oldest son ever sat in….yep one day for me. With 4 kids now, I am lucky to be around Corvette as much as I am now, which makes it tough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What happened to the rear fender flares? Looks like they are missing.
Mark. Only the coupes had flares. Only the coupes had flares as they had the wider rear wheels/tires. The wide rear tires/wheels would not fit in the ‘vert in the event of a flat. Too bad woulda looked cool though!!
Wish I had the cashflow for this one. Love the Grand Sports!
Hello, this car is really a combinations high style and sport class. The colors, body and all attribute on that Corvette Grand Sport is really an expression about passion and strong. You show it to us.
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