Back in the day, Chevy was rumored to be considering turning the C5 hardtop coupe into a “Bubba-Vette” for the budget-conscious enthusiast.
But after the overwhelming success of the fifth-generation in coupe and convertible fashion during the first four years, the company reconsidered that idea and instead turned the hardtop coupe version into the higher-performance, lighter weight Z06, beginning in the 2001 model year.
Here’s an example of such a Z06 – with an interesting pedigree to boot – that’s currently for sale on Bring a Trailer. With five days remaining, the high bid is only $15,000, meaning this car is likely to wind up fetching a lot less than the current C8 model.
That doesn’t mean the C5 Z06 isn’t still a ton of fun to drive, however.
Featuring a more powerful aluminum block LS6 engine that pumped out 385 horsepower, all these Z06s also came with something you can’t get on the C8 – a six-speed manual transmission. The LS6, by the way, featured a new block casting, modified air cleaner, new intake and exhaust manifolds, unique camshaft profile, higher-rate valve springs, new cylinder heads, higher capacity fuel injectors, and new PCV system to reduce crankcase pressure.
This one has something else going for it, at least for the right enthusiast. It was originally purchased new by legendary racer Mario Andretti, who apparently drove this Corvette just 5,000 miles before parting with it three years later. The second owner has since added about 20,000 miles, but even at that, many more miles of enjoyment should be on tap for a new owner.
The car features Quicksilver Metallic paint (now protected with a ceramic coating), with a black and red leather interior, including bucket seats with Z06 stitching. Carrying on that red and black theme, the car also has red vinyl Corvette lettering on the front plate cover and rear bumper, along with red brake calipers and red trim around the 19-inch and 20-inch Cray wheels.
It’s easy to spot a Z06 by looking for the functional brake cooling ducts on the lower rear fenders and stainless steel mesh front fascia grilles, as well as a permanent hardtop that makes the car even stiffer than a regular C5.
Other notable features on this car include Magnaflow performance exhaust, Green performance permanent air filter, Granatelli front splitter roller protectors near the lower radiator supports, power seats, rear spoiler, aftermarket shifter, Bose sound system with CD, cruise control, and Corvette-logo floor mats – along with a rebuilt traction control system.
Source:
Bring a Trailer
Related:
Exceptional 1964 Corvette Convertible on the Block at 427Stingray.com
Corvette Mike is Offering a 15-Option ’67 Corvette Radio Delete Car on Bring a Trailer
Corvettes for Sale: 1993 40th Anniversary Corvette Convertible on Craigslist
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