Across its 13-year run, the fourth generation Corvette evolved steadily, each model year refining the formula. But the C4’s true swan song came in 1996 with the Collector Edition—Chevy’s polished farewell to an era, complete with special trim, unique badging, and, when optioned correctly, the mighty 330 horsepower LT4.
Originally engineered for the one year only Grand Sport, the LT4 became available on any 1996 Corvette equipped with the six-speed manual. Chevy offered it broadly to help offset development costs, and enthusiasts have been grateful ever since.
One of those LT4 equipped cars is this Collector Edition coupe, listed on Craigslist out of Berkshire County in western Massachusetts for $16,500.
Finished in Sebring Silver, the CE package (RPO Z15) added exclusive fender, hood, and fuel door emblems, along with interior embroidery on the headrests. Buyers could choose black, light gray, or red upholstery. Most Collector Editions left the factory with the 300 hp LT1 and a four-speed automatic, but the six speed manual unlocked the LT4 option—and that’s where things get interesting.
According to the Corvette Black Book, Chevy built 6,359 LT4s, the exact same number of six speed cars produced that year. That means every manual equipped ’96 Corvette—Grand Sport or not—received the LT4 as a mandatory, no cost pairing.
The LT4 wasn’t just a warmed over LT1. It featured higher compression (10.8:1), redesigned aluminum heads, Crane roller rockers, a revised cam profile, and numerous internal upgrades. It also came with an 8,000 rpm tachometer, a full 2,000 rpm higher than the LT1’s. And every LT4, Grand Sport or otherwise, wore a throttle body with red “Grand Sport” lettering.
Chevy built 5,412 Collector Editions, and this 45,000-mile example is described by its owner as being in “excellent” condition, needing nothing and functioning exactly as it should. Recent maintenance includes new tires, new brakes, and fresh fluids.
The seller also highlights the presence of the rare FX45 Selective Real Time Damping suspension—an advanced system for its time that still works properly on this car. Unlike the earlier setup that adjusted all four shocks simultaneously, FX45 could alter each shock independently every 10–15 milliseconds, roughly once per foot of road at 60 mph. Using wheel travel sensors and data from the Powertrain Control Module, the system continuously optimized damping for improved control.
For collectors who appreciate the final evolution of the C4—and especially those who want the LT4 without paying Grand Sport prices—this Sebring Silver CE might be one of the more compelling finds on today’s market.
Source
Craigslist.org
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The ad lists the car as having a rebuilt title, I’d want to know what that’s about. Beautiful example though.
Curvette’s remarks regarding the rebuilt title are certainly valid. While I have never been a C4 fan (even though I actually have one) this is a nice car. I also didn’t know that you could get the 330 HP without ordering the Grand Sport.
Finally a C4 with the FX45 suspension that actually still works!
Hi,I really appreciate and like this 96 Vette !!! Had 95 with LT-1 C4 accident going home from work and guy Cut in front of me.. .Whew .. I have 14,500 Dollar’s..
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