1998 Chevrolet Corvette

The introduction of the C5 generation Corvette in 1997 was not merely an update; it was a clean-sheet revolution that fundamentally redefined America’s Sports Car. Freed from the constraints of previous architectures, the C5 debuted a hydroformed box frame and a rear-mounted transaxle—a sophisticated layout that delivered a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. While it honored the Corvette’s visual heritage with its pop-up headlights and quad taillights, the C5 was an uncompromising marriage of structural rigidity and refined aerodynamics. It was a machine designed to compete not just on the drag strip, but on the winding roads of Europe, setting a new benchmark for handling and ride quality that resonates even today.

The cocktail only gets more potent when you look beneath the bodywork to the heart of the machine: the legendary LS1 V-8. This all-aluminum 5.7-liter engine marked the dawn of the modern small-block era, delivering 345 horsepower with a blend of durability and performance that has become iconic. In this example, that power is managed by the desirable 6-speed manual transmission, ensuring the driver remains fully engaged with every shift. The visceral experience is further heightened by the installation of an aftermarket exhaust system, giving the LS1 a vocal character to match its performance.

The example offered here is a 1998 Convertible, finished in the timeless combination of Arctic White over a Firethorn Red leather interior—a livery that evokes the spirit of the original 1953 Corvette. It is a true time capsule, having had just one owner from new and showing fewer than 40,000 original miles. The exterior presentation is exceptional; the paint retains an excellent shine with no signs of fading, complemented by the optional chrome wheels that add a period-correct flash to the profile.

Inside, the Firethorn Red cabin remains in excellent shape, showing a level of preservation rarely seen in C5s of this vintage. While the vehicle presents as a highly collectible grade example, it is noted that there is a minor cosmetic scratch on the convertible soft top which does not penetrate the material—a small imperfection in an otherwise stunning presentation. Accompanied by a clean Carfax report, this single-owner Corvette offers a rare opportunity to acquire an unmolested, manual-transmission example of the platform that brought the Corvette into the modern era.