1999 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Convertible

The fifth generation Chevrolet Corvette, the C5, was received to critical acclaim as it bettered its predecessor because of one key factor; it was designed from the outset as a sturdy convertible, as opposed to a coupé that was subsequently weakened by the removal of the roof structure. Furthermore, the transmission was moved to the rear of the car to form an integrated, rear-mounted transaxle assembly which was connected to the all-new LS1 engine via a torque tube; this engine/transmission arrangement helped facilitate a desirable 50-50 percent front-rear weight distribution for the vehicle, this improved the handling significantly.

The Convertible C5 offered here in the extraordinarily rare colour combination of Nassau Blue and tan leather is a superior example of the marque. A UK supplied car delivered to its first owner from a Cadillac dealership in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, this example has travelled just 69,000 miles. Many of these miles were under the stewardship of a lady owner (thus the private registration reading T10 ART, TART). We are reliably informed that this is the only Nassau Blue and tan car ordered for the UK market, and what's really exceptional about this car is the Magnesium wheels, a $5,000 option when new, which given the car was just $24,0000 is quite exceptional! Today, it retains its Heads-Up-Display read-out and benefits from the addition of a poly-carbon wind deflector traditionally only fitted to Chevrolet Pace Cars.

Better still is the accompanying invoice from Marque experts, Dart Corvette in Kent for recent expenditure totalling more than £6,600. There is an enormous list detailing the length that the vendor has undertaken to prepare this car for CarFest, including the replacement of all brake lines, hoses, callipers and brake-pads. The seats were restored with leather inserts as per original, a Borla exhaust was fitted, a performance K&N cold-air induction filter system was also fitted, the engine bay cleaned, wheels refurbished, a new battery fitted, the bodywork was refurbished where tarnished and small areas on the wings repainted, a thorough service and door module fitted with data feed. All parts that could not be satisfactorily restored were replaced with new and the standard of the work completed is very high.

Not only is this an eye-catching example of "American Muscle', it also sounds great and goes like the clappers!... We know, we've driven it!...