In 1996 history repeated itself, with Chevrolet choosing to allow the C4 Corvette to bow out in a similar fashion to the C3, with a Collector Edition. As with the previous Collector Edition, Chevrolet didn’t place a cap on build totals, so this version once again accounted for more than 25% of total Corvette sales for that model year. This one is a tidy driver-quality vehicle that could make a straightforward project car. It is located in Miami, Florida, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $4,950 in what is a No Reserve auction.

If you wanted to buy a new Collector Edition in 1996, you could order it finished in Sebring Silver, or…that was it, actually. Also standard fare was the 5-spoke alloy wheels, as fitted to this car. The paint on the Corvette is in reasonable condition, but as is the case so often with silver paint of this era, it has begun to lose its original gloss. If left as it is, the paint will eventually develop a fairly matte look about it. A repaint would make an enormous difference, and given the condition of areas such as the door closes and under the hood, a simple exterior refinish would have the car presenting quite nicely. One interesting addition to this particular car is the fitment of a Greenwood Corvette body kit. It certainly provides the car with a more aggressive stance. The soft-top appears to be in quite decent condition, and there doesn’t appear to be any reason why the car couldn’t be driven and enjoyed as it currently stands.

The interior condition of the Corvette is tidy, but not spectacular. Once again, it is of good driver quality and has no immediate needs. One area that surprises me is the condition of the carpet on the ultra-wide door sills. This is one of the most prone areas of the interior when it comes to scuffing, dirt, and other damage. The carpet in this car actually looks to be quite reasonable. It will require replacement at some point, but it is acceptable at present. The leather upholstery on the seats of this version is not as over the top as in the 1982 Collector Edition, and with this car, the leather still appears to be soft and supple. It does appear that the seat foam might be deteriorating, and this is giving the seats a slightly “baggy” look in places. There are a couple of small plastic pieces that are showing damage, but all up, it actually isn’t that bad. The Corvette is fitted with air conditioning, and while it does blow cold, the owner suggests that it might require re-gassing. Other luxury items include power operation for the windows, locks, and seats, along with cruise control, dual airbags, a tilt wheel, and the optional AM/FM radio/cassette/CD player.

It’s amazing what a difference a few years can make when it comes to automotive development. The previous version of the Collector Edition (1982), had to make do with a paltry 200hp from its 350ci V8 to propel it. By 1996, things had taken a significant turn for the better. The LT1, 350ci V8 now punched out 300hp, and the impact on performance was quite profound. This Collector Edition should be capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds, while the ¼ mile could be knocked over in 14.2 seconds. This is head-and-shoulders better than things had been back in 1982, and was as good an indication as any that American manufacturers were really learning how to get on top of the emission laws which had crippled them through the 1970s and 1980s. Backing the 350 in this car is a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the car features 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes as standard. The owner says that the Corvette runs and drives really well and that both the engine and transmission feel strong.

With 5,412 cars produced, the 1996 Corvette Collector Edition was not a particularly rare car. What this one has in its favor is the fact that it is a Convertible, because Convertible production only amounted to 1,381 cars. This one isn’t perfect, but it is a tidy example that is ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately. After all, isn’t that what owning a classic car is all about?