350/6-Speed: 1996 Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition
When Chevrolet retired the C3 Corvette, it did so by building a low-volume Collector Edition. They realized that they were onto a good thing, so they repeated the process when the C4 was put out to pasture. This 1996 Corvette is one of those cars and is 1-of-5,412 that rolled off the production line to bid that generation farewell. However, the original owner specified an optional engine that increases its rarity and improves its performance. It is a tidy classic that needs a new home. Located in Martin, Michigan, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has been frantic and has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $8,650.
In keeping with other models of its type, Chevrolet offered the Corvette Collector Edition in the single shade of Sebring Silver. It is an attractive color and suits the low and swooping lines of the C4 Corvette perfectly. Our feature car appears to be in good condition. Its paint holds a deep and consistent shine, with no significant flaws or defects. The panels are equally impressive, with tight and consistent gaps and no evidence of accident damage or prior repairs. Its distinctive alloy wheels are spotlessly clean, with no stains or signs of curb strike. It looks like one of its owners has fitted aftermarket window tinting, and while this won’t appeal to all people, it does add a menacing touch to the exterior. Overall, there is little to criticize with this Corvette’s appearance or physical condition.
Most buyers ordered their Corvette collector edition equipped with the standard 350ci V8 that produced 300hp. However, a select few sought more power, so they ticked the box on the Order Form next to the LT4 option. This motor brought an increase of 30hp and a notable performance improvement. The owner claims that this is 1-of-1,540 Collector Editions produced with the LT4, although I haven’t found figures that confirm this claim. Bolted to the LT4 is the six-speed ZF manual transmission. While a regular Collector Edition could cover the ¼ mile in 14.1 seconds, this car would have dropped that figure to 13.4 seconds. The seller has performed numerous performance upgrades to this classic, including installing long-tube headers, an upgrade to a Black Tag ZF transmission with reverse lockout, tweaking the engine management system, and a 4.10 rear end. He recently treated it to a gallop down the ¼ mile, and it returned an ET of 13.1 seconds. The car runs and drives well and is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner.
This Corvette’s interior is as tidy as its exterior, with no significant flaws or faults. The heavily sculpted leather seats show no evidence of wear, although there is some stretching on the driver’s seat base. The plastic trim and dash are in excellent order, while there’s no appreciable wear on the carpet. It seems that this interior will need little and should provide a comfortable place to clock over the miles. It is equipped with airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a premium stereo. The owner indicates that everything works as it should, with no electrical faults or other issues.
This 1996 Corvette Collector Edition has generated its share of interest since it hit the market. With plenty of time left on the listing, it has already attracted an impressive forty-six bids. Part of this would reflect its relative rarity, but a large part is probably related to the LT4 that hides under the hood. I would expect the bidding to have a fair way to go before the hammer falls, with the car having the potential to top $20,000 easily. If two or more people are determined enough, that figure could push to $30,000. Is this a classic that you would like to park in your driveway?
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Comments
It is the engine mods and transmission swap that would stop me from considering this car. No disrespect to the author but the interior while always cheap looking appears very worn out to me.
The interior is great, this was my car. It’s posted to YouTube. All things automotive is the channel.
C4s are the most uncomfortable cars ever. You can have it.
You are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts. And if you have a C4 you would like to give me I’m in.
I’ve enjoyed driving C4’s for years. They are only uncomfortable if you’re too uncoordinated to get in or to “husky” to properly fit.
An unnecessary rear end ratio, something in the mid 3.00 range would make this a more usable Sunday driver. Unless you’re gonna race in the qtr mile.
This car does 70mph at 2000rpm. This is my car lol. You don’t know half as much as you think you do.
This is my car lol. It does 70mph just under 2000rpm. It cruises the highway beautifully. 6th gear is .50:1.. you seem to be short on knowledge, but big on commentary :)
Unnecessary upgrades to an engine that was conservatively rated at 330 HP, a ridiculous rear-end ratio and trips to the drag strip? Pass. Show of hands please (Or the usual comments from the usual “Richards”)- How many commentators have actually driven a car with 330 HP? Full-disclosure: My top HP experience is 375 in a 1990 ZR-1. That struck me as plenty and I realized I did not have the skill to use the car as it was intended.
Mr. Sumatra – Its Christmas, dude. Lighten up and let the richard’s (small r intentional) stew. You’re right that 300 is a sweet spot for many, yet why not be proud of the Horsepower accomplishments of late? Variety is the spice of life. Now, the 4.10 is way too low for most cruisers and the assumed 1/4 mile at a time mileage worries me. But, the commentary reeks of so-called common knowledge concerning these cars when they’re also commonly recognized as the best bang for the buck. Nothing else comes close to attaining 1.0 G’s with 150 mph cruises and economy that astounds in real life. Give the devil his due.
Mr. Peterson- It seems fitting that you are preaching to the choir on Christmas, dude. I own a 1995 LT-1, ZF 6-speed.
nah… not for me…
First I own a 1996 with the LT 4, love the car! all lt4’s come with the ZF 6 speed, all Lt1’s comes with a automatic trans, (for 1996) cat converters are on the cast iron oem manifolds, long tube headers? this year (2021) in NYS is the first year I did NOT need an emission inspection (25 years old), only safety, 3.45 gears are perfect, the 5th and 6th gear in the ZF 6 speed are overdrives (or underdrives) highway driving 65 mph 27 mpg true!. not fond of these seats seem to be good for bigger people, there were 3 different types of seats for this year, DRIVES AND HANDLES LIKE A SPORTS CAR THAT COST 10X THE PRICE! these c4’s best bang for the your money! these can be an everyday driver. never understood the collector edtion branding name.WHY?
C4 Corvettes are hot rods on the cheap.My last one was a ’94 with less than 50k on the clock. It was practically showroom and I paid $11K. It was fast and fun.
I loved my ’95 and would have kept it if I were wealthier and could afford two Corvettes. My current ’07 is a far better car as are all subsequent Corvettes, but there’s something about the feeling you get in a C4. It feels like being strapped into an F111, a car that you wear rather than sit in. Not many cars can give you that sensation. The handling is excellent, the power is generous, and the ride and economy are more than you could expect from such a capable car.
Is a C4 perfect? No way – a b—- to get in and out of, lots of inexpensive plastic finishes, lots of age-related deficiencies. But are they worth it?
Every. Single. Penny.
A modified car with 100K on it. I’m guessing $13K-ish will get the deal done, but we’ll see.