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1998 Chevrolet Corvette C5

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£11,660

  • Mileage~149,903 km
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine5.7L
  • LocationLeamington Spa

SOLD

1998 Chevrolet Corvette C5

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Introduction

Glyn Parry
Professional Consigner

The Corvette is known for both its astonishing performance and agility - a rare skill for a '90s American car.

The Corvette name is as rich in tradition as its reputation suggests, as a no-nonsense, fun to drive and surprisingly cheap to maintain sports car. Because so few were officially imported into the UK, the majority have been privately imported and often scan beyond most Supercar buyers radars. It is the worlds longest-running continuously built sports car, with a run that started almost 70 years ago, with the fifth generation C5 model arriving in 1996. It was recognised as something of a rebirth for the Corvette model. The Corvette was always known for is brutal power and stance, but the C5 also introduced a level of practicality, ergonomics and finesse to its 170mph V8 portfolio. Viewed as a genuine Supercar at a budget price, the C5 attracted considerable accolades and praise from a normally cynical European press.

Its combination of fibreglass, traditional engineering and visual cues from the older model Corvettes, are actually the Corvette C5’s strengths. The well-proven LS1 345bhp 5.7-litre V8 engine sounds straight from the ’70s but its use of lighter composition materials and DIY friendly maintenance offered something unique in this sector. The reassuring high-level finish and factory build, helped the car become a huge success in the States and the C5’s positive reputation has stuck with the car ever since.

Tom's 1998 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Targa was originally a Japanese sourced car in Euro-spec, he tells us that the car had been maintained to a very high level of care, with regular detailing and attention. It was imported into the UK in 2015 and Tom cheerfully admits that he bought the car to use and enjoy, rather than detail with a toothbrush…

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn Parry after meeting Tom the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The Corvette pampers as well as stimulates.

Tom bought the car off a retired Fireman who had originally imported the car from Japan in 2015. This means that the car has legal Euro-spec amber indicators and offers a high specification. Tom specifically bought the car to be enjoyed and used, and it has served him on many road trips across Europe with his wide. Impressed by its responsiveness and natural ability, Tom has been seduced by the Corvette's charm, and as a result, has decided to sell this car in order to buy a later model. The combination of all mod cons, with a retro soundtrack offering complete reliability without breaking the bank, is a good enough reason to buy another.

Tom
Vehicle Owner

Tom saved £1,980* when they
sold their Chevrolet with us.

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Exterior

The Corvette has a drama matched by few cars for the price.

Wheels and Tyres

The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 Tyres are all fairly recent items, having all been replaced in 2018 and all show well above average tread. The alloys show signs of wear and minor kerbing - they're not significantly damaged but may require refurbishment.

Bodywork

With styling straight out of a boys supercar dream, the C5's wedge like shape reduced drag significantly, allowing it to cut through the air at speed.

The Fibreglass body overall condition is very good, the panel gaps and fit suggests that there have not been any accident repairs. The underside is also in good condition.

Paint

The striking blue paintwork is well applied with no matting or significant evidence of poor paint matches. There are minor blemishes on the bonnet, small marks and scuffs on the rear bumper including evidence of a parking mishap on the left-hand side of the bumper. There is also scuffing on the lower section of the near-side sill. No major issues with the door panels or roof.

Glass and Trim

The overall condition of the glasswork is good, the windscreens in excellent almost new condition (it has been recently replaced). The rear glass hatch has some evidence of the inside lamination starting to deteriorate.

Interior

Well-placed controls and easy-to-read instruments betray its outlandish character.

Seats and Carpets

The carpets are in excellent condition, with the mats showing signs of general use. Both the black leather electric sports seats have slightly worn bolsters, particularly the driver's seat. In addition, the driver's seat electric for and aft motor doesn't work. This is typically a straight forward fix, a motor swap out. Some of the interior items such as the gear and handbrake gaiter leather has split and would benefit from repair.

Dashboard

The dashboard and controls are all in good condition, with typical signs of careful usage. There are no major cracks or damage on the top of the dashboard, the switches and controls are in good condition.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Other than wear on the gaiter, the gearstick is in good condition. The steering wheel is very good condition, in line with the mileage of the car.

Mechanics

The Corvette launches from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds... and you can fit a set of Golf clubs in it.

Engine and Gearbox

As seen (and heard) on the Mechanical video, the car runs very nicely indeed. The LS1 engines have an excellent reputation and shouldn't cause any issues. The previous owner has colour coded the engine - it certainly caters to a specific taste and Tom has done his best to remove decals but has not replaced the colour coded conduit, hoses and the other details. However, the overall external condition is good, with no issues or corrosion damage in the engine bay or structure. The gearbox shifts well, as to be expected for a recently rebuilt item.

Suspension and Brakes

The brakes are in very good order, with no evidence of uneven wear or abuse. The suspension is said to be knock free and in good working order.

The Drive

This is what the Corvette C5 is all about. The acceleration and nimble handling may surprise those who dismiss the Corvette as a lazy straight road cruiser. Make no mistake, this is a supercar and one that you can enjoy, without worrying too much about servicing and engine parts costs.

Electrics and Other

All controls and dials are said to be functional. The air conditioning unit was replaced during the current owners care. The original exhaust has been replaced by an austenitic stainless steel Borla aftermarket system and sets the car off really nicely.

History and Paperwork

Imported from Japan in 2015, the C5 has been looked after by two sympathetic keepers in the UK.

Imported into to the UK in 2015, with just under 80,000 miles on the clock, it has only covered an additional 13K over those 5 years. Tom has kept on top of maintenance, including the renewal of items such as the gearbox (2018) and air-conditioning unit, on top of the serviceable items.

The gearbox was rebuilt by Chevrolet specialists, Penn Autos. The car has also received a bonnet respray and replacement windscreen following an unfortunate incident of a car travelling in front of him throwing back a crushed can into his path, after only 4 days of Toms ownership. The Borla aftermarket exhaust was replaced in the UK not long after it was imported. Since then the car has been trouble-free, with exception of a very recent driver seat motor failure (a relatively easy fix). The C5 received a new battery in 2016 and the underside was waxoyled in 2017.

We've actioned checks on the following; Sellers ID, V5, HPi.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
13-07-2020 MOT 91,852
31-07-2019 MOT 89,330
18-12-2018 Service 141,182 km
01-03-2018 MOT 135,563 km
02-04-2017 Service -
15-03-2017 MOT 129,973 km
22-04-2016 Service 79,800
18-03-2016 MOT 128,615 km
23-04-2015 MOT 79,483
Key Details
  • ModelCorvette C5
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date1998
  • CC5,665
  • Mileage149,903 km
  • HistoryRecent
  • ColourDaytona Blue
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimBlack
  • Chassis #1G1YY22G1W5112182
  • Engine #11520648H207
  • RestoredNo
  • MOT21-07-2021
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • Former Keepers2
  • Tyre BrandDunlop Sport Maxx RT2
  • Tyre Age2018
  • LHD or RHDLHD
  • Key FeatureV8 LS1 Engine







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Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
Craig Wilson
Guest
Craig Wilson

Hi Tom, Is your car still for sale?

Tom Commander
Guest
Tom Commander

Hi
Yes but I’m a private seller so p/x not a specialty, and much as I love SLs don’t want one ! Tom

Rupert
Guest
Rupert

Hi,
Hope your well can you tell me what is your best offer for the C5 as yet.
I have an Mercedes SL350 2003 in Pewter Silver dark grey leather 130,000 miles I could offer as part ex if interested.
I am at £9500 for the C5 without a the Mercedes and if you take the Merc as part ex would do the car and £4000.
Food for thought.
Thanks Rupert

Rupert
Guest
Rupert

Can you upload a picture of the inside of the glovebox showing the full spec?

Philip Jeffries
Guest
Philip Jeffries

Hi do you have a buy now price Tom

Kulraj Salh
Admin

Hi Phil, listing updated, available for £12,995 all inclusive.

Sam
Guest
Sam

Hi Tom. I see that unfortunately the car did not sell. Do you have a price in mind that you would be willing to let it go for? Many thanks

Kulraj Salh
Admin

Hi Sam, listing updated, available for £12,995 all inclusive.

Anthony
Guest
Anthony

Hi there.. What is your reserve price?

BJT2
Member
BJT2

Hi, has the steering lockdown been fixed on the car?

Kulraj Salh
Admin

Hi, we’ve had a message from Tom saying that “it’s been done around 2 years ago, in my ownership”. Hope that helps! Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Azar
Member
Azar

Hello, none of the videos are working – says deleted by the uploader. What is the oil pressure idling warm? Thanks

Kulraj Salh
Admin

Apologies about that, videos were sitting unpublished. We’ve updated these in the listing now, and you can see the cold start video here; https://youtu.be/0ooBdnlzEqc Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Vetted
Guest
Vetted

Hi Tom:
1) Does your C5 come with 2 keys and 2 remote key / keyless transmitter fobs?
2) Is the tyre pressure monitoring system functioning correctly?
3) Car description says work done on A/C system – is this functioning correctly now?
4) Has the recall work been done on the steering column lock?
5) Is locking wheel nut key present?

Thanks…

Harryn87
Member
Harryn87

Is the car running mechanically fine ? No works needing doing to it ? No knocks, smoke etc ?

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Vehicle Location

Leamington Spa

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