Original price: $50,835 (Commemorative Editions cost $3,700 extra)
On loan from: Les and Shirley Harms, Hastings, NE (Owner purchased the car at age 76 and he and Shirley enjoyed six years of driving pleasure. Les stated “Every mile brought a smile”.)
Number made: 34,0674 (16,165 coupes, 12,216 convertibles, 5,683 ZO6s)
Engine, etc.: LS-1, V-8, 5.7 L; automatic; 29,000 miles; Le Mans Blue Metallic (one of 2,215 made in this color)
The C5 Corvettes were introduced in 1997 and produced through 2004. They featured a totally redesigned suspension, interior, and drive train. The transmission was moved toward the rear of the car for better weight distribution. The frame utilized a revolutionary “hydro-formed” frame manufacturing process still in use almost 20 years later.
The C5 introduced a completely new engine family, “LS”, that continues to the present. The LS-1 engine was the first V-8 equipped with a coil for each cylinder and computer controlled ignition technology.
The 2004 Corvette was the final year for the revolutionary and highly successful fifth generation C-5 series. It had nearly every option available and the best of technology. GM introduced the “Commemorative Edition” to mark the end of the C5 generation. It also honored Corvette’s return to racing with victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other endurance races. The cars had Le Mans Blue paint and the interior color was Shale. Special Le Mans and Corvette C5 emblems were featured on the car and the headrests.
The LS-1, rated at 350 hp, proved to be very reliable. Aerodynamic styling contributed to a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. 0-100 time of 10.6 seconds and a top speed of 172 mph. It came with either an automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
Driven “reasonably”, gas mileage was between 26 – 32 miles per gallon. It was comfortable to drive and handled like a sports car should.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Corvette_(C5)#
https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2004-Chevrolet-Corvette-Base__2dr_Convertible/pricing/
https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2004-Chevrolet-Corvette-Base__2dr_Convertible/reviews/