1996 Chevrolet Corvette LT4/6-Speed Collector’s Edition -SOLD!

March 5, 2021 Update – We called one week ago when we said this final-year C4 would not last long at under $10K and we were correct as we confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” already deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Corvette ownership for under ten large usually means you bought a non-running project car.  However, when considering the “C4” Corvette produced from model years 1984 through 1996 it can mean excellent bang for your buck. A prime example is this desirable Collector’s edition equipped with the 330 horsepower LT4 and six-speed manual transmission.  This is A LOT of car for under ten thousand!  Briefly listed in February 2021 on Craiglist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania appears to be a not-afraid-to-use daily driver offered at $9,500 currently. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their C4 priced between this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $8,600 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $11,400.

Hagerty Insurance provides a great overview of the 1996 Corvette:

“1996 marked the final year of the C4 Chevrolet Corvette as well as the introduction of a new engine called the LT4. It was available only with the 6-speed manual transmission and made 330 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. The LT1 was still the base engine, which had 300 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque on tap.

With the ZR-1 gone, Chevy filled the upmarket gap with the Corvette Grand Sport and Corvette Collector Edition. The Grand Sport can easily be distinguished by its Admiral Blue paint job with a large white stripe down the middle and red “hash marks” at the front fender. This car was fitted with the LT4 and so was only available as a 6-speed. These cars also featured unique two-piece black five-spoke wheels. The 1996 Grand Sport Corvette was available in both coupe and convertible form.

Chevy also offered a Collector Edition of the last year of the C3 Corvette, and continued that tradition with the C4. The 1996 Collector Edition is distinguished by its exclusive Sebring Silver paint, silver five-spoke wheels, and “Special Edition” badging. It came with the LT1 and automatic transmission, though the LT4 and manual were optional.

The Z51 performance package was tuned more aggressively for autocross events, making it a true “driver’s” option. This was also the first year for ODB II diagnostics across the lineup, which will pay dividends for troubleshooting Corvette owners out there.

Another unique feature of the 1996 Corvette was the “Real-Time Damping” system. As the name suggests, this system measured the wheel travel at all four corners, and electronically adjusted the suspension for each wheel individually – all in real-time.

Sales for the 1996 Corvette were up from the year prior to 21,536, which was pretty good considering the C4’s long production run and the anticipation for the upcoming C5 generation. The Collector Edition represented 5,412 of those sales, but the true collector car from this year is the Grand Sport, with only 1,000 built.”

Since the majority of Collector Edition C4’s came equipped with the automatic, this example has the much more desirable six-speed manual.  The biggest thing holding this C4 back is the noticeable cracks in several spots of the SMC body panels the seller honestly points out with pictures.  If you’re looking for arguably the best version of the C4 Corvette that you can enjoy now and at least get your money back later, this may be the Corvette for you.   Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Selling My 1996 Chevrolet Corvette Rare Collectors Edition 5.7L LT4 6 Speed With Only 79,000 Original Milage That Runs And Drives GREAT Garage Kept…..

Brand New A/C System So It Has Ice Cold Air/Hot Heat Fresh Oil Change…..

My Asking Price Is $9,500 O.B.O CASH ONLY NO TRADES NO CHECKS“

Show or go: what would you do with this Swan Song C4 Corvette?  Comment below and let us know!