Shore Car: 1996 Chevrolet Corvette Collector’s Edition – SOLD!

May 7, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this C4 Corvette “Classifind” 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.

While the C4 version produced from 1984 through 1996 remains the “Entry Level” Corvette price-wise, by 1996 the final version had really come a long way in terms of both handling and performance. Add the desirable 330 horsepower LT4 only available connected to a six-speed manual like this Collector’s Edition originally listed in April 2021 on Craiglist in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey.  While the seller is entertaining the best offer he receives, he does reference a $16,000 retail price point. Comparing that ask against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their C4 priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $10,700 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $19,300 before factoring in the premium for this example being a C0llector’s Edition.

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 forms.

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.”

Unlike the vast majority of Collector Edition C4’s that came equipped with the automatic, this example has the much more desirable six-speed manual which gains you entry into the 330 horsepower LT4. With a Magnaflow Cat-Back exhaust, the LT4 likely sounds amazing. With a set of a brand new set of tires and brake pads, you can likely enjoy the entire car show season cruising with this C4 before having to do any maintenance come Fall.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1996 Corvette Collector’s Edition LT4. All Original Car with the 6 Speed Trans. The car has 54,000 miles and Drives anywhere. No accidents or paintwork done. Silver exterior and Gray interior. No engine mods or performance chips. The only adds are a Hurst shift ball and a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust. The interior and carpets are in very nice condition. The car is a smooth running and shifting example with a great clutch. The car is nicely optioned and very quick with the 330 HP LT4 motor. Defiantly underrated and as many articles have published the motor is more accurately rated at 375 – 390 HP. New tires (Nitto’s) all around ($1,100) with recent brake pads… Never Smoked in or Pets…Everything works properly as you would expect with NO oil or fluid leaks. See pics and please ask if any further pics or info is needed. The car has a $400 Car Cover with the original window sticker and the factory ratchet tool to remove the top. Also has a set of extra Corvette front mats. Call with serious interest only Please!!!. Chasing my youth I acquired from a fellow enthusiast and longtime club member in March of 2020 and thought I would drive it more. Time to move on with 4 Grandchildren my priorities have changed and it does not fit my lifestyle. I am the 5th owner and not unreasonable, willing to negotiate. The phone number is my House number so please leave a voice mail message and I will return all calls promptly. Prefer Calls…
…….….Thank you for looking…..
Ken

Average Retail is around $16,000 equipped with the LT4 ……Looking for Best Offer…..“

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