Bodystyle question (probably a stupid one)
Discussion
As some of you may know, I'm considering the purchase of a C5 later this year and I have a newbie question.
I always thought Corvettes were coupes or cabriolets, but I keep seeing this style being advertised http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2274649.htm which doesn't have the glass section that this one has http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2156674.htm
So what's the story then?
Many thanks
I always thought Corvettes were coupes or cabriolets, but I keep seeing this style being advertised http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2274649.htm which doesn't have the glass section that this one has http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2156674.htm
So what's the story then?
Many thanks
The first one is the fixed roof coupe that was about for a short while before the z06 was released. They are lighter than the standard coupe, but also tend to be low specifications. The more common hatch back has a lift off targa panel. The fixed roof coupes tend to be hard to sell on.
Edited by JimexPL on Sunday 2nd January 08:31
From memory they made such a leap forward in chassis stiffness the convertible is as stiff as the coupe, but as said before, the notchback is even stiffer.
You also get fantastic boot space in all three, most in the Coupe obvously. Odd thing to say about a sportscar but some people do own them as daily drivers/want to be able to take a lot of gar away with them on trips.
You also get fantastic boot space in all three, most in the Coupe obvously. Odd thing to say about a sportscar but some people do own them as daily drivers/want to be able to take a lot of gar away with them on trips.
For my use the coupe with lift-out roof is the best compromise as the roof fits easily in the trunk with or without luggage. The fixed roof car was only made and sold in very small numbers - people had hoped it would be an inexpensive entry model but it wasn't, and customers stayed away.
The coupe has no lack of chassis strength that I've ever noticed - and if you want to drive a C5 at uberspeeds the place to start work is on the brakes and suspension. It's built as a road car and drives accordingly.
The coupe has no lack of chassis strength that I've ever noticed - and if you want to drive a C5 at uberspeeds the place to start work is on the brakes and suspension. It's built as a road car and drives accordingly.
Hi Paul,
The C5 introduced in 1997 was originally only available as a Coupe with the targa roof, then in 1998 they added the convertible, then in 1999 they added the fixed roof coupe. In 2001 the 375BHP Z06 replaced the FRC and in 2002 the Z06 was uprated to 405BHP.
As you are already aware there are Euro Spec and imported cars, the Z06 cars and FRC are all imports as they were never sold in the UK or Europe officially.
The C5 introduced in 1997 was originally only available as a Coupe with the targa roof, then in 1998 they added the convertible, then in 1999 they added the fixed roof coupe. In 2001 the 375BHP Z06 replaced the FRC and in 2002 the Z06 was uprated to 405BHP.
As you are already aware there are Euro Spec and imported cars, the Z06 cars and FRC are all imports as they were never sold in the UK or Europe officially.
5 USA said:
For my use the coupe with lift-out roof is the best compromise as the roof fits easily in the trunk with or without luggage. The fixed roof car was only made and sold in very small numbers - people had hoped it would be an inexpensive entry model but it wasn't, and customers stayed away.
The coupe has no lack of chassis strength that I've ever noticed - and if you want to drive a C5 at uberspeeds the place to start work is on the brakes and suspension. It's built as a road car and drives accordingly.
Thanks again guys.The coupe has no lack of chassis strength that I've ever noticed - and if you want to drive a C5 at uberspeeds the place to start work is on the brakes and suspension. It's built as a road car and drives accordingly.
5 USA, I was leaving Putney (where i live) towards Tibbets roundabout one morning during the Christmas break and spotted you heading into Putney down the hill.
I was in my Merc so you wouldn't have spotted me, but I would have flashed if I was in the TVR. Are you local?
vetteheadracer said:
Hi Paul,
The C5 introduced in 1997 was originally only available as a Coupe with the targa roof, then in 1998 they added the convertible, then in 1999 they added the fixed roof coupe. In 2001 the 375BHP Z06 replaced the FRC and in 2002 the Z06 was uprated to 405BHP.
As you are already aware there are Euro Spec and imported cars, the Z06 cars and FRC are all imports as they were never sold in the UK or Europe officially.
Nice concise description of C5 model differentiation. Sorry to be pedantic, but 2001 Z06's are 385HP though!The C5 introduced in 1997 was originally only available as a Coupe with the targa roof, then in 1998 they added the convertible, then in 1999 they added the fixed roof coupe. In 2001 the 375BHP Z06 replaced the FRC and in 2002 the Z06 was uprated to 405BHP.
As you are already aware there are Euro Spec and imported cars, the Z06 cars and FRC are all imports as they were never sold in the UK or Europe officially.
Garlick said:
5 USA said:
For my use the coupe with lift-out roof is the best compromise as the roof fits easily in the trunk with or without luggage. The fixed roof car was only made and sold in very small numbers - people had hoped it would be an inexpensive entry model but it wasn't, and customers stayed away.
The coupe has no lack of chassis strength that I've ever noticed - and if you want to drive a C5 at uberspeeds the place to start work is on the brakes and suspension. It's built as a road car and drives accordingly.
Thanks again guys.The coupe has no lack of chassis strength that I've ever noticed - and if you want to drive a C5 at uberspeeds the place to start work is on the brakes and suspension. It's built as a road car and drives accordingly.
5 USA, I was leaving Putney (where i live) towards Tibbets roundabout one morning during the Christmas break and spotted you heading into Putney down the hill.
I was in my Merc so you wouldn't have spotted me, but I would have flashed if I was in the TVR. Are you local?
Garlick said:
5 USA, I was leaving Putney (where i live) towards Tibbets roundabout one morning during the Christmas break and spotted you heading into Putney down the hill.
Yup, I'm often up there. In fact took in a steak at Rump Kitchen yesterday evening. C5 is perfect for the kind of mixed driving that goes with real life in London and the South East. Works nicely on a run to Le Mans or on the autobahn too! Gassing Station | Corvettes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff