Corvette model line up - confused

[Zippee]

I was wandering how the model line up goes in terms of price, production year performance etc for the later Vettes? I see C5, C6, C6Z06, Z01 etc etc but how do they all fit into the line up? And if I were to have 20-30k to spend what should I be looking to get for this sort of price range? It must be manual - what are the convertibles like compared to the hard tops?
I so nearly asked this question 2 1/2 years ago but got a little scared off LHD and went to another TVR instead, now I'm getting the very beginnings of regret/itchy feet and want to do some very preliminary research.

[anonymous-user]

To keep things simple you'll be looking at a base C6 in that price range with either the coupe (targa roof) or convertible available with manual transmission.

It's the steel chassis car (Z06 is aluminium) with 430 bhp engine (Z06 is 500bhp and dry sumped) and comes with all the toys. For practical purposes it makes no difference whether the car is European specification or has been personally imported from USA.

LHD you get used to very quickly. Car park barriers are a minor hassle and visibility for overtaking can sometimes need patience - but with that much horsepower you won't be waiting long!

[vetteheadracer]

Hi Tony,

To add to Steve's reply, you could also go for a C5 Z06 (all these are manuals) and all are hardtop Coupe i.e. looks like a convertible with the hardtop on but it doesn't come off and no targa roof like the Coupe. which gives you the best of both worlds i.e. roof off in the sunshine and roof on the rest of the time. C5 Z06 from 2002-2004 if 405BHP, C5 Coupe from 1997-2004 and all are 350BHP, C5 Convertible 1998-2004 and again all 350BHP, all C5 use the LS1 350ci (5.7L) V8 except the Z06 which uses the LS6 350ci (5.7L) engine which is basically an LS1 with different heads. There was also a C5 Z06 for 2001 but that only has 375bhp. there was also a C5 Hardtop which looked like a C5 Z06 but only has the LS1 engine and was available from 1999-2000.

[BlackZeD]

Alittle insight to the later ones etc.

Dave.

http://www.chevrolet.com/corvette-family/

[eldudereno]

You'll soon get used to LHD. I had never driven a LHD before, even on holiday, but it's second nature now in my C5 Z06. You are guaranteed to open the RH door to get in a few times at first but you've just got to act cool and pretend that you were putting something in the car etc...

[Zippee]

Thanks everyone for your input, I'll try and find a few local owners at some point in the next couple of months to see if they're willing to have a chat about ownership and show me round their cars.
I don't want to sell the TVR though unless it's something I'm sure I'm going to like.

[Chevykevv]

Hi Tony, I can let you know when the next CCCUK regional meetings are on around this area.
We normally hold ours just in Befordshire at a pub chosen by our rep.

Where abouts in Cambs are you? depending on location you may be better off in Essex or East Anglia region.

PM me if you want, I'm the membership Secretary & live near Huntingdon & have a standard C5 Auto, you're welcome to have a look & chat & possibly a run up the road & back.(1)

(1) depending on whether I can get the dash back in in time following ICE upgrade.