The fifth generation (aka C5) of “America’s Sports Car”, the Chevrolet Corvette, debuted in 1997. It was a sleek evolution of the original concept, which dated back to 1953. If you had the open spaces to do it, the cars were capable of getting up to 175 mph (don’t try that at home, kids). This 2001 example, a convertible once finished in black, was probably a nice car at just 41,000. That is, until it got caught in a garage fire, and not much may be salvageable. Located outside now and collecting leaves in South Bend, Indiana, this toasty Corvette is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,000.
C5 Corvettes were an all-new design that continued to rely on fiberglass for their bodywork. Improvements from the C4s included a lower drag coefficient and a change in the weight distribution that was almost perfect. An aluminum block LS1 engine was now at work, and by 200,1 when this car was built, it would put out 350 horsepower. With all that power, you could still get decent gas mileage (up to the high 20s out on the interstates). Sales figures were solid at 35,627 units in 2001, of which 14,173 were convertibles like this one once was.
The Z06 Corvette returned in 2001 and is the most desirable of the bunch, but this Corvette is not one. We don’t know the specifics of this car in terms of options (which weren’t many). The seller says it was caught in a garage fire and apparently pushed outside and left to Mother Nature. Was not an insurance company involved? If one were, wouldn’t the car be gone, or did the seller buy it back once he/she got a settlement check?
With an automatic transmission, this Chevy still tries to “power up,” but it won’t turn over. From the photos provided, I’m surprised it will do that much. So perhaps the engine is still good, although the top half of the sports car is well torched. It’s hard to make out much of anything left in the interior. Would buying this ‘Vette be a reasonable risk and – if so – how much would you pay? Thanks for the “hot” tip, JimA!
O Brother. Y Bother.
I wouldn’t park it on that dried up yard debris, unless you’re trying to finish it off. $4000, huh?
I have a couple of friends that have picked up really nice early-2000’s Corvettes from the original owners within the last two years for $10,000 to $12,000, why bother with this burned out wreck to looks like it’s been Parker outside for years.
Steve R
Yeah, these C5s are very affordable (and a great option for those entering the car hobby). This is a perplexing listing. The owner is probably still in shock or grief and this listing is a form of PTSD.
Never seen that posted in a ad. Nobody cares what you think.
Friendly isn’t he? Probably got tired of wisecracks like, “when’s the fire sale” or “hey I missed the barbecue”.
What is the point its a total loss!!
I’m guessing the seller also has some prime swampland he would throw in for an extra $2k.
Not bad, it should buff out ….
Wow, that’s really funny…should buff right out.
” still tries to power up ” but won’t turnover 😃
Ran when parked.
My invitation to the BBQ must have gotten lost in the mail.
At that price it’s neither a fire sale nor a hot deal. This car was originally finished in black. It’s now finished, and black. Anyone need a transmission, rear end and a few bottom pieces? That’s about anything usable you’ll be getting.
Owner should pay for someone to load it up and haul it off. He got compensated for loss.
Done chicken.
Judging from the fb listing he purchased it for a flip. He’s got an attitude problem and twenty active adds.
Man aren’t you correct. This seller is a complete, not partial, horses ass.
Most likely got this deep fried Corvette for the cost of hauling it off.
That’s my guess.
I just checked out some of those ads, some have been posted 7 years ago, after i sell something i delete the ad right away.
The frame, suspension and power train could still be in useable condition, a personal inspection would confirm. If someone were wanting to do a body swap, which is quite popular right now, this could be a good starting point for the chassis. If it were usable I would try to get it for a bit less though.
E Z fix-er-upper. Priced to sell!
2 key fobs?
That was one hot Corvette! Aluminum hydroformed frame may have gotten too hot. If so, then only mechanicals could be saved. It would be interesting /fun to pull apart and see what was re-useable. And I agree with Ron, it could be a good base for a body swap. A cheap light body and some additional bracing/roll cage stuff could net you a track day car.
Billy, I was thinking that $4000 is what he is going to pay someone to haul it off.
I see the problem, no garage so he parked it in the oven and forgot
someone was going to make biscuits.
looks like barbequed yard art but not for 4k
Ran when parked
On a positive note if you get it for the right price the frame and running gear might be worth saving
I agree, as long as the aluminum frame (hydroformed, extruded aluminum tubing) didn’t see too much heat. I suspect that a garage fire. Over the top and not underneath the car. Would not likely “overheat” the frame or other chassis aluminum parts like control arms, etc. If closer and cheaper, I would bet on a good chassis. Which would be worth (IMHO) $2,500 as a rollable (after tires installed) chassis. It would still be fun to “uncover” what is left.
Be a great donor car for an engine/trans/front and rear end swap into an early Chevy…….
Put a fork in it, it’s done. Literally.
He thinks the world owes him.
He would make more money flipping quarters instead of crispy cars.
There isn’t $500 in parts there.