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Chevrolet said goodbye to the fourth-generation Corvette in style, and one of the best-preserved send-offs is now up for grabs: a 26k-mile 1996 Corvette Collector Edition with the LT4 V8 and a six-speed manual, listed on Hagerty Marketplace. With 10 bids placed so far and the high bid sitting at $8,000, the clock is ticking toward a close on Thursday, October 15 at 2:35 PM EDT.
For 1996, the C4 bowed out with two special editions: the Grand Sport and the Collector Edition. The Collector Edition was offered only in Sebring Silver Metallic, dressed up with chrome commemorative badges on the nose, sides and rear, plus embroidered headrests inside. This coupe wears that look beautifully, finished in Sebring Silver over a black leather interior and showing just 25,800 miles on the odometer.
The LT4 Is the Real Story
1996 was also the debut year of the LT4. With a revised camshaft, higher-flowing aluminum heads, roller rocker arms and a 10.8:1 compression ratio, the 5.7-liter V8 was rated at 330 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque when new. It was offered only with the ZF six-speed manual, which is exactly what you get here, backed by a 3.45:1 rear axle. If you want the most engaging way to experience a late C4, this is the combination.
The build sheet is just as appealing. The Service Parts Identification label shows the car was assembled in Bowling Green and ordered with the J55 high-performance brake package, power-adjustable leather sport seats, a blue-tinted removable transparent roof panel, a Delco-Bose CD and cassette stereo, and automatic electronic climate control. Fog lights, cruise control, traction control and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS round out a well-equipped package.
Tasteful Updates, Honest Disclosure
The factory silver-gray wheels and run-flat tires have been swapped for chrome C5 Z06-style wheels wrapped in Kumho Ecsta MX tires, and the front splitter has been fitted with cut-outs. The seller also reports that the engine oil and filter were changed in preparation for the sale. The listing is upfront about the one known blemish, some hazing on the information center display, and a 232-photo gallery lets bidders inspect everything for themselves.
Paperwork is in good order, too. The car comes with a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report showing registration in New York, Florida and Pennsylvania, a clean Pennsylvania title, and the manufacturer's literature. It is being offered by Collectible Classics in Douglassville, Pennsylvania, with a Broad Arrow Auctions specialist acting on behalf of the owner, and the dealer notes that in-person visits and third-party inspections are welcome with advance coordination.
A Low-Mile C4 Worth Chasing
Low-mileage, well-optioned fourth-generation Corvettes with the manual gearbox continue to attract attention from enthusiasts who want a sports car that delivers real performance without modern-car complexity. If you want a Collector Edition with the proper LT4 and six-speed, this one checks the boxes. Fans of special-edition Vettes may also enjoy our post on a 9,000-mile 2017 Corvette Grand Sport Collector Edition giveaway.
To see the full photo gallery, read the complete listing, or place a bid, head over to Hagerty Marketplace.
