One-Owner C5 Convertible Upgraded By Callaway a Decade Later
One-Owner C5 Convertible Upgraded By Callaway a Decade Later
Purchased new in 2004, C5 convertible upgraded with Callaway power in 2015, comes with certificate of authenticity of its badassery.
When it comes to Corvette builders, a few names come to mind. Names like Hennessey, Lingenfelter and Greenwood. And, of course, Callaway, named for its founder, Reeves Callaway. Though he didn’t start working with the ‘Vette until 1987, his magic with turbocharging left a permanent mark upon America’s sports car, one revered to this day.
For one Corvette owner, it was enough to give his 2004 convertible a new lease on life with an upgrade by the builder. Now, this special ‘Vette awaits a new home through Bring a Trailer.
The owner of this C5 Corvette convertible is the original and sole owner, purchasing his Torch Red stallion in California. From that day forward, it’s never left its current home of Huntington Beach. The C5 Era holds the distinction of being the last car ever sold with pop-up headlights. This one, though, would be one of the few to hold something else equally special.
By the end of the C5 Era, the Corvette’s LS1 V8 delivered 350 horsepower to the rear through either a Borg-Warner T56 six-speed manual, or, in this case, a 4L60E four-speed automatic. In 2015, however, the LS1 received a heavy dose of adrenaline. Thanks to Callaway, the 5.7-liter V8 left their facility with a supercharger, injector covers and a Double-D exhaust system. The entire package, per the order sheet, was $19,995, minus a $1,200 credit for the exhaust. It’s a lot of money, but there’s also a lot of power and the expertise behind it, too. It even comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Behind the newly supercharged LS1, the black leather seating is broken-in. Both driver and passenger can gaze upon the Callaway plaque below the HVAC system. An updated stereo system took the place of the OEM unit, though the latter is available with the Corvette. Nearly 23,000 miles have been logged on the big V8 thus far.
There’s nothing like a Callaway Corvette. Whether it’s a twin-turbo C4 or a C8 with improved exhaust, any ‘Vette with the Callaway name upon it is special. This C5 is no different.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
