Why the C5 Is the Best Corvette
Why the C5 Is the Best Corvette
I occasionally take some time to sit back and reflect on all of the great Corvettes that Chevrolet has produced over the years. Every time I do, my mind always gravitates toward the C5 generation as having been the pinnacle of Corvette history. Sure, the C6 and C7 have gotten faster and more capable, but the C5 will always be the one that captured my imagination. The C5 generation was revolutionary when it came out, the design was (and is) gorgeous, and the car was finally capable of competing on a world stage again, especially in Z06 guise.
I loved the C5 generation when it was new, but as time moves on, I continue to love it even more. This is the bargain of the Corvette catalog, considering that a driver-grade Z06 can be picked up for between $15K and $20K these days, and a “regular” C5 can be found below $10,000, if you’re willing to compromise on a few things. There is a part of me that really wants to go all-in on a Z, but then again a $6,900 2004 Convertible popped up on my local Craigslist, and that seems mighty tempting, too. How can you beat that kind of style and performance for the money?
Possibly my favorite part of the C5 is that it was one of the last holdouts on pop-up headlamps. The sleek and low front end of the C5 is one of the primary reasons I love it so dearly, which is helped, in part, by concealed headlamps. If you have a C5 in your garage, is it possible to open the door and not smile when you see it?
What do you think? What Corvette is your favorite, and why? Do you agree?
