There’s just nothing quite like a good hamburger, right? It doesn’t have to be fancy or made with ingredients only produced in one obscure part of their world to be enjoyable — a Kraft single melted on top of a burger grilled in your backyard makes for a perfectly delicious combo. In fact, the burger’s low price and simplicity are two things that make it so popular — along with the undeniable satisfaction it provides. Consider our Pick of the Day the automotive equivalent of a good, old-fashioned burger. You can find this 1998 Chevrolet Corvette convertible listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Bettendorf, Iowa.
On the way home from the office the other day, I started thinking about C5 Corvettes, which were built for the 1997-2004 model years. They’re not rare because Chevrolet pumped out plenty, but they’re still special because they’re Corvettes. And thanks to their high production numbers, they’re not insanely expensive, so they’re both desirable and approachable. Regular people can fantasize about owning one and actually turn their dreams into reality.
Whether it’s a targa-roof coupe, convertible, or fixed-roof coupe, the regular, non-Z06 model is powered by an LS1 V-8, which produced between 345-350 horsepower and 350-375 lb-ft of torque depending on model year and transmission choice (four-speed automatic or six-speed manual). An extensive array of aftermarket parts can take those numbers even higher, and the huge Corvette owner’s community can provide tips, advice, and comradery, whether that’s virtually, at a local car show, or during a group drive. On top of all that, many C5s have been left stock and driven sparingly by adult owners.
The ’98 Corvette you see here is a great example of all those traits. Over the past 28 years, it has kept its CARFAX report clean and accrued only 3,096 miles. There have been several small modifications to the 345-horse LS1 along the way: “K&N dual air intakes, just for a small bump in performance and airflow,” according to the selling dealer.
As a Torch Red Corvette convertible with an automatic, this C5 was made for cruising. It scores bonus points for the Light Oak soft top, and the matching leather interior comes equipped with power everything, tilt steering column, and cruise control, as well as dual-zone climate control, head-up display, and Bose audio system with trunk-mounted 12-disc CD changer.
If want to rack up the miles in this 1998 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, your adventures can start once you pay the $34,995 asking price. I have a suggestion for one of them: driving to your favorite burger spot with the top down.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
