Good friend bought this LT1 1996 Collector Edition Vette Coupe in Sebring Silver Metallic (used only in 1963 & 1996!) few days ago from original owner, so this is first hand with less than 100,000km on it.
This is limited production (only 2,491 built) here is the insert from Conceptcarz about this model.
The new 'Collector Edition' model celebrates the final year of production for the fourth-generation Corvette. This eminently collectible Corvette model is distinguished by its exclusive Sebring Silver paint, chromed 'Collector Edition' emblems, 17' five-spoke aluminum wheels painted silver, P255/45ZR-17 (front) and P285/40ZR-17 (rear) tires, and black brake calipers wîth raised bright aluminum 'Corvette' lettering. The cockpit-style interior features perforated Sport seats wîth 'Collector Edition' embroidery available in Torch Red, Black or Light Gray. Coupe and Convertible Collector Edition models are available wîth either the standard 300-horsepower 5.7 Liter LT1 V8 (with 4-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission) or the optional 330-horsepower LT4 (with 6-speed manual transmission).
1996 also marks the introduction of a new Selective Real Time Damping system, which is optional on all Corvette models. Selective Real Time Damping employs sensors at each wheel, to measure movement. The data retrieved from each individual wheel and the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) are processed by a special electronic controller which calculates the damping mode that will provide optimum control of the vehicle. This sophisticated driver-adjustable Delco ride control system adjusts the shock absorbers in 'real time' - 10 to 15 milliseconds.
A new optional Z51 Performance Handling Package, available exclusively on Corvette Coupe, is tuned for the autocross and gymkhana enthusiasts. The package features Sport Suspension ride and handling, new Bilstein shock absorbers, stiffer springs, front and rear stabilizer bars, high-rate bushings, 17' x 9.5' wheels, and P275/40ZR-17/N tires. (Grand Sports have 17' x 11' wheels and P315/35ZR-17 tires in the rear.)
Corvette has long been a showcase for leading-edge technology. Its sophisticated standard systems include Passive Keyless Entry (PKE), PASS-Key II theft-deterrent system, and Bosch ABS/ASR anti-lock braking and Acceleration Slip regulation. Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) which permit the vehicle to be operated wîth out air at 55 mph for up to 200 miles, as well as a low-tire-pressure warning system are available on Corvette Coupe and Convertible. Corvettes equipped wîth EMT tires can be ordered without a spare tire.
Corvette has a lengthy list of standard equipment, including dual air bags, 4-wheel independent suspension, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, power windows wîth driver's Express-Down and door locks, dual electric heated outside rearview mirrors, cruise control, rear-window defogger, 17-inch aluminum wheels and high-performance Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires.
The work out all in all was from 6 am till 4 pm, the worst part was the engine which was never cleaned for 20Y & was full of grease on the inside hood & everywhere. The paint to my surprise was very good in quality (single stage metallic paint is the best) & after Petzoldt's mild shampoo & Joybond clay bar (clay in the end was very dirty full of rust particles, oxidation & dirt) it looked so naked & clean & just begged me to cover it with something good so I did the best it deserves.
First I have used a Riwax paint cleaner with Simoniz Liquid Diamond polymer sealant (I mixed it with another vintage Simoniz UK product called Coloured Wax for Silver/Grey) then next was Riwax star wax & Riwax quick shine detailer.
Many car care pressurized containers, wheel cleaners, clay bar, microfibers, anti humidity protection, plastic cleaners, dust repellents for engine bay etc.etc. went away with the work & I am happy I did it, now this Vette will look great again & my friend will ride it with his friends (I have met there his friends while he was at work all day, all of this guys own very crazy muscle classic cars mostly from USA).
So this is what I got:
You are right, not many new Vettes over here in general & vintage almost impossible to see (Israeli public that I know & work with prefer more luxury/sport German autos & this one is only one, because the law here allows to import any new car up to 2Y old for 220% tax on it & then any foreign car older than 30Y for the same tax & nothing in between years, that's why cars older than made in 1986 although are rare can be seen here & there but this 1996 Vette was bought from American guy of Jewish descent who immigrated to Israel from USA so he was allowed to bring his car in 1996, crazy law I know, many car collectors suffer from it, they like some German, USA, English, Italian car but can't import it, that sucks) same as not so many new sport US cars. BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Jaguar even Ferrari & Maserati I see more often than sporty Dodge, Corvette, Cadillac, Ford also Nissan GT-R is rare. Considering US muscle cars cost much cheaper than European I find it strange such preference, in my opinion US cars offer good value for the money & got huge engines with a lot of horsepower & performance, but this is the fact, fashion.
I hope one day it will change, the other reason might be that in my circle of friends I see their cars only, maybe some other car care shops who detail it mass market on the opposite would say new US muscle cars are more common than German, this is my observation. Anyway, thanks for looking at this rare 1996 Vette Collector Edition I wonder if you seen such in Florida?
This guy is from the same company, heard about I got very rare gas additive so he came to pick it up (if I make a scheme at how my connections work & in what directions it will look like a spiderweb where everybody & everything is connected, Sharkpolitur centered :laughing:
Meet the fuel system water remover & corrosion inhibitor (a must have for a classic cars collector)
Thanx, yeah I see on the forum many new Vettes they are cheap monsters in USA & Europe but here Corvette starts from 120,000$ means in USA BMW M6, Porsche Carrera 4S Cabriolet, Panamera 4S Executive, Cayenne Turbo & you'll get change, Mercedes S 550 4Matic Coupe, E63 AMG will leave you with 20 grand small change or 2 E 550 Coupes 1 for you & one for your wife, even SL 550 Roadster cost less in USA than Corvette in Israel.
My other friend bought on Ebay Motors SL 450 from the 80's for 3,600$ in excellent condition on auction with low mileage, then he brought it to TLV & after tax they estimated it at over 10,000$ he was so happy the taxman estimated it so cheap & from the first day got offers 25,000$ for it, then after passing technical inspection (he already ordered wheel shoes we call it here such a metal thing that locks the wheel & alarm) in the same night the car was stolen under his house parking (I hope he doesn't suspect me :laughing: ), the same week he wanted me to detail it. Such SL 450 goes here like a hot potato for 25,000$.
Or another example, 1982 Classic Tiffany http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...sented-international-women-s-day-my-baby.html then my new friend bought it in USA for about 30,000$ & after it was blocked entry into Israel (custom cars are forbidden to import that's it) with the help of the lawyer & 3 months fight with authorities (he even had to fake papers like he is dying of cancer & this car is his last wish before death) car stood in the port all this time was black when it arrived with rust on chrome, so after I restored it (strange I got no comments then even if I consider this my best detail ever :laughing: ) his business partner bought (stole) it from him for 200,000$ & till today is the only one & will be the only 1 Classic Tiffany in Israel.
I agree that you see many Vettes from the 90's in USA & they are cheap out there but I never seen Sebring Silver 1996 Corvette Collector Edition on this forum since I am a member, so enjoy to see this one is only one, my friend really bought it very cheap 25,000$ but to import the same car will cost double, the current offers only from his company friends is 40,000$ & he is not selling, it's Collector Edition my friend.
This prestige Sebring Silver paint was made only in 1963 & 1996 for Collector Edition, it got very high density aluminum flakes in it (think of difference between Mercedes AMG & AMG Manufaktur Designo paints, Designo is always over the top even compared to rest of AMG) & lacquer sprayed together, that's why it's not like modern 2K clear coat where is sprayed on top over metallic paint.
Also to the touch it looks like 1K system, when you see on modern cars clear coat is peeling & beneath is non shiny metallic paint, in this Corvette is all together, metallic & clear lacquer. Also from what I see that spraying technique is probably different than in the rest of Corvettes, metallic flakes are not separate (bigger-smaller, lighter-darket like in top Lexus metallic paints) but complete, there is no distance between them, I never seen such metallic paint before. I think many coats were applied & paint while looks soft from few meters but when you come closer you see it's very hard with high resistance from environmental factors (wow, it's 20Y original paint!) that's why this Vette looks like it looks - fantastic & paint looks alive & wet.
300HP for 1996 is very cool too, SL 500 in 1998 got the same, Porsche Turbo in 1996 400HP, BMW M3 300HP, BMW 540i 290HP so this Corvette engine & technology was near & at the top for most sport cars, also 1997 NISMO GT-R got same 400HP as Porsche Turbo.
I like big & strong engines the most, this small :laughing: 5.7L & fast Vette was accepted to my club at 265km/h.
I've had enough of scheming
and messing around with jerks
My car is parked outside
I'm afraid it doesn't work
I'm looking for a partner
someone who gets things fixed
Ask yourself this question
Do you want to be rich?
I've got the brains
You've got the looks
Let's make lots of money
You've got the brawn
I've got the brains
Let's make lots of money
:updated:
Last week I have seen my friend Eyal there are good & bad news, the bad are that he sold this Collector's Corvette to his friend, the good thing is that he already bought in USA another 1986 Corvette & it will be shipped to Israel on January (only classic cars 30Y & older can be imported).
So my pal sold this Vette for a very high premium & bought a 1st hand 1986 Vette...but everybody knows it :laughing:, few days ago he calls me & whoops - Marc, come take a look I am buying the 2009 Corvette 1st hand too, what is your judgement about the looks.
In Israel it's take it or leave it kind of business, so in 1 minute the deal is closed.
Must admit that I am not a fan of new Corvettes at all, in my opinion besides 6.2L engine & 436HP (455-650HP new models) there is nothing else about this car, interior/exterior/electronics are low quality & look old technology but it's a matter of taste in the end. He likes it, this is what matters the most. My advice to GM: If you guys are building super muscle sport cars with huge engines, why don't you invest extra $ into the interior/exterior etc. & bring this car closer to Mercedes, Porsche, BMW...maybe even Ferrari, Maserati, Bugatti why not, your engines are really cool if not superb, besides your loyal customers deserve much more & will be ready to pay much more if you invest in quality, so simple. The aerodynamics are very sporty & it's scary on the highway, at 60,000$ it's so-so car but if you build it expensive inside/out people will pay even 100,000$ for an upgraded base model & one day you can easily beat above mentioned competitors.
Who reads this & got connections at GM or is a Detroit insider, please forward it to Ms. Marry Barra :laughing:
It's a same Sebring Silver Metallic Acrylic Lacquer paint like in 1963 (" The new 'Collector Edition' model celebrates the final year of production for the fourth-generation Corvette. This eminently collectible Corvette model is distinguished by its exclusive Sebring Silver paint...") that today would cost more than a metallic paint on new Rolls Royce Phantom.
This Collector Edition Corvette Targa didn't had any clear coat peeling not for a centimeter which is uncommon in Israel (car was brought here new in 1996) as sun simply bakes the clear coat even on newer cars, paint looked like new as in 1963 formulations aluminium flakes didn't got anodized like in cheap new metallic paints.
Maybe you also once worked on 1963 or 1996 Sebring Silver Corvette & your car was repainted, ###### up or something (today you can too buy so called Sebring Silver formula but it's fake).
All observations are my own but I admit some people have different opinions & I welcome it. Nothing else I can add or remove, divide or multiply this is...
final.
Clear coat
Usually sprayed on top of a colored base coat, clear coat is a glossy and transparent coating that forms the final interface with the environment. For this reason, clear coat must be durable enough to resist abrasion and chemically stable enough to withstand UV light. Clear coat can be either solvent or water-borne. One part and two part formulations are often referred to as 1k and 2k respectively.
In that year 1996 it was 60 percent solvent based paint system.I owned a 1996 same color it's not single stage paint,your talking more in the lines of metallic flakes which are to completely different subjects.single stage paint that bakes in the sun has a chalk board faded appearance .And when polishing you will wear the color of paint on your apron and buffing pads.I highly doubt gm would put a expensive paint job on a 40 thousand dollar car.
Hello my dear friend (you post so much comments in my threads that soon I will start to suspect you pursue me for some yet unknown to me reason :bat.
If you like short reply about how it looked, then such (same as all new) Corvettes are #### cars, interior is so cheap that it looks almost like some kid took some plastic pieces & just installed it Lego style. I would just take out all interior, go back 200 years & present it to some cowboy's stagecoach.
Wheels look like a cheap copy of AMG you can see that metal is very light & cheap, I wouldn't be surprised if it got micro cracks, exhausts sound & look like from fast food delivery motorbike, everything in Corvettes is #### if you ask me, besides the engine which is very simple btw.
This cars need a complete re-engineering, starting from better quality metals for the engine & then going piece by piece every material used must be replaced.
Very ugly car in my opinion, I can't imagine who buys such new 4 wheels supermarket baskets with 450-650HP, the only reason somebody still buy it is that they get a lot of HP for cheap price.
It got the looks, it got the power but if you look part by part you'll see it's a garbage.
Also car is very unstable if you press the gas from starting, you can start fast & then it's all luck, if you are lucky you'll accelerate, if you are not car will simply fall into some hole to the left or right.
Stay away from it.
Again, I loved 1996 Corvette but I am not following this GM brand & never will, I think after 1996 something went wrong at GM & they screwed it up completely at some point.
:updated:
After reading this post :laughing: he just bought used but original GM Corvette wheels, I said you can't make something out of nothing, even if you'll invest 1 million $ this car always will look like a replica, it will never look or become Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, Nissan GT-R, Lexus, Ferrari...
He is very motivated about selling it (price for this 2008-2009 model he says 55,000$) so I wish him good luck.
P.S. I have nothing against Corvette but not this, sorry.
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