2003 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Convertible - 50th Anniversary

• Superb, 5th-generation, special edition Corvette with only 5,914 miles from new
• Powered by the 350bhp 5.7-litre LS7 V8 with a six-speed manual gearbox
• Finished in 'Anniversary Red', a lustrous burgundy with Xirallic aluminium-oxide flakes floating under a special tinted clear-coat
• Classic Corvette interior with Shale trim, 'Anniversary' badges and cockpit embroidery
• F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension, heads-up display, electric steering column adjust and a memory package
• Full dealer pack with an unopened video introduction and a pristine handbook wallet

A discernible improvement on its predecessor, the fifth generation or C5 Corvette was introduced in 1996. Commendably light and stiff, its hydroformed box frame chassis played host to composite transverse-leaf independent suspension, rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes. Powered by a new alloy 5.7-litre LS1 V8 engine, initially rated at 345hp/350lbft, the powerplant was increased to 350hp/365lbft for the 2001 model year. The C5 Corvette Convertible was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds and 164mph.

With 2003 just around the corner, the Corvette's 50th Anniversary was looming and the people in charge of planning the 50th-Anniversary Special Edition were spending some time discussing the new model's colour. Initially, it was going to be Polo White with a red interior, just like those first 300 in 1953 but it appears that that was too obvious, too plain. Then it was going to be Aztec Gold, like the 12 prototypes that were built in 1998, but that was seen as a bit flash, too disco. Red seemed to win the most votes, but not just any bright Porsche Guards Red shade and not the purple-red that proved unexpectedly popular on the 40th-anniversary model. No, this new, one-year-only colour is a lustrous burgundy with Xirallic aluminium-oxide flakes floating under a special tinted clear-coat and complemented by special Shale interior trim with anniversary badges and cockpit embroidery. A distinctive name for this distinctive anniversary hue was required and, after much consideration, they chose 'Anniversary Red'. Well done chaps, let's all go to lunch.

The superb left-hand drive 2003 C5 Convertible on offer here is indeed one of those 50th Anniversary cars and naturally is finished and trimmed in that style. Fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox and having covered a mere 5,914 miles from new, it remains in showroom condition. In addition to the legendary LS 5.7-litre engine and the standard Corvette specification the 50^th package included manual transmission, F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension, heads-up display, electric steering column adjust and a memory package. It's supplied with a second set of unused mats, full dealer pack with an unopened video introduction and a pristine handbook wallet.

The C5 offers thumping performance combined with the more flowing looks of the earlier cars, compared to the angular, razor-edge styling of the C7 and C8, whilst the high spec, unique paintwork and Anniversary-branded extras make this special edition highly sought after. This lovely example appears, to all intents and purposes, to be like new and with summer approaching, is ready to be enjoyed.