Originally Posted by danny99

Dear all,

I had always assumed 03 50th anniversary corvettes came in the red metallic paint color. But I'm looking at a yellow one for sale and it has 50th anniversary emblems all over and chrome parts in the engine bay. Is this normal? Or did the previous owner add this stuff on it? Also the manual says 50th anniversary in gold lettering to match the yellow paint. I've also seen silver cars with this as well.

Is there a special RPO code that indicates it's a 50th anniversary? Besides code 1SC. which is the red metallic paint, shale interior, paint and trim package, 50th wheels, and magnetic ride control

Basically can a non red metallic Corvette be a 50th edition?

Originally Posted by 03 A/E Coupe

Without being long-winded and repeating what has already been stated in this thread: the opening question asked for true facts on the A/E, here is expanded information on three key elements; color, 1SC option package, and production numbers.

First on the color, the paint chosen to celebrate the 50th anniversary used Xirallic flake pigments, a trade name for aluminum oxide. These synthetic crystals have several desirable characteristics. They are flatter, smoother and more uniform than mica or aluminum. The crystals lie uniformly flat and reflect light where it glows. In fact, when this color debuted, many true enthusiasts were disappointed that a white with red interior themed 50th wasn't produced to celebrate the milestone like the first '53's. The color was viewed as a rehash of the 40th Ruby Red. Also to the dismay of many, was no Z06 special edition produced.

Two key components of the $5,000 1SC package besides the exterior color are the Shale interior and Suspension. Only the 11,632 A/E's and the 2,000 or so '04 C/E's have the shale (tan) dashboard and interior door tops of all the C5 produced. The F55 suspension was a new Delphi shock absorber in '03 that uses a magneto-rheological fluid to vary shock response according to magnetic input. In essence changing the viscosity of the shock fluid to match road conditions. This was standard on the 1SC, and a stand alone option on all other non Z06 units. only 3,000 non A/E's had this option in '03. Added appearance items on the 1SC include: Champagne colored painted wheels with specific center cap, 50th logo embroidery on the headrests, and of course, as we all know, the 50th logo fender badging. The pkg also had these options included in it: Elctrochromatic Mirrors, Twilight Sentinel, Memory Seats, and Head up Display.

Lastly, on production numbers, as stated earlier in this thread of the 35,000 or so '03s built, 11,632 were A/Es with the 1SC: 7,547 Verts, and 4,083 Coupes, so yes, 1/3 of all '03s are the A/E.

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

NO. The 50th Anniversary Edition was metallic red ONLY. All 2003 cars have the 50thAnniversry but ONLY the cars with the special package and red paint are the 50th Anniversary Edition car as pointed out by the previous poster.

If the car is what you want buy it and don't worry about the diffference.




Chrome under the hood is add on by a previous owner. Never came from the factory that way.

Originally Posted by Cliff8928

1SC is a generic "option package" code. Essentially means option package 3.

Originally Posted by Cliff8928

Exactly, Option Package 3 for a 2003 Corvette happened to be the 50th anniversary package.