When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I also prefer the hatch shape to the FRC - and I've used the big hatch to carry large items before (fun fact - if you push the passenger seat forward a bit, a 43" TV fits just fine) with room to spare). That and the targa top is great:
This is just my own personal opinion but I see the term base thrown around a lot on the C5 board. I see some use it as almost a derogatory term and I see others use it to diminish what they have lol. The reality of it is, in 1997 you got your self a C5 Corvette. How can it be a Base if it's the only thing available? It was considered a Coupe. Then came the Convertible? Is a convertible better than or worse than a Coupe? I don't know. Then the FRC came out and was supposed to be a dumbed down Corvette but in a good way. Then the Z came out and everything else became substandard and coupes = Base.
Just a topic of thought that doesn't mean anything, and I'm far from a diehard corvette guy or purist.
P.S. I also happen to have a "base" 1997 coupe with almost zero options and I love it that way. I like my cars to be simple and less **** to break. I don't need hud or memory anything. I sure as hell don't need active handling or digital Hvac controls. Everything on my car works to include the EBCM. All in good fun having an adult beverage after a stupid long day at work.
From: Ideals are peaceful...History is violent...St.Charles, MO.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'12 thru'22
Base C5 captured the world attention's as a true champion...Does there need to be a sticky? Maybe but, I don't think it's necessary... The other C5 models are all lovely in my opinion, however I'm glad I stuck with the coupe.
I also prefer the hatch shape to the FRC - and I've used the big hatch to carry large items before (fun fact - if you push the passenger seat forward a bit, a 43" TV fits just fine) with room to spare). That and the targa top is great:
P.S. I also happen to have a "base" 1997 coupe with almost zero options and I love it that way. I like my cars to be simple and less **** to break. I don't need hud or memory anything. I sure as hell don't need active handling or digital Hvac controls. Everything on my car works to include the EBCM. All in good fun having an adult beverage after a stupid long day at work.
I used the term base because that’s typically what I see used. I certainly don’t consider it a knock. Not sure how anyone could look at that car and have anything negative to say.
I sold my 99 “base” a couple weeks ago to make room for another car. I have a Z06 and like everything about it.. but looks wise I’ve always preferred the coupes. Being more practical is also a plus.
This is just my own personal opinion but I see the term base thrown around a lot on the C5 board. I see some use it as almost a derogatory term and I see others use it to diminish what they have lol. The reality of it is, in 1997 you got your self a C5 Corvette. How can it be a Base if it's the only thing available? It was considered a Coupe. Then came the Convertible? Is a convertible better than or worse than a Coupe? I don't know. Then the FRC came out and was supposed to be a dumbed down Corvette but in a good way. Then the Z came out and everything else became substandard and coupes = Base.
Just a topic of thought that doesn't mean anything, and I'm far from a diehard corvette guy or purist.
I have noticed the same thing regarding the term "base." It seems to be used in a similar way on the C6 and C7 gens as well.
The correct terminology is "coupe" as you noted. Also, I don't think Chevy ever referred to the coupe as a "hatchback."
Post your C5 coupe pictures!!!
Honest 
