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After a long year of work, illness, and countless personal responsibilities, I finally got the C5 cleaned up and out for a ride last night. I absolutely could not believe the amount of attention the car receives. Althought this was a brief ride, maybe 10 miles, people were pulling up at lights staring and smiling, kindly letting me pull out in front of them, following close behind me, pacing me, etc.
Judging from last night, I'd say I definately get more attention with the C5 than with my C8. It's like being "on-stage" with this car. The car is modified and I have pretty loud exhaust (B&B Bullets) and other mods, so it's not stock but otherwise looks like a Commemorative with stripes on the outside. I"m so glad I didn't trade this car years ago for a 19 Stingray. I actually went back and got it! Those of you thinking of doing so, think twice about keeping the C5 if you can. It is an amazing and gorgeious car that garners a lot of attention.
Used to happen to me too until I started driving with my pants ON. When the general public see a C8 they think "ferrari", Lamborghini? Maserati? But when they see a C5 it's "look at that Corvette........
After a year of ownership I noted some things. If I go to a Cruise in or Car Show I am just another Corvette. But driving around I get a lot of stares, Horns blowing and waives from non Corvette people and even at lights I get the hey nice car.
Now my Fiero is modified and I take it to the car shows as It really draws a crowd. I use the Vette more for driving and just enjoying the ride.
One day I was at a light and had the bluetooth on my phone. A man and woman in a truck pulled up and said nice car. Then my phone played part of the Dukes of Hazzard sound track. It was Willie Nelson asking "what do you call a farmer with a goat under each arm. .... A play boy!'" They had to laugh as cringed.
On my way back from a trip this spring I went through a small town with really awful road conditions. A young lady and her son stopped in front of me at a gas station because the young fella had never seen a car like that...thought it was a Batmobile. The little guy was SUPER excited. The mother later said, "We never see cars like that here".
On a daily basis I get lots of compliments. It's a black Corvette convertible....who wouldn't love that? Most are surprised that it's a 21 year old car since it looks, drives and feels like it's new. C8 are getting pretty common in our city and I can't help think that it being a C5, with classic yet timeless look has a lot to do with it.
There's also some funny behaviors from others. More space left on the roads as others recognize the value and tend to stay away, many extra courtesies that are never given to normal cars. My one pet peeve is parking. I usually pick a clear spot well away from everyone....and yet someone ALWAYS comes up to park right beside me while I'm in the store. I guess it's a compliment but......
Last edited by 03tripleblack; Jul 12, 2024 at 11:38 AM.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Wait until it's 48 years old like mine...
The last two times I went to pick up steaks at my favorite meat market there was someone waiting for me to come out.
One guy wanted to tell me he wished Corvettes still looked like mine and not like the new one...
Corvettes have been attention getters since 1953.,...part of the reason we all have one, right?....
Used to happen to me too until I started driving with my pants ON. When the general public see a C8 they think "ferrari", Lamborghini? Maserati? But when they see a C5 it's "look at that Corvette........
The C8 retains a strong resemblance to the C7 so it is not that easy to mistake for the others. You may not like it but at least be honest.
My one pet peeve is parking. I usually pick a clear spot well away from everyone....and yet someone ALWAYS comes up to park right beside me while I'm in the store. I guess it's a compliment but......
been there done that. I was all alone until........
been there done that. I was all alone until........
This pic is enough to **** me off all over again. About 17-18 years ago, wife and I parked at a county park right on the Gulf, off US 19 in New Port Richey, Florida. Parked far from any other cars, like 200ft. minimum. When we got back to the car, some rectal orifice had parked no more than 6 inches from my drivers side door. Didn't hurt our car, but I had to get in on the passengers side, then climb over the console to get to the drivers side!! Shirl has an absolutely beautiful C5, no doubt. Not trying to sound sexist, but a lady in a C5 will get a LOT more attention than a guy in one will. At least that has been what I've seen. Hyper said it all when he stated that " as long as it's for the right reasons."......
Shirl has an absolutely beautiful C5, no doubt. Not trying to sound sexist, but a lady in a C5 will get a LOT more attention than a guy in one will. At least that has been what I've seen. Hyper said it all when he stated that " as long as it's for the right reasons."......
When my wife has driven my cars she gets a LOT of attention. The cars get enough attention on their own, but when a dudebro looks over and a chick is driving.... attention seeking goes to 11.
My one pet peeve is parking. I usually pick a clear spot well away from everyone....and yet someone ALWAYS comes up to park right beside me while I'm in the store. I guess it's a compliment but......
I got a handicap placard for my car. the parking spots are much wider and I have a tough time getting out of the car in tight parking spots
I’d have to say I still get as much attention/interest in the C5Z as I do in the C8Z in my neck of the woods.
I believe the C5 is a timeless design that will continue to remain relevant in appearance for some time to come. Hard to believe mine is now 21 years old.
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.
Everyone STARES
When the general public see a C8 they think "ferrari", Lamborghini? Maserati? But when they see a C5 it's "look at that Corvette........
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