Chevrolet Corvette 50th Anniversary Convertible--D&M Motorsports Walk Around 2012

Chevrolet Corvette 50th Anniversary Convertible walk around with Chris Moran. Presented by D&M Motorsports.
The Corvette marks its 50th year in 2003, and Chevrolet's rather
subdued response is somehow appropriate. Sure, Chevy could have
come up with an ultra-expensive and limited-production special
edition, perhaps something along the lines of a street-legal version
of the C5R endurance racers. But Chevy didn't. Instead, the 50th
Anniversary Edition is a trim package available on coupes and
convertibles. If this seems less than special, considering the
occasion, you're missing the point.
A Corvette is not, and never has been, an exclusive vehicle for
the extremely wealthy. While Corvettes have never exactly been
inexpensive, they have never been as expensive and exclusive as
imports with similar performance. With its large V8 engine and
stylish fiberglass bodywork a Corvette is a uniquely American
vehicle, much like a certain variety of V-Twin cruiser motorcycle.
And like the bike owners, Corvette owners tend toward extreme
enthusiasm. Just for them, Chevrolet is planning a gathering of the
faithful for a serious anniversary celebration in Nashville, TN - the
nearest big city to the Bowling Green, KY factory - this June. It
should be a good party, for a very good reason.
I've just finished a week with a new Corvette coupe decked out
in 50th Anniversary trim. Fans can endlessly argue about which
Corvette is the best-looking (I'll take the original 1953 model and
the 1963 Sting Ray split-window coupe, thank you) but the current
one is by far the best for comfort, handling, and power. In the form
of my test car, with the standard four-speed automatic transmission,
it's not as hard-edged as a manual car or the Z06, but it's hardly a
soft luxury impostor. Consider it a four-wheeled version of the
classic American cruiser motorcycle.
Late-breaking news: A special edition 2004 Z06 Corvette has
just been announced, commemorating the car's success in
endurance racing at Le Mans. Continuing Corvette's place as
Chevy's technology leader, look for carbon fiber front bodywork,
special suspension tuning, and a color scheme like that of this year's
Le Mans cars.
APPEARANCE: A Corvette looks only like a Corvette, and the
current version is a low, rounded wedge in convertible, fastback
coupe, or notchback Z06 body style. It fittingly incorporates many
different historical Corvette styling features. Its shape is an
evolutionary development of its immediate predecessor, the `84 to
`96 `Vette, which itself evolved from the `68 to `83 models. Check
the fender lines. The scooped-out ``coves'' on the side go back to
the 1956-62 body style. The rear of the coupe's greenhouse echoes
the shape of the `63 to `67 coupes (with better visibility and minus
the `63's split window). The 50th Anniversary Edition Corvette is
distinguished by unique metallic maroon ``50th Anniversary Red''
exterior paint color, ``champagne'' colored wheels, and
commemorative badging on the front fenders and trunk lid.
COMFORT: A Corvette is a Corvette, meaning that it's a low-slung
sports car designed for serious driving. In some older models,
accessibility was, if not quite down to Italian exotic levels of
contortion, still somewhat gymnastic. It's much better in the current
version, as the old high door sills are gone. The 50th Anniversary
package builds on the standard Corvette interior, with the
commemorative logo embroidered into the headrests and floor mats
and a unique ``shale'' gray color scheme. The instrument panel is the
latest interpretation of the classic Corvette ``twin cowl'' design
pioneered back in 1953. There is room for two, with an emphasis
on driving. Luggage space is adequate for traveling light, and a new
cargo cover in the coupe adds some luggage security.
SAFETY: Corvette crash avoidance features include quick
acceleration, top-notch handling and maneuverability, and 4-wheel
antilock vented disc brakes. A safety cage around the passenger
compartment, front and rear crush zones, three-point safety belts,
and next-generation airbags protect occupants in case the crash is
not avoided.

[@grgmck77]

What is this "VHS" technology you speak of?

[@CharmanderFanCharFan]

my dad has the same corvette but i an automatic transmission and its a coup and it doesnt have that much gold

[@monbond1]

Oh yeah, exactly like my BABY!

[@Moondogie74]

Shes so pretty!

[@KA-te7xk]

I actually own a C5 2003 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Corvette Special Red and only 1,806 original miles SHOWROOM CONDITION Z06 6SPD

[@ivinboren284]

You did a fine job mentioning the features of this comenatorive Corvette and with more time I know you could have added more of what it is !!!