1-of-625 1996 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Collector Edition LT4 6-Speed

Description

The 1996 Corvette Collector Edition — and its Grand Sport stablemate — marked the final year of the C4 generation with unique, powerful, and rare versions of the beloved Corvette.

The Collector Edition, available as a coupe or convertible, was distinguished by striking Sebring Silver paint. Combined with special badging, five-spoke ZR-1-style wheels, and unique sport seats with embroidered headrests, the Collector Edition stood out in a classy, understated way.

But there was nothing understated about the LT4 V8: this optional engine for the Collector Edition was a strengthened, hot rodded version of the LT1. It used high-flow heads and more cam lift to put out 330 horses and rev to 6,300 rpm. Motor Trend was shocked with its LT4-powered, manual-gearbox Collector Edition: “We arrived at 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, and stomped down the quarter mile in 13.3 seconds at 107.6 mph; that's ZR1 territory.”

And while 5,412 Collector Editions were produced, this LT4-powered six-speed coupe is one of only 625 built with the Light Gray interior — making it a sought-after model among enthusiasts.

Highlights 

• 1996-only, LT4-powered Collector Edition Corvette coupe stated to be single owner

• 5.7-liter LT4 V8 rated at 330 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque 

• Six-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in (13) Sebring Silver with (143) Light Gray leather interior 

• 255/45ZR17 front, 285/40ZR17 rear Continental tires 

• Digital speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, oil pressure, oil temp, coolant temp, voltage, and fuel level gauges 

Features 

• Z15 Corvette Collector Edition includes: 

  • LT4 V8 featuring a stronger crank, high-flow/high-compression heads, high-lift cam with 1.6 roller rocker arms, and bigger injectors  

  • Six-speed manual transmission (mandatory with LT4)

  • Sebring Silver paint 

  • Chrome Collector Edition emblems 

  • 17x8.5-inch front, 17x9.5-inch rear aluminum ZR-1 style wheels 

  •  Sport seats with “Collector Edition” embroidery   

• History of major maintenance includes: 

  • Clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing 

  • Transmission front bearing and seal 

  • Brake pads 

  • Tires 

  • Battery 

  • Spark plugs 

  • Radiator upgraded to new aluminum version 

  • Water pump 

  • Driver side window motor 

  • Antenna motor 

Known Imperfections 

• Carfax reports on 22 January 2015, “Not actual mileage title issued.” (see owner explanation below) 

• Key fobs failed and not replaced 

• Some wear on seats 

• Instrument panel display is a little dim  

• Minor rock chips on nose 

Included 

• Keys 

• Key duplication masters and courtesy key 

• Original purchase paperwork and replacement title paperwork 

Ownership History 

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this 1996 Chevrolet Corvette in California, Texas, and New Mexico.  According to the consignor, "My wife gifted me this Corvette for my 45th birthday in August 1995, ordered from Champion Chevrolet in Manhattan Beach, California. After moving across several states and retiring in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2014, I discovered the car’s title had been lost." "It turned out Hughes Credit Union had never sent the title after the loan was paid off, and it was accidentally destroyed during a transition. I chose to get a replacement title in New Mexico, which required proving original ownership and paying state taxes — resulting in the Carfax showing two owners. Despite this, the car has only had one true owner, and the mileage is accurate and verified by service records."