Guide for the 1996 Corvette
The 1996 Corvette is an affordable classic sports car.
Written by Sarah Williams
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
1996 marked the final year of C4 Corvettes. Corvette released two special models to mark the occasion: A Collector’s Edition and a Grand Sport. The 1996 Grand Sport was one of Corvette's only three Grand Sport editions ever made.
Originally prices ranged from $37k-$45k, but the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette can now be purchased used for around $7k-$9k.
With a classic car like the 1996 Corvette, you’ll want to protect your investment with the right
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Ownership costs for a 1996 Corvette
Initially, the 1996 Corvette cost $37,225 for the coupe and $45,060 for the convertible.
The 1996 Corvette Grand Sport package was priced at an additional $3,250 for the coupe or $2,280 for the convertible. The package includes the exclusive Admiral Blue paint with a single white stripe running the length of the body and two red accent stripes on the front fender of the driver’s side.
These days, the used prices depend on the condition of the vehicle, the trim, and any additional packages added. CarGurus estimates an average cost of $7,721-$9,345 for a 1996 Corvette.
Where to buy a 1996 Corvette
If you’re looking to buy a 1996 Corvette, check out Classic Cars, Kelly Blue Book, or Craigslist.
Corvette forums
are another great place to find listings, tips, and more if you'd like to buy from a fellow enthusiast. 
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What does the 1996 Corvette bring to the table?
Before welcoming their fifth generation, Corvette wanted to honor a great era of cars with something special—the 1996 Corvette Grand Sport. Due to its limited production of only 1000 cars, it is a highly desirable collectible.
The Collector’s Edition features an LT-1 engine, Sebring Silver paint, and Collector’s Edition Emblems. The Grand Sport, on the other hand, features an LT-4 engine, blue paint with a white stripe, and red “hash marks” on the left-front fender.
Only 1000 of the Grand Sports were made. For those seeking a little extra horsepower, it provided an alternative to the C4 ZR-1, which was no longer in production.
Beyond that, the base convertible and coupe also saw valuable upgrades both mechanically and cosmetically.
Strengths and weaknesses of the 1996 Corvette
Before purchasing a 1996 Corvette, let’s look at how the car performs - the good and the bad.
The good: speed
The LT4 engine available for special edition Corvettes in 1996 came with an impressive boost in horsepower. Corvette went from 30 horsepower in the LT1 to 330 horsepower in the LT4, and the increased capacity for speed is impressive.
A few changes that enabled this increase in horsepower were improvements to the water pump, drive gear, camshaft, crankshaft, and main bearing gaskets.
The good: style
Corvette wanted to wrap up their fourth generation of Corvettes in style. They went all out when it came to the Grand Sport, giving the nod to the classic Corvette Grand Sport Racer from the 1960s.
The interior boasted either all black or a sporty red/black combo, each complete with a specialized embroidered headrest. They also came with a special “dress” kit for the engine that included bright red paint and red ignition wires.
The exterior featured an exclusive Admiral Blue paint with a white stripe running the length of the body and two red accent stripes on the front fender.
From the inside out, the 1996 Corvette Grand Sport was one stylish ride.
The bad: overheating
The 1996 Corvettes “upgraded” from the LT1 engine to the LT4. Many automotive reviewers, however, were not impressed.
While the LT4 increased by 30 horsepower over the LT1, it didn’t see any improvements in acceleration. Another complaint agains the LT4 engine was that it tended to overheat at sustained speeds of around 186 miles an hour due to the lack of engine oil cooler.
The bad: tires
The Grand Sport was fitted with larger tires, which inhibited it from launching quickly from a standing start. While the tires may have improved corning abilities, they also cause excessive over-steer at high speeds.
MORE: What is the fastest Corvette?
The bottom line—which 1996 Corvette to buy
When it comes to deciding which trim level to buy for your 1996 Corvette, it all depends on what you are looking for.
Each of the three trim levels—coupe, convertible, or Grand Sport—offers advantages. If you’re looking for something more practical and affordable, the coupe comes at the lowest price with the most storage capacity.
If you're looking for something a little more flashy—or maybe you have a love for collectibles—you can’t go wrong with the Grand Sport. It’s stylish, fast, and one of only 1000 others in existence. This classic car will certainly give you something to tell your friends about.
How to save money on car insurance for the 1996 Corvette
Whether you choose the coupe, the convertible, or the Grand Sport, the best way to save money on car insurance is with
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