If you’ve been paying attention recently, you already know that the C5 Z06 is one of the hottest Corvettes on the market. Maybe it’s the combination of the C5’s user-friendly nature, the high-revving LS6 V8, and C5-only fixed-roof coupe styling. Or maybe it’s just because these cars are a blast to drive. Whatever the reason, we were very excited to have this beautiful 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 land in our showroom. It’s not for the purist, but those custom-made stripes designed to emulate the C6 CSR models look quite right on the sliver Z06 bodywork. It even features Corvette Racing’s “Jake” skull logo on the sail panels and tail, just to add a little intimidation. And it’s all vinyl, so if you don’t like it, it’s easy enough to remove and take this one back to 100% stock appearance. The factory paint is in excellent condition and like most of its siblings, it has never seen harsh weather. Details like the soft rubber parts are still pliable even after 22 years (has it been that long already?) and the headlight doors flip up and down properly. Owned and maintained by a Corvette enthusiast, this awesome Z06 has led an easy life.
The two-tone black and red interior was optional and really dresses up the plain-Jane Z06. This one features a few extra bits of red leather on the steering wheel, passenger grab handle, and door panels, but it all works rather well to give it a performance look. The rest is stock C5, which means big, legible gauges, all the comfort and convenience options like dual-zone climate control, heads-up display, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and a great-sounding Bose AM/FM/CD stereo system. Aluminum pedals remind everyone that this isn’t a garden-variety Corvette and the 6-speed shifter feels as good as ever. Everything remains in excellent condition with no signs of damage or excessive wear, and with so few miles everything is holding up quite well. Monogrammed floor mats keep things looking clean and the surprisingly spacious trunk has been outfitted with black carpets trimmed in red to continue the interior theme. It’s nicely finished with an OEM-plus look.
The Z06 received a warmed-over version of the C5’s LS1, called the LS6. With a legendary name like that, it had to live up to the billing, and in 2002 it made a stout 405 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque. In the lightweight coupe bodywork, it was easily the fastest of the C5s and was designed to be a track-day weapon. This one remains mechanically stock, although it has been outfitted with a set of Corsa stainless headers, intermediate pipe with high-flow cats, and exhaust system, so the soundtrack is pretty spectacular. Thanks to a custom tune, it is reported to belt out about 420 horsepower at the wheels, which is a pretty sizeable improvement over the factory spec. The LS6 has also been dressed in carbon fiber under the hood, which looks awesome and deserves to be shown off every chance you get. The rest remains stock, including the sweet-shifting 6-speed, surprisingly compliant suspension, and powerful brakes. And it’s a C5, so that means great reliability and the potential for 30 MPG cruising—not too shabby from a car that goes this fast! Original Z06 wheels with a titanium finish look awesome against the silver paint and carry correct 265/40/17 front and 295/35/18 Goodyear Eagle F1 radials.
Documentation includes the original owner’s binder with manuals, note pad, pen, and more. This car also comes with a car cover and an inflatable “bubble” storage system.
Fast, comfortable, reliable, and surprisingly affordable, the C5 Z06 is one of the best all-around performance bargains anywhere. This one has been tastefully modified to enhance its already awesome specs, but doesn’t change the basic goodness of the design. With a fantastic race-bred look and a spectacular soundtrack, this Z06 definitely stands out. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.