Registration - X362 DDA

Chassis No. - 1G1YY22G9X5105046

M.O.T. - June 2024

Odometer - 109,000

With a huge amount of presence on the road, this Chevrolet C5 Corvette is presented in subtle black, sitting on black alloys, and with a black interior – it’s a brilliant blend of subtlety and menace. ‘X362 DDA’ is a left-hand drive imported example of the Corvette C5, and started life with a 5.7-litre Chevrolet Small Block 350 V8. It has been rebuilt and seen a 383 Stroker kit incorporated, which gives a greater stroke, effectively expanding the capacity to 6.3-litres. The rebuild – carried out around 103,000 miles – included an Eagle forged crankshaft, Maul racing pistons, larger camshafts, LS2 ported heads, and Holley Sniper induction kit. Once rebuilt, it was taken to John Sleath Racing in Conisbrough, setting the engine up and putting it on the dyno. The unit has been set up to around 500hp, but is reckoned to be capable of producing up to around 840hp if someone wanted to race it. Because of the work carried out to the engine, a new bonnet has been fitted to accommodate the induction kit and manifold. That engine is connected to Chevrolet’s four-speed automatic transmission, driving the rear wheels.

Factory fitted equipment includes leather bucket seats, sunroof, and Chevrolet’s Active Handling, as well as air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, and Bose stereo. ‘X362 DDA’ is showing an indicted 109,000 miles on the odometer, and the vendor rates the transmission as ‘excellent’. The engine, bodywork, and interior are considered ‘good’, and the electrics and paintwork are thought of as ‘average’.

Chevrolet’s Corvette first arrived in 1953, leading the way for a generation of American models that would go on to gain legendary status, including the Ford Thunderbird. It ran a 3.9-litre straight-six petrol engine for the first three model years, before Chevrolet fitted the V8 that is now synonymous with the Corvette name from 1955, with a revised design in 1956, tweaked again in 1958, and then 1961. The second-generation Corvette C2 appeared in 1963, until 1967, introducing the Stingray name to the model. Production lasted until 1967, with improvements such as all-round disc brakes, and a big-block V8 added during that time. The third-generation arrived in 1968, lasting until 1982, featuring T-Top removable roof panels, and marking the 25th anniversary in 1978. The C4 Corvette was the first model to feature a complete redesign, arriving in 1984, and using a 205hp 5.7-litre V8 with four-speed automatic transmission initially. It came as a one-piece Targa, and power outputs from increased up to 403hp over various specifications, until production ceased in 1996, when the fifth of the Corvette’s eight generations arrived. The Corvette C5 was launched in 1997, fitted with the same 5.7-litre V8, initially producing more than 340hp, and later upgraded to 350hp. Offered in coupe or convertible models during its production run, the six-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions were available for buyers. In 2005, it was replaced by the Corvette C6 which featured revised bodywork, improved suspension, and a larger cabin.

· Featuring a rebuilt and expanded Chevrolet V8 engine.

· Power upped to around 500hp, but capable of further tuning.

· A rare chance to buy an increasingly desirable American sportscar.