1999 | Chevrolet Corvette

Chevrolet Corvette C5 Targa – The American Muscle Therapy

There are cars that put a smile on your face. Then there are cars that get you talking to strangers at every fuel stop. And finally, there’s the Corvette C5 – a rolling statement in fiberglass and V8 that makes every European diesel wagon hide in shame.

This one? A US-spec Corvette C5 Targa from the final production year of the 1999 model – still without the temperamental Bosch ABS – and in a condition that makes its 25 years look more like 10.

History – From overseas to France Four registered owners have driven, maintained, and documented it like a NASA space program. Carfax reports from the USA and UK? Check. Complete service and parts log with dates and mileage? Check. Imported into the EU with 846A customs documents? Check. Even an EU VDOCS certificate of non-conformity – sounds bureaucratic, but means it’s fully legal here.

Design – Targa style meets muscle car proportions The C5 was the face of a new Corvette era in the late 90s: long nose, short tail, pop-up headlights straight out of a Bond movie, and a roof solution that gave you either convertible feeling or coupe silhouette. The paint? Shiny – apart from small chips at the rear and a tiny flaw on the front bumper. The rest? Clean, dry, rust-free.

Interior – American GT Inside, everything is just as you’d expect from a well-kept US grand tourer: seats without cracks, all instruments working, climate control and comfort features ready for long hauls. No over-the-top luxury, but all about driving pleasure.

Engineering – The full LS1 orchestra Under the hood is the legendary 5.7-liter LS1 V8, paired with a Tremec T56 6-speed manual gearbox and a factory limited-slip differential. Plus: Active Handling with three-stage traction control, cruise control, and enough torque to roll through half a town in fourth gear.

Upgrades – Sensible power and handling improvements This isn’t a tuner build – it’s a refinement: • Corsa Sport exhaust with X-pipe for the proper V8 soundtrack • Bilstein B12 suspension kit • Goodrich braided brake lines & all-new rear brake lines • Turn One HP1 power steering pump with reinforced C6 pulley • Pro Flow cold air intake with K&N filter • New GM Performance ignition wires, fresh aluminum sway bar links, Night Breaker bulbs • Skip-shift eliminator & column lock delete – no annoying transmission locks

Freshly serviced – Ready until 2026 All fluids recently changed: engine oil, gearbox, differential with additive, coolant – all fresh. New spark plugs, wipers, hazard switch, tire pressure sensors, and fresh Hankook tires. Technical inspection (French CT) valid until January 2026.

Conclusion – More than just a car This C5 isn’t a garage queen or a project car. It’s an honest, well-maintained US GT with sensible upgrades, full history, and enough character to make every Sunday drive special – whether it’s to the mountains, the coast, or just the bakery. Whoever buys it will get not just 345 hp, but a full dose of American car culture – rust-free and ready for years to come.