Production for the ‘97 Corvette was low, mainly due to a shorter production run, but in 1998, GM tripled production from the previous model year, and introduced the C5 Convertible. Chevy sold a total of 31,084 cars in ‘98, and 11,849 of these were the new convertible.
The convertible marked the first time since 1962 that the Corvette was equipped with a traditional trunk. Its 13.9 cubic feet of storage space are easily accessible through the lid at the rear deck, and since the convertible top is not powered, plenty of trunk room remains even with the top down.
The 1998 Indianapolis 500 was paced by Corvette, and in celebration, GM continued its tradition of releasing pace car commemorative editions. The ‘98 pace car was a convertible painted purple. Its interior was black and yellow, and its wheels were painted yellow. RPO Z4Z was available with the manual transmission for $5,039, and 1,163 cars were sold.
The Active Handling System (RPO JL4) helped manage handling and traction during slippery road conditions, and through a computer system, applied specific amounts of brake force to individual wheels to eliminate wheel slippage, oversteer, and understeer, regardless of how much throttle was applied.
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97-04 Polished Stainless Battery/Fuse Box Cover Price:Special Price $161.99 Regular Price $179.99SKU: X-2078
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97-04 Polished Stainless Radiator Cover Price:Special Price $202.49 Regular Price $224.99SKU: X-2090
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97-04 Polished Stainless Power Steering Throttle Body Cover Price:Special Price $161.99 Regular Price $179.99SKU: X-2093
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97-04 Exhaust Port Filler Panel w/C5 Emblem - Stock Exhaust Price:Special Price $211.49 Regular Price $234.99SKU: X-2100
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97-04 Perforated Exhaust Port Filler Panel - Stock Exhaust Price:Special Price $211.49 Regular Price $234.99SKU: X-2102
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97-04 Diamond Plate Aluminum Floor Mats Price:Special Price $159.29 Regular Price $176.99SKU: X-2105
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97-04 Polished Stainless Door Jamb Covers Price:Special Price $202.49 Regular Price $224.99SKU: X-2117
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97-04 Polished Stainless Convertible Trunk Lid Price:Special Price $179.99 Regular Price $199.99SKU: X-2120
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97-04 Perforated Stainless Plenum Cover Price:Special Price $194.39 Regular Price $215.99SKU: X-2287
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97-04 Polished Stainless Inner Fender Accent Plates Price:Special Price $179.99 Regular Price $199.99SKU: X-2363
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97-04 Polished Stainless Inner Fender Liners Price:Special Price $179.99 Regular Price $199.99SKU: X-2364
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97-04 Laser Mesh Stainless Rear License Plate Frame Price:Special Price $211.49 Regular Price $234.99SKU: X-2389
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97-04 Laser Mesh Stainless Fog Light Grills Price:Special Price $179.99 Regular Price $199.99SKU: X-2391