We previously detailed the rise of C4 Corvette values, especially the ZR-1, but the C5 Corvette’s time to shine is quickly approaching. Hagerty reports some C5 Corvette variants have begun to appreciate in value and it could be the time to buy.
Specifically, the collector car insurance company says prices will likely bottom out next year after all C5 Corvettes experienced a 2 percent decline in value over the past 12 months, save for a few variants. The Z06, Indy 500 Pace Car, and 50th Anniversary models already show appreciation.
In more detail, C5 Corvettes with a manual transmission are worth 10 percent more than automatic cars, and convertibles retain a higher value than coupes, believe it or not. Two other obscure C5 Corvettes register on Hagerty’s radar as well: the 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition and Fixed-Roof Coupe Corvette.
The Fixed-Roof Coupe was built in 1999 and 2000, sports a manual transmission and a lighter, stiffer structure. The Commemorative Edition marked Corvette Racing’s Le Mans win and all 2,025 cars received a carbon-fiber hood.
Of course, appreciation takes time, but Hagerty knows best when it comes to collector car values. But for those looking to take advantage of low C5 Corvette prices, the time might be now.
Comments
I always wanted to know why some cars go down in price while others go up?
It is all about supply and demand.
The C5 is the Corvette everyone bought and put in the garage to wipe with a diaper. Now many are for sale but too few are in the market for them.
The C5 will go up but it is not a car that will make enough to retire on. The special editions will be of added value as will a Callaway.
At some point the front engine and low miles will drive some nostalgia and demand.
The market on these are in the toilet and will remain that way. High production numbers kill any chance at collectablity for the C5 PERIOD DOT COM! The only exception could be said for the 04′ Commemerative edition with the Z06 trim, other than that these are run of the mill sports cars with 200k+ in circulation; most were bought and pampered by old people who thought they were going to be worth something one day HAHAHAHAHA! Sad this is all those low mile cars are just waiting for fall apart once anyone tries to drive it regularly, you BETTER get a stack of receipts with your low-mileage C5 if not get ready to fork out some $$$$$ on repair OR just leave it in the garage. The ONLY places that are even able to sell these are car lots (buy here/pay here as a lot of dealerships won’t touch these 15+ year old cars)…. Do what you want, my next door neighbor just bought a 08 Z06 with 64k miles for $23k; he paid in cash only because he passed on an 07′ for $25 but had 43k miles on it.
The C4/5/6 markets are in the dump and will stay that way, the biggest hit is in the C7 market once the C8s really start rolling out…. Hagerty is wrong about this one.
An 08 z06 with 64k miles for 23k is a bold faced lie. Please share the crack youre smoking with the rest of the class
1997 C5 corvette 9752 units built that year PERIOD DOT COM.
That’s great stuff. It is the main reason I purchase mine from a collector
My c-5 was purchased from a collector 10 yrs ago. 32k.miles. Today 48k. Still turns a lot of heads.
Really like the number that were produced 1997.I believe the value to increase.
I didn’t buy the C5 to be a collector car. I bought it to enjoy what the car had to offer and enjoy driving it. Regardless of how many are out there they are still far less of them on the road then Mustangs. You not going to see 10 of them in the in the stores parking or pass on the road. Youll get way more people admiring your car then most cars when out driving. Plus it’s Americas favorite sports car. To be able to afford a car that still turns heads and makes you feel special for just over $10,000 is a fantastic deal. The only people who trash talk Vettes are the people who never owned one. They call that jealously . I have never loved a car as much as I have my Corvette.
I have a 2000 with great looking wheels, Corvette yellow special paint has some background color that goes through change with light, hasa redish hue in the evening, fiberglass targa top, 6 speed, 44,000 miles, original owner says $3500 just for paint, heads up display, looks like new, curious of value
Surprised no one mentioned the unicorn. 2001 Speedway White Z06, only 352 ever made. These cars are highly desirable amongst the vette community and are in fact appreciating. I have one sitting in my garage with 30k original miles in perfect condition. “Tom” sounds like a mustang guy, LOL
I read they have gone to $34k so far. I also have an ’01 Speedway White Z06 with the mod red interior. Production numbers are 187 for those cars. Kyle from 1320 has one that he’s modded the crap out of so who knows if his car will be worth the value of an all original in the future.