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2003 Corvette Research

The Ultimate 2003 Corvette Database

In-Depth Guide / Special Models / Videos & Pics / Technical Research / Colors / Engines / The Market / Latest

Everything You Want to Know About the 2003 Corvette, All in One Place.

The arrival of the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette represented the culmination of fifty years of evolution for General Motors flagship automobile. It had been during the spring of 1953 that the first Corvette had been unveiled at GM’s “Motorama”.

Since that time, it had transformed into an entirely new vision of Corvette with each evolution. “Few vehicles have had the staying power of Corvette” said Rick Baldick, Corvette Brand Manager. “We believe that much of that success comes from a willingness to embrace advancing technology while remaining true to Corvette’s glorious history.

As we celebrate our golden anniversary in 2003, we honor our past and cast a bright eye toward the future.”

Now, with fifty years behind it, Chevrolet executives were prepared to commemorate the half-century-old sports car through a series of planned events that included the introduction of a Special Edition 2003 C5 Corvette.

The “50th Anniversary Special Edition” Corvette package, available only on base coupes and convertibles, consisted of a special metallic-burgundy Anniversary Red exterior with champagne colored wheels and specific “anniversary edition” badging.

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2003 Corvette - The Ultimate Guide

While the C5 Corvette had certainly earned the respect of automobile enthusiasts around the world, Chevrolet was still faced with some unique challenges for the 2003 model year. For the first time in a generation, a number of genuine automotive competitors had arrived, and each posed a threat that might draw consumers away from Corvette.

2003 Corvette Special Editions

Quite a few Corvette special edition cars for 2003. We go deep to tell you about all the awesomeness.

1999 – 2004 Corvette C5-R

The Corvette C5-R was part of a plan by General Motors and their Chevrolet brand to create a factory team to participate in grand touring races not only in North America, but also elsewhere in the world, most notably at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. GM had previously been against approving factory support for Corvette racing programs, although the IMSA GT Championship's Corvette GTPs had seen some support until they ended competition in 1989.

2001 – 2004 Corvette Z06

A successor to the ZR-1 made its debut in 2001 as the Z06, giving a nod to the high-performance Z06 version of the C2 Corvette of the 1960s. The Z06 uses a tuned version of the standard LS1 engine (designated the LS6), with a higher power output of 385 hp (390 PS; 287 kW), later bumped to 405 hp (411 PS; 302 kW) starting in 2002.

2002 Corvette White Shark Concept

"Hot" is an apt description of this special coupe's drivetrain. Its 6.6-liter engine produces 512 horsepower and 523 lbs.-ft. of torque. Mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and featuring a 3:41 geared limited slip differential and four-wheel independent suspension, this "Vette takes a backseat to no other vehicle. The White Shark Corvette also features power rack-and-pinion steering to precisely pilot this vehicle and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.

2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition

Another decade – another milestone anniversary edition Corvette. However, the 2003 model year was especially significant as it marked the 50th year of the Corvette’s production at Chevrolet.  To commemorate a half-century of manufacturing, every Corvette built in 2003 was adorned with special “50th Anniversary” badging – a unique “50” badge on each of the front fenders above the bodyside coves, and a special crossed flags badge that included “50 Anniversary” badging.

2003 Guldstrand 50th Anniversary Corvette

In 2003 Dick produced his version of a 50th Anniversary Corvette. Dick’s 50th Anniversary Corvette was bright gold with blue accents. And of course a “special” Corvette should be the toughest available version, which in 2003 was the Z06. And to top it all off, the Z06’s LS6 was opened up to the magical “426 CID.” The GS80 came out in 1986 that was more or less a Showroom Stock-prepared black beauty with very trendy lace wheels.
Corvette Of The Day: 2003 Italdesign Moray Corvette

2003 Italdesign Moray Corvette

The Moray project, presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2003, embodies the homage that Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro wish to pay to the fifty-year era of the Chevrolet Corvette, the supreme symbol of the American sports car. Touched by drifting tides with long and slender front lights, bringing immediately to mind the Moray, the English term for the eel-type fish, muraena helena, found in Mediterranean waters.

2003 Corvette Pictures, Wallpapers & Videos

Because who doesn't love a sexy-looking fifth generation Corvette?

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2003 Corvette Technical Research & Data

Dig into the numbers behind the 2003 Corvette and check out these hand-curated research papers and data-driven reports, including VIN information, production numbers, pricing/options, color samples, and more.

2003 Corvette Colors

Looking for information on the colors for the 2003 Corvette? Here you go.

2003 Corvette Engines

Looking for information on the engines powering the 2003 Corvette? Look no further.

2003 Corvette Market & Sales Data

2003 Corvette auction and sales area. We share upcoming auctions, recent auction results, cool 2003 Corvettes we find for sale and commentary on the current market for the 2003 Corvette.

The Best Resource for 2003 Corvette News, Auctions, Reviews & Videos

Get all the latest news stories, upcoming auctions, prices, videos and more about the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette! The latest headlines here.

Best Full Exhausts for C5 Corvettes
Josh Boyd·
C5 Corvette

The Best Full Exhausts for 1997-2004 C5 Corvettes

These are the best exhausts for 1997-2004 C5 Corvettes. The installation of a custom exhaust provides a great way to enhance the C5’s naturally-aggressive exhaust tone, while potentially increasing overall horsepower as well. Find Your Next Exhaust We vetted the market so you don’t have to! Our exhaust recommendations are...
Corvette Of The Day: 2003 Italdesign Moray Corvette
Mark Leofe Capayas·
Non GM Special Models

2003 Italdesign Moray Corvette

The Moray project, presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2003, embodies the homage that Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro wish to pay to the fifty-year era of the Chevrolet Corvette, the supreme symbol of the American sports car. Touched by drifting tides with long and slender front lights, bringing immediately to mind the Moray, the English term for the eel-type fish, muraena helena, found in Mediterranean waters.
1998 Corvette Pace Car LS1 Engine
Josh Boyd·
C5 Corvette

A Guide to Every C5 Corvette Engine

When the C5 Corvette was finally unveiled critics were quick to notice a thundering new powerplant. It carried the LS1 designation, serving as the C5 Corvette’s base engine for the duration of the production run. Ironically, the C5 Corvette would only ever leave the factory with one of two individual engines. This included the aforementioned 5.7L LS1, as well as the all-powerful 5.7L LS6, which powered the C5 Z06.
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