1996 GM Pilot LT4 Convertible

[1969z280]

1996 Corvette LT4 Convertible Pilot Car

This is a very unique Corvette in that it was built April 7th, 1995 during the 1995 Corvette production run as a 1996 Pilot. It is fully documented and has all of it’s original components. It has a clean open title and has had two owners prior to me. It was delivered to General Motors North American Operations (NAO) as an executive vehicle (brass hat). Thanks to one of the members here at SYC, I was able to speak to Mark McPhail about the car. He told me that because of the extended C4 development, this car was fitted with all of the necessary equipment to be street legal. In most cases, he said that due to content changes pilot cars were not saleable and either crushed or turned into mules and were not titled or licensed vehicles (e.g. most of the GM Heritage Collection vehicles that were sold at BJ).

I have sorted everything out on the car. The only non-original components on the car are the wheels (which I think look great) and the Firestone Wide Ovals 285 40 ZR17s all the way around. These were rated the best ultra high performance tires at Tire Rack so, I put them on. It also has a K&N filter. I had the Corvette serviced at the local Chevrolet dealership to replace the charcoal cannister and have it aligned.

Before I listed the car on Ebay, I thought that I’d run it by SYC. My take is it’s an extremely cool piece that you could drive and enjoy and it has a unique history. I’m asking $18,500.00

The Corvette has 46,000 miles on it and is un-hit with all of it’s original paint. One of the cool things that I found was that the tie-down rings for delivery are still on the car. I assume because it went to NAO and not a dealership. Check out the pictures on my photo bucket link. Please feel free to give me a call as I will be traveling and have limited access to Pms and e-mail. I can be reached at (847) 809-8022 Ed

photo link

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[markjohnson]

There's some neat information on that build sheet. Great car and the '96 Corvette is a great car to own, being the last of its' generation and everyone knows that the final year of any 'Vette generation is a good one to own. I like to look at these '96's as the last "conventional" drivetrain Corvettes, before the tranny went to the back of the car. I kinda miss my '96 but remain a great fan of the LT-4.

[John]

That is a really nice corvette.
You may want to explain what a "Pilot Car" is to those that my be reading this and do not know.....
good luck with the sale

[JJEH]

Wow... what a nice Corvette

Sorry about the Question, but what is a Pilot Car
Not a Prototype, huh?

[1969z280]

This was the best definition that I could find of a "Pilot Corvette". While the thread refers to C5 Corvettes, it holds true for the previous models.

"Regular Production Options (RPO) Codes on the Service Parts ID Label (under the left rear hatch cover or on the Glove Box Door) may indicate a PILOT and/or PROTOTYPE C5. Many of these early production C5's were sold later to dealers through Auctions after there test periods were over and purchased by retail buyers as used or slightly used C5's.

You may have an early Pilot/Prototype if your VIN Number is below:

1997: 100396
1998: 100091
1999: 100057 (100001 and 100031 through 100056, were Hardtops.
2000: 100040
2001: 100045 (and 100049, 100053, 100057, 100060, 100079, 100087, 100093, 100097, and all Z06's below 100150.)
2002: 100039 (and all Z06's below 100085).
2003: 10040

RPO Codes to look for are:
RPO WDO: WDO is the PROCESSING OPTION CODE for a new C5 BUILT FOR THE NEXT MODEL YEAR FOR TESTING and EVALUATION purposes. A WDO C5 is built during the current model year run of C5's, but is a FUTURE Model Year Vehicle. This Option Code is known at the factory as a "CONTAINMENT VEHICLE" CODE. Which is the "IDENTIFICATION" of the START OF A NEW PLATFORM (i.e. NEW MODEL YEAR C5).

RPO WD1: WD1 is the IDENTIFICATION CODE FOR A FACTORY PILOT VEHICLE, for the Next Model Year. Example: If the factory was building 2002's and a "RPO WDO" & "RPO WD1" was going to be built, it would be a 2003 Model and would have a 2003 VIN Plate attached to it. Of course this would be a EARLY MODEL 2003 C5, with a built date in the middle of the 1999 Production time line, and a JOB# for the current 2003 C5 Model Production.

RPO WD2: WD2 is the IDENTIFICATION CODE FOR A FACTORY PROTOTYPE, C5 Vehicle. All the information would be the same as above, EXCEPT this would be a 2004 C5. Usually all C5 Vehicles after this are called ALPHA Vehicles And BETA Vehicles meaning 3 and 4 model years away."

It is basically a prototype vehicle built during the previous model year for the next year's introduction. In this case, an 1996 LT4 Convertible that was built during te 1995 production year. I'm assuming that these cars were built off-the-line.

Hylton, Regarding the LT4 badge it is an aftermarket piece but I left it on as I thought it looked good. It will come off with a heat gun.

Remeber I'm flexible on the price and don't really want to go through the ebay thing again since my last experience with my 72 Z/28. So, feel free to give me a call. Ed

[JJEH]

Thank´s for explanation Ed

It´s a very cool ride