In 1997 Chevrolet introduced its 5th generation Corvette, the C5. Actually Chevrolet had been planning for the new series back in 1989 with the projection date of 1992, but it got postponed again and again. The project was actually killed in 1992 but later revived when GM executives reviewed the program. Execs listened and discovered that customers wanted quality and comfort rather than harsh ride and "go-fast technology". So, the car was totally redesigned from the ground up and a new engine was also introduced. This new engine is the all aluminum LS-1, a 5.7 liter v8 rated at 345 HP and in 1997 it was only available to the Corvette. Only 1 body style was available- the coupe. Convertible lovers would need to wait a year. For the first time in in about 30 years, Chevrolet returned the ignition switch back to the dashboard. The wheelbase was increased about 8" and the transmission was incorporated into the rear-end allowing for more room in the cockpit. A few other improvements included the roof panel being removed by unlatching 3 latches rather than removing 4 bolts as was the case of the C4. Also the Low Pressure Tire system now displayed to the driver not only if the tire pressure was low but which tire was low, whereas the C4 cars so equipped made you guess which tire needed air.

Body colors for 1997 included: Arctic White, Sebring Silver Metallic, Nassau Blue Metallic, Black, Light Carmine Red Metallic, Torch Red, and Fairway Green Metallic, Interior colors included: Black, Light Gray, and Firestorm Red.

The base price of the 1997 coupe was $37,495

Chevrolet produced 9,092 Corvettes for the 1997 model year.

Club member Mark C is the lone 1997 Corvette owner in our club. His is a Nassau Blue coupe and he and his wife Terry enjoy driving it to most all the club functions.