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Very Clean Corvette Convertible 50th Anniversery Edition with a Manual Transmission in Excellent Condition! This vehicle comes with features like Power Leather Seats, Bose Sound System and much more! Runs and Drives Great! Well Maintained! New Brakes and Rotors front & rear! New Tires! Just serviced and checked out!!

Our Price $17,500.00
(we sell this vehicle on consignment for the owner)

WE SELL YOUR CAR ON CONSIGNMENT – ASK US HOW!  

We are a local family-owned business – Established in 1999!   Great Selection of quality pre-owned vehicles reasonably priced!  Friendly no-pressure atmosphere!
Thank you for supporting a local business and shopping with us. We look forward to serving you!

50TH ANNIVERSERY EDITION; MANUAL TRANSMISSION; 2 KEYS; OWNER'S MANUAL; POWER LEATHER SEATS; MEMORY SEAT; AC; DUAL AUTO CLIMATE CONTROL; AM/FM RADIO; CASSETTE; BOSE SOUND SYSTEM; TILT WHEEL


If you've been searching for a classic American sports car that delivers raw performance, head-turning style, and an open-air driving experience, this 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible for sale at Active Auto Sales in Novato, California is worth a very serious look. Finished in a striking red exterior with a manual 6-speed transmission and just 107,689 miles on the clock, this C5 Corvette represents an extraordinary opportunity to own one of the most iconic sports cars ever produced — at a price that makes it genuinely accessible. At $17,500, it's hard to argue with the value here.
 

About This 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

The 2003 model year holds special significance in Corvette history — it marks the 50th Anniversary of the nameplate, and this example appears to be a 50th Anniversary Edition, which came with a distinctive appearance package and premium equipment from the factory. The red exterior is bold and classic, exactly what a Corvette should look like. With just over 107,000 miles, this car is well into its life but — as any Corvette enthusiast will tell you — a well-maintained C5 with six figures on the odometer still has enormous life left in it. The LS1 V8 engine in these cars is legendarily durable, and the manual transmission only adds to the long-term ownership appeal.
 

2003 Chevrolet Corvette Performance and Engine

The LS1 V8 — A Legend Under the Hood

Under the hood sits Chevrolet's legendary 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine, producing around 350 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque in standard C5 Corvette form. This engine is celebrated not just for its output, but for its reliability, tuneability, and the deeply satisfying sound it makes at full throttle. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, this is a true driver's car in every sense of the phrase.
 

The 6-Speed Manual Transmission

The Tremec T-56 6-speed manual gearbox found in the C5 Corvette is widely regarded as one of the best manual transmissions ever fitted to an American production car. Buyers who choose the manual over the automatic are rewarded with more direct engagement, better feel, and — in the right hands — quicker acceleration. If you love to drive, this is the configuration you want.

The rear-wheel-drive layout, near 50/50 weight distribution, and independent suspension on all four corners give this Corvette genuinely impressive handling dynamics. Whether you're carving canyon roads in Marin County or cruising up the California coast, this car is built for the drive.
 

Chevrolet Corvette Features and Interior

50th Anniversary Edition Equipment

The 2003 50th Anniversary Edition Corvette came loaded with features that set it apart from a standard C5. This vehicle is equipped with power leather seats and a Bose premium sound system — two features that meaningfully elevate daily comfort and in-car entertainment. The Corvette's interior, while compact, is driver-focused and cockpit-like, wrapping the occupants in controls and displays designed around performance.

The convertible body style adds a dimension of enjoyment that no hardtop can replicate. Drop the top on a clear Marin County afternoon and you have one of the most enjoyable driving experiences available at any price point. The C5 convertible top is power-operated and folds cleanly, maintaining the car's sleek profile whether up or down.
 

Chevrolet Corvette Reliability and Ownership

The C5 Corvette (1997–2004) has built a rock-solid reputation in the enthusiast community for reliability that defies its performance credentials. The LS1 engine is known to run well past 200,000 miles with basic maintenance — oil changes, coolant flushes, and fresh spark plugs. Common ownership considerations on high-mileage C5s include inspecting the fuel pressure regulator, checking for any differential fluid leaks, and confirming the condition of the rear leaf spring (a unique C5 characteristic). None of these are deal-breakers — they're simply part of informed ownership.

Owners consistently report that the C5 is surprisingly livable as a daily driver despite its sports car pedigree. It gets reasonable highway fuel economy for a V8 sports car, handles California weather well with the top up, and parts availability is excellent thanks to a massive enthusiast community. Buying a C5 Corvette today means buying into one of the most supported used sports car platforms in existence.
 

Why Buy From Active Auto Sales in Novato, California

Active Auto Sales, located in Novato in Marin County, has built a reputation for offering quality pre-owned vehicles at honest prices to buyers throughout the North Bay. The team at Active Auto Sales takes pride in knowing their inventory — this Corvette is described as being in excellent condition, running and driving great, which reflects the care they put into evaluating the vehicles they sell.

Buying from a local, independently owned dealership like Active Auto Sales means you're working with real people who value your business. You won't get lost in a large dealership shuffle — you'll get personal attention, straight answers, and a straightforward buying process. Test drives are scheduled by appointment, so when you come in, you get the team's full focus on your needs.
 

Financing a Used Chevrolet Corvette Near Novato

At $17,500, this Corvette is priced well within reach for buyers using financing. Active Auto Sales works with lenders to help buyers across a range of credit profiles find workable terms on pre-owned vehicles. Whether you have excellent credit or you're working to rebuild, it's worth having a conversation about what's possible.

Buyers throughout Marin County and the greater North Bay area — from San Rafael to Petaluma and beyond — regularly find that financing a used vehicle through a local dealership is faster and more flexible than they expected. Call Active Auto Sales at (415) 945-9293 to get the financing conversation started before your test drive.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette a good buy?

Absolutely. The 2003 C5 Corvette offers supercar-level performance, a legendary V8 engine, and genuine driving involvement at a fraction of what newer sports cars cost. For buyers who want a true American sports car experience without a six-figure price tag, the C5 generation remains one of the best values in the used market.
 

How many miles is too many for a C5 Corvette?

The LS1 engine is famously durable and commonly runs past 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. A well-kept C5 with 100,000+ miles is not a concern — in fact, many enthusiasts prefer a broken-in example over a low-mile car that may have sat unused. The key is maintenance history and a thorough inspection, both of which Active Auto Sales can walk you through.
 

What does the 2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition include?

The 50th Anniversary Edition included a special Anniversary Red exterior color, a unique interior with commemorative badging, magnetic red-painted wheels (on coupe models), and a loaded equipment list including the enhanced leather sport seats and premium Bose audio system. It's a factory special edition that adds both collectible status and everyday comfort features.
 

Is a manual Corvette better than an automatic?

For driving enthusiasts, the 6-speed manual is the preferred configuration. It delivers more direct engagement, allows the driver to maximize the LS1's power band, and is widely considered the more "pure" Corvette experience. It also tends to hold its value well among collectors and enthusiasts who specifically seek out the manual.
 

What should I inspect when buying a used C5 Corvette?

Key areas to check include the fuel pressure regulator, rear differential fluid condition, rear leaf spring (a fiberglass mono-leaf unique to the C5), tire age and condition, and overall maintenance history. A pre-purchase inspection by a Corvette-familiar technician is always a smart move and something the team at Active Auto Sales can help facilitate.
 

Serving Novato and Surrounding Areas in Marin County

Active Auto Sales proudly serves car buyers throughout Novato and the greater Marin County region. Shoppers regularly make the trip from San Rafael, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Fairfax, and communities throughout Sonoma County to take advantage of the quality inventory and personalized service at Active Auto Sales. Whether you're coming from the 101 corridor or crossing over from the East Bay, Novato is a convenient destination in the heart of the North Bay.

If you've been searching for a used Corvette in the San Francisco Bay Area, this red 2003 Convertible with a manual transmission and 50th Anniversary Edition equipment is the kind of find that doesn't stay on the lot for long.
 

Contact Active Auto Sales Today

Don't let this 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible slip away. Call Active Auto Sales in Novato at (415) 945-9293 or text (415) 265-4374 to ask questions, confirm availability, and schedule your appointment for a test drive. The team is ready to help you get behind the wheel of one of America's greatest sports cars. Come see it in person at Active Auto Sales, located in Novato, in Marin County, California — and experience what makes this Corvette truly special.