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One of the most significant complaints among Chevrolet Corvette owners is the lack of a manual transmission in the eighth-generation (C8) model. However, fans who crave the row-your-own experience of a three-pedal performance car can comb through the nameplates of the past. Here are five used ‘Vettes with manual transmissions with the best bang for your buck, like the C5 Corvette Z06.

What Corvettes have manual transmissions? 

Every Chevrolet Corvette from 1955 to 2019 carried some type of manual transmission, whether a rare three-speed in a 1955 model or a ballistic seven-speed in a C7 ZR1. Better yet, some manual models from the C5, C6, and C7 generations are eager performance bargains. 

  • 2004 C5 Coupe
  • 2003 C5 Z06
  • 2005 C6 Coupe
  • 2010 C6 Grand Sport
  • 2014 C7 Stingray

What manual transmission was in the 2004 Corvette?

A silver C5 shows off its dated lights and pop up headlamps.
A C5 Coupe | General Motors

The 2004 Chevrolet Corvette from the C5 generation packs a six-speed Borg-Warner T-56  manual transmission. That’s good news for fans of the late-model C5, as the used Corvette channels its 350 horsepower through an eager manual gearbox. 

Better yet, the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) puts the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe at around $17,854 for a model with average mileage. As a result, the C5 Coupe is a fast, fun way to get into an affordable manual ‘Vette. 

Is the C5 Corvette Z06 manual only?

The C5 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 offered just one transmission option: a six-speed manual. While that might seem limiting to enthusiasts who aren’t manual-literate, the Z06 is quite simply one of the best performance bargains on the used car market. 

With an average fair purchase price of about $22,299, the Z06 is one of the most affordable cars on the market that will hit 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds. 

How much is a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe worth?

A white C6 Coupe parks in a large lot.
A C6 Coupe | General Motors

A 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe is worth about $19,630 with average mileage. As a result, the introductory C6 model is the cheapest way to get into a sixth-generation model with a six-speed manual transmission. 

Moreover, the 2005 model’s 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque make it nearly as thrust-happy as the range-topping Z06 of the previous generation. 

What is special about the Corvette Grand Sport?

The C6 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport took the sixth-generation ‘Vette’s formula and added wider tires, wheels, flared wheel arches, and an upgraded suspension setup. As a result, the Grand Sport filled the gap between the standard coupe and the pricier, track-ready Z06. 

Furthermore, a 2010 Grand Sport with an optional manual transmission has a fair purchase value of about $27,669, depending on mileage, condition, and location. 

What was the last manual Corvette?

A used Chevrolet Corvette C7 with a manual transmission takes on a track.
A C7 Coupe | General Motors

The seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette, or C7, was the last ‘Vette with an available manual transmission. Specifically, the 2019 model was the last year, boasting an available seven-speed manual transmission. 

Better yet, the introductory C7 model year, the 2014 Stingray, is a bit of a performance bargain. For instance, a 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe has a fair value of $38,298.

 
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