Photo: Mecum Auctions
What is the C5 to the Corvette family? For starters, it’s the final ‘Vette with pop-up headlamps. The C5 also introduced the LS1, the first engine of the Generation III small-block V8. The fifth also happens to be a favorite with the aftermarket community, as exemplified by the 1953 Commemorative Edition by AAT.
Six Z06-based conversions were ever completed, and this example of the breed comes from the Ken Lingenfelter collection. Being the Z06, what hides under the long and luscious hood is the LS6 small-block V8. The higher-output counterpart of the LS1 is much obliged to deliver 405 horsepower and 400 pound-feet, which does sound much compared to the LT1, LT4, and LT5 in the seventh generation of the Corvette.
Mecum Auctions claims the car has 9,400 actual miles and a custom-detailed engine compartment, Z06 wheels, red paintwork complementing a black interior, and a six-speed transmission. But when all is said and done, it’s the way the 1953 Commemorative Edition by AAT looks that makes it special among its peers.
Paying tribute to the original Corvette, the 53CE comes with a stainless-steel plaque on the waterfall between the seats, adding to the exclusivity of the breed. Convertible models were also manufactured, but the fixed-head coupe has better proportions to our eyes.
Converting the Z06 to this specification doesn’t involve structural modifications, which translates to similar ride and handling to the bone-stock model. Weight should differ too much as well. For the sake of comparison, the lightest C5 Z06 tips the scales at 3,118 pounds (1,414 kilograms) as opposed to the 3,347 pounds (1,518 kilograms) of the C7 Stingray.
In regard to the estimate, the average selling price for the Z06 1953 Commemorative Edition by AAT is $65,670 or thereabouts. One such car previously auctioned for $88,000, so don’t expect the one offered by Mecum Auctions to break the bank.
To date, AAT delivered 155 conversions of the Commemorative Edition.
Mecum Auctions claims the car has 9,400 actual miles and a custom-detailed engine compartment, Z06 wheels, red paintwork complementing a black interior, and a six-speed transmission. But when all is said and done, it’s the way the 1953 Commemorative Edition by AAT looks that makes it special among its peers.
Paying tribute to the original Corvette, the 53CE comes with a stainless-steel plaque on the waterfall between the seats, adding to the exclusivity of the breed. Convertible models were also manufactured, but the fixed-head coupe has better proportions to our eyes.
Converting the Z06 to this specification doesn’t involve structural modifications, which translates to similar ride and handling to the bone-stock model. Weight should differ too much as well. For the sake of comparison, the lightest C5 Z06 tips the scales at 3,118 pounds (1,414 kilograms) as opposed to the 3,347 pounds (1,518 kilograms) of the C7 Stingray.
In regard to the estimate, the average selling price for the Z06 1953 Commemorative Edition by AAT is $65,670 or thereabouts. One such car previously auctioned for $88,000, so don’t expect the one offered by Mecum Auctions to break the bank.
To date, AAT delivered 155 conversions of the Commemorative Edition.
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