This 1998 Chevrolet Corvette AAT 50th Anniversary is absolutely gorgeous converitble, with incredibly wonderful upgrades applied in nearly every facet of the car. When Chevrolet debuted the first Corvette in 1953, it was a 2 seater fiberglass-bodied convertible equipped with a 235 Cubic Inch 6 cylinder engine and 2 speed automatic transmission. While the first Corvette had an iconic look, much was left desired with regards to performance and creature comforts. However, as then next 70+ years in the Corvette's history progressed, few could have expected that the underpowered and sparsely-optioned Chevy convertible would transform into America's most iconic and long-lasting performance cars. In the years leading up to 2003, Chevrolet began prototyping a car to serve as the Corvette's 50th Anniversary edition. One such prototype commissioned was a radically retro design that would harken back to the design elements of the first generation Corvette. In the end, General Motors opted for a more conservative 50th Anniversary edition 2003 Corvette that utilized the existing C5 Corvette design with minor stylistic updates, such as a 50th Anniversary Red/Burgundy body color and 50th Anniversary champagne interior custom embroidered headrests. Nonetheless, a longtime GM designer purchased the rights and factory molds for the abandoned retro-style Corvette, and went on to create Advanced Automotive Technologies (AAT). AAT would go on to offer the '53 Commemorative Edition Corvette, complete with a new hood, new front and rear fascia, new headlights and front turn signals, side marker lights, a chrome diecast grille, front and rear chrome bumpers, new rear quarter panels, new taillights and backup lights, among other things. AAT's base price was reportedly $32,500 to transform a customer supplied C5 Corvette Convertible into a show-stopping collectible with a 1953-55 C1 look while retaining the performance and creature comforts of a late-model Corvette. This particular '98 Corvette comes to us with its original window sticker and spent the first 25+ years of its life living in southern states where it was well taken care of. Under previous ownership, this Corvette's performance was further upgraded and restyled to even more closely mimic the early generation Corvettes. Powering this '98 AAT Corvette is an upgraded 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 engine equipped with electronic fuel injection that is said to produce 638 horsepower. The 7.0L LS engine is also outfitted with impressive performance upgrades including a Maziere electric water pump and an upgraded dual exhaust setup with a fantastic throaty Corvette sound. The powerful LS power plant is backed by a 6 speed manual transmission that makes this gorgeous Corvette an absolute blast to drive. Power is sent from the upgraded LS engine through the 6 speed to the traction controlled rear limited slip differential helping ensure that you'll keep the rubber to the pavement on this beast of a Corvette. Being that this AAT Corvette was built with later model components, it comes absolutely loaded with options! With power steering, squeezing into that tight parking space at the local car show or ice cream parlor is almost effortless. Power disc brakes in all four corners, along with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) is another welcome addition on this AAT 50th Anniversary 'Vette since it greatly helps bringing this retro-style Corvette Convertible to a complete stop, especially with all that extra horsepower found under the hood. Dual outside power adjustable mirrors are another nice touch on this modified '98 Corvette, something not seen on the early C1 Corvettes that it is based on. Riding on a set of American Racing chrome wheels with 245/35ZR19 Yokohama radial tires up front and 235/35ZR20 Yokohamas in the rear, you'll be cruising smoothly and in high-style in this AAT Corvette. The custom AAT Corvette body has been refinished in Torch Red paint along with a white vinyl convertible top that completes the exterior appearance of this wonderful retro-style 'Vette. The interior of this 1998 Chevrolet Corvette AAT 50th Anniversary is one-of-a-kind and absolutely gorgeous! Rather than reusing the stock '98 Corvette interior, this AAT Corvette's interior has been completely customized to better mimic the iconic interiors of this earliest generation Corvettes. The Red and White bucket seats have been reupholstered and reconfigured to appear out of a 50s or 60s Corvette. The matching door panels and dash have also been completely and tastefully transformed to simulate an early Corvette as well. Instrumentation includes a 200 MPH speedometer, 7,000 RPM Tachometer, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, battery gauge, and fuel gauge, as well as the C5 Corvette's useful Driver Information Center (DIC) so that you can keep tabs on the mechanical operation of this powerful machine. Unlike the C1 Corvettes that this car is based upon, the interior on this Corvette is also loaded with numerous desirable creature comforts including a custom Red and White leather wrapped tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power windows, power seats, a powered trunk opener, and power door locks. This 1998 Corvette is also equipped with dual zone heat and air conditioning so that you can stay warm on a cool night or stay cool on a hot summer day. To make way for the C1-style clock mounted in the center of the dash, the upgraded Pioneer AM/FM/CD entertainment system has been tastefully tucked away in the locking glovebox, so you'll be able to listen to all of your tunes while cruising down the road while retaining the clean C1 Corvette-inspired look. Whether you're looking for a retro-styled convertible that you can daily drive or you're an early Corvette lover looking for a more comfortable and more powerful C1 styled Corvette, or you're just looking for a super fun convertible to whip around in the summer in, this 1998 Chevrolet Corvette AAT 50th Anniversary would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337! *Upgraded EFI 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 *638 Horsepower *6 Speed Manual Transmission *Limited Slip Rear Differential *4 Wheel Power Disc Brakes w/ ABS *Power Steering *Custom 50s-Style Red/White Interior *Custom AAT Commemorative Torch Red Body *Power Windows & Door Locks *Upgraded Pioneer AM/FM/CD Entertainment System *Stock Instrumentation *Odometer Reads: 53,748 Miles