The Chevrolet Corvette C5 Convertible debuted in 1998, a year after the C5 coupe, riding on the same all-new platform featuring a backbone frame, composite body panels, and the legendary LS1 5.7L V8 producing 345 hp. The convertible featured a manual soft-top and retained the same sporting credentials as the coupe, offering 0–60 mph in under 5 seconds. By 2001 the LS1 was tuned to 350 hp. Widely regarded as one of the best performance bargains of its era, the C5 Convertible offers open-air V8 thrills at an accessible price point in today's used market.