The rest of the world may have moved onto the eight-generation Chevrolet Corvette, but don’t tell that to Paul McCartney.
The Beatles founder was recently spotted out and about in Southern California in his trusted C5 ‘Vette. It’s no shock that the rock legend drives a sports car, but it is surprising to learn that he’s still driving one that is over 20 years old.
Video of the moment was posted to TikTok late last week by an account named truecelebritypop (via Road & Track). In the clip, McCartney can be seen exiting the parking lot of a recording studio in Hollywood while driving his C5 convertible. Ever the crowd pleaser, the rocker pauses briefly to wave to the gathered crowd before looking both ways, taking a right, and speeding off on his way.
If you’re a fan of Macca, chances are you know he’s a bit of a car buff. That’ll happen when you spend six-plus decades touring the world as one of its most successful (and well-renumerated) musicians of all time. At various times, his collection has included Aston Martins, Lamborghinis, and Rolls-Royces. It makes sense that he’d own a Corvette—it is the American sports car after all—but the C5 is a bit of an oddball choice to hold onto if money is no option. Only a true contrarian would pick it as their favorite ‘Vette.
That’s not to say that there’s anything wrong with the C5. It is still a Corvette after all. The fifth generation of the nameplate, produced between 1997 and 2004, has a shapely design that’s aged much better than its immediate predecessor. McCartney’s wonderfully maintained convertible is finished in metallic blue (like the one pictured above) and has a tan soft top. The lack of badging and the fact that it’s a convertible suggests it’s likely the standard model. That version of the car is powered by a 5.7-liter LS1 V-8 that produces around 350 hp. It’s not the fastest of Vettes but can still hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of around 170 mph.
McCartney seems to have decided that the C5 is the Corvette for him, but if he ever decides to upgrade, he’s in luck. The current generation has put in a strong showing so far this decade and might be about to get even better.
