The 1988 Chevrolet Corvette represented the 35th anniversary for Corvette. To celebrate, a 35th anniversay model was made available and 2,050 were sold. This option included white paint with a black roof bow, white leather interior including the steering wheel, white painted wheels and special badging inside and out. This option was only available on coupes. New additions for the 1988 Vette included carpeted door sills, solution dyed carpet and improved ventilation for coupes. A new muffler system was standard on coupes with the 3.07:1 rear axle ratio, it provided an extra 5 horsepower due to its less restrictive flow. The new muffler system was deemed too loud for the convertible and the 2.59:1 rear axle ratio coupes and was not installed. Standard brake rotors were thickened and suspension changes were made to improve control during heavy braking. The Z51 and Z52 options were upgraded to include 17 x 9.5 inch wheels with P275/40ZR-17 tires mounted on them. The Z51 option (only available on coupes) also included a finned power steering cooler, higher spring rates and larger front brake rotors and calipers than 1987.

Total 1988 Coupes - 20,007
Total 1988 Convertibles - 10,625

The "Vehicle Identification Number" (also VIN or serial number) is stamped on a plate on the inner vertical surface of the left windshield pillar visible through the windshield.

1988 Corvette engines have the last six digits of the VIN stamped on the block after the engine number. The date code the engine was manufactured was also cast into the block. The engine serial number includes a production sequence number starting with 0001001 and one of the suffixes below.

Interior options for exterior colors are suggested by Chevrolet. Any combination could be ordered.