This 1982 Chevrolet Corvette presents superbly, which is unsurprising given that it is a sheltered survivor with just 12,000 miles on its odometer. The first owner’s decision to order it in a relatively rare paint shade adds to its appeal. It appears to need nothing and is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a genuine 1980s survivor to park in their garage. The seller has listed this beautiful car here on eBay in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Bidding sits below the reserve at $25,000, with the seller also offering a BIN option of $37,900.

The 1982 model year marked the end of the line for Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette. Its replacement was waiting in the wings, carrying some of the design cues that made the C3 instantly recognizable. The seller’s listing makes interesting reading, mainly because it provides details that are obviously incorrect. What is beyond question is the rarity of this car’s paint shade. Chevrolet offered buyers twelve individual colors and four two-tone combinations. This car’s first owner selected Code 56 Gold, and only 648 Corvettes left the line in that shade. It isn’t the rarest, because that honor falls to Dark Blue Metallic with a total of 562. However, it is well short of ultra-popular Silver Beige, which 6,759 buyers chose. This Corvette’s presentation is virtually impossible to fault. The paint retains an impressive depth of color and shine, with no evidence of major flaws or defects. The same is true of the fiberglass, with this car also featuring the optional glass roof panels. I can spot no evidence of corrosion that might indicate potential frame or birdcage rust issues. The seller states that this Corvette rolls on Rally wheels, although these are obviously the aluminum wheels that were a $458.00 option chosen by 66% of buyers.

Chevrolet adopted a “one size fits all” approach to the 1982 Corvette, equipping cars with the 5.7-liter Cross-Fire Injection (CFI) V8, a four-speed 700-R4 automatic transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The CFI V8 delivers 200hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque, and a contemporary road test by Road & Track magazine produced a 16.1-second ¼-mile ET in what it termed “real world conditions.” The seller stumbles when describing this car’s mechanical specifications, stating that the engine is a 5.0-liter V8. This is an obvious error if this classic is as original as they say, because that motor was only available in 1980, and didn’t feature CFI. There is no mention of evidence verifying the mileage claim, but the condition makes it plausible. This beauty runs and drives well, ready to provide the winning bidder with immediate motoring pleasure.

The seller’s vagaries and errors continue when we focus on this Corvette’s interior. It is obviously trimmed in Camel leather, not the cloth mentioned in the listing. However, the condition looks exceptional for a car of this vintage, exhibiting no signs of wear or abuse. The plastic hasn’t succumbed to age or UV exposure, and there are no aftermarket additions. Air conditioning will provide a comfortable motoring experience on hot days, with this ‘Vette also featuring power windows, power locks, power seats, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and a functioning AM/FM radio/cassette player.

Later versions of the C3 Corvette spent years in the classic wilderness as enthusiasts focused on earlier cars offering mind-bending performance. However, they have developed a strong following, and values for the 1982 model have climbed accordingly. The seller’s BIN figure sits towards the market’s upper end, but it isn’t unprecedented. This ‘Vette has only received two bids at the time of writing, but I suspect that the action will intensify as the auction’s end draws near. Will it translate into a successful sale? We’ll need to monitor it to learn the truth, although you could make it happen by joining the auction action.