Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette was becoming pretty long in the tooth by 1978, but this barely slowed sales. Buyers were willing to forgive the badge’s lost performance as they sought to own what has become America’s most iconic sports car. This example is from that year and is an unmolested survivor. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this Silver Anniversary Edition listed here on Craigslist in Smithtown, New York. If a low-mile ’70s classic has been on your radar, you could drive this Corvette away for $17,900.

There was a party on at Chevrolet in 1978, and the Corvette was the guest of honor. As well as being selected as the Indy Pace Car which spawned a complimentary special edition, the company released a Silver Anniversary Edition that celebrated twenty-five years since the badge hit the market. This proved significantly more popular than the Pace Car, with a sales tally of 46,776 versus 6,502. These cars featured distinctive two-tone Silver and Gray paint with a dividing pinstripe to separate the shades. The company’s beautiful optional aluminum wheels were mandatory when ordering a Silver Anniversary, creating what many viewed as a total package. The condition of our feature car is impressive, which is unsurprising considering it has only clocked 15,100 miles since leaving the showroom floor. It is easy to take mileage claims with a grain of salt, but the seller states that it is documented. The paint holds a nice shine, there are no significant cosmetic imperfections, and the wheels are free from stains and physical damage. The seller provides no information on the presence (or otherwise) of rust in the frame or the birdcage of this garage-kept survivor, but I see nothing causing concern.

Tilting the hood forward on this Corvette reveals how dramatically things had changed during the 1970s. The ‘Vette had once been a fire-breathing monster, but this car’s L48 version of the 350ci V8 delivered 185hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque when this classic left the factory. A three-speed automatic transmission tackles shifting duties, and with a curb weight north of 3,500 lbs, it is better to consider this car more of a boulevard or freeway cruiser than a drag strip terror. The seller indicates that they recently replaced the battery, brake calipers, and other unspecified parts. They describe the vehicle as a turnkey proposition that is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.

The Corvette’s interior demonstrates how the badge had morphed from a hard-edged performance model to a comfortable cruiser by 1978. This car features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio. It is unclear whether it also scores cruise control, but since over 67% of buyers ticked that box on the Order Form in 1978, the chances are high that it does. The limited interior shots make assessing the condition pretty challenging. The Oyster leather seatcovers appear to sport nothing beyond wrinkles and creases, while the pale carpet is protected by matching mats. The dash and console look good for their age, and there is no evidence of aftermarket additions.

Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette achieved a sales record in 1977, and while the 1978 tally of 46,776 was lower, it still remained a comfortably healthy figure demonstrating that the buying public wished to park one in their garage. This one appears to be a gem, and its low odometer reading will undoubtedly appeal to many. That begs the question of whether the seller’s price is justified at a time when values have dropped. I believe that it is when compared to recent successful sales. It is also worth noting that the value decline appears to have stabilized recently, which could be the first sign that they will begin heading in the right direction. That might make now the ideal time to buy. Of course, for some enthusiasts, the concept of investment potential will always play second fiddle to the ownership experience. If you fall into that category, this Silver Anniversary deserves a second look.