Chevrolet threw a party in 1978, and the Corvette was the guest of honor. Twenty-five years had elapsed since the badge first hit the market, and the company celebrated by releasing a Silver Anniversary edition. Our feature ‘Vette is one of those vehicles, and is an estate find with 48,000 miles on the clock. It exhibits cosmetic deterioration, making it ideal for a DIY restoration. The seller has listed this classic here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bidding sits at $5,600 in what appears to be a No Reserve auction.

Cosmetically, the 1978 model year was significant in the production life of Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette. A new fastback-style rear window dramatically changed the vehicle’s appearance, while it was the first time since 1961 that buyers could order their new toy with a two-tone paint combination. This was a standard feature of the Pace Car Edition in Black and Silver, while the Silver Anniversary version featured the Silver and Charcoal found on this car. It appears that this C3 has spent its life in a dry location, which is good news for those concerned about rust. The photos and listing text aren’t specific on the subject, but it would be fair to expect the frame and birdcage to be structurally sound. Of course, there is often a trade-off in these cases, with the paint now appearing quite baked. It is beyond the point where polish would be a solution, with the winning bidder facing the prospect of a complete repaint. However, with the fiberglass appearing to be quite good, they will start the process from a sound base. The distinctive alloy wheels could use the attention of a high-quality polish, but the trim and tinted glass look good.

The first owner ordered this classic with the L48 version of Chevrolet’s 350ci small-block V8. It delivered 175hp and 265 ft/lbs of torque when the car was shiny and new, meaning that it is unlikely to set pulses racing when the subject turns to performance. However, the saving grace is that they also selected the four-speed manual transmission, meaning that it should still provide an entertaining driving experience. The seller claims that this C3 has a genuine 48,000 miles on the clock without mentioning verifying evidence. It hasn’t seen much recent action, with the seller suggesting that it requires fresh fuel and a new battery. It would also be wise to treat the vehicle to a thorough inspection before hitting the road in earnest.

With air conditioning, power windows, leather trim, and a tilt/telescopic wheel, this Corvette ticks the boxes for those seeking a touch of luxury from their classic purchase. It also presents quite well, which may also be because the seller believes that the car may have received a retrim at some point. The Black upholstered surfaces show no evidence of significant wear, the dash and pad haven’t succumbed to the harsh Nevada sun, and there is no evidence of cracked or broken plastic. It is unlikely to score the buyer many show trophies, but this interior is comfortably acceptable if the Corvette is considered a driver-grade classic.

Finding an appropriate candidate for a restoration can sometimes be challenging. This is especially true if the new owner is seeking to develop their skills during the build. This 1978 Corvette Silver Anniversary edition has no pressing needs, and performing a cosmetic refresh should be relatively straightforward. A DIY approach would minimize the financial outlay, virtually eliminating the risk that the process will be too expensive. It might not be the most desirable example of the C3, but that doesn’t make it worth a mere passing glance. Is it a project that you might consider?