The seller of this dusty and forgotten 1982 Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition doesn’t seem to know much about their late father-in-law’s car, as it’s never once mentioned that this is one of the more desirable limited production models. The Collector Editions featured the requisite unique color schemes and wheels, along with an operable rear hatch, the only C3 ever to have this feature from the factory. The seller also includes a photo of a list showcasing all the work done by the late owner, and it seems like a lot of hard work has been done. Find it here on craigslist for $15,000.
Just 6,759 Collector Editions were sold, so it was indeed a limited production model. The rear hatch was a preview of what was to become standard on the forthcoming C4 Corvette, and you’ll notice among the list of repairs made by the seller’s father-in-law that he replaced the gas struts that hold the hatch up. The Collector Edition may have otherwise been a standard C3 underneath, but for some reason, this one always felt a touch more desirable than the pace car tribute produced a few years earlier. The paint looks quite tired on this example, and years spent under a tarp have likely done it no favors.
The seller includes the handwritten list of repairs made by the longtime caretaker, and it’s nothing short of robust. Some of the work done includes: rebuilt 700R4 transmission; rebuilt front suspension; new calipers and master cylinder; new tires; new water pump and belts; new radiator and hoses; new electric fuel pump; new MSD ignition; replaced fuel injection with four-barrel intake and new Quadrajet carb; recovered door panels; replaced all door and glass seals; and replaced seat cushions and covers, among numerous other repairs. It’s a shame the interior isn’t photographed, as it’d be helpful to see if those improvements survived years of outdoor storage.
Wow – the paint is really rough. It makes you wonder how long this Corvette has been sitting outside and whether the repairs made are even still relevant. The seller claims not to know much about the car other than what’s covered on the list, so the presentation overall is lacking. But C3 fans know this to be a special car, and will likely inquire as to what it can be bought for as the current asking price seems fairly high for what amounts to a car that was once loved but will now need a fair amount of work to come back to life. What would you pay for this Collector Edition Corvette?
I don’t know, Jeff, but based on the condition and price, one might think the price was decided on knowing it is a Collector Edition.
There are some rough around the edges collector edition Corvettes that recently sold in the $5,000-$6,500 range, if he’d done his research he’d have started around there. Even that might have been a stretch since some really nice examples, including one with 43,000 mikes and full documentation only sold for $10,000.
Steve R
You know the saying “when the top goes down, the price goes up”. When it comes to CL & FB, “when the cover stays on, the price goes down”.
Located in Summerville, SC
I have an ‘82 Collectors Edition for sale in Leesburg Virginia, a running/driving car in good condition for $9,000.00. Look for it on Craigslist and EBay!
Slick. Sell your car on Barn Finds and save the fee.