BF Auction: 1982 Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition

• Seller: Leisa B ridle (Contact)
• Location: Hudson, Ohio
• Mileage: 61,000 Shown
• Chassis #: 1G1AY0780C5109941
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 350 cui Cross-Fire Injection V8
• Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic

This 1982 Chevrolet Corvette is an extremely tidy driver, featuring touches reserved for the company’s Collector Edition. The current owner performed a significant amount of recent work, ensuring that the winning bidder can slip behind the wheel of a turnkey classic. It has no needs and is ideal for anyone seeking a “plug and play” C3 to park in their garage. If you harbor those ambitions, this could be your lucky day, as the owner has listed the Corvette exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

With C3 production halting at the end of 1982, Chevrolet sought a fitting way to bid a fond farewell to a vehicle that had been a staple of its model range since 1968. It released the Collector Edition, which proved popular with potential customers. The package brought unique Silver Beige paint, graduated side graphics between the wheel arches, removable T-Top panels with solar screening, and alloy wheels paying homage to the iconic “knock-off” wheels from the 1960s. However, the biggest change, which provided an insight into what buyers could expect from the upcoming C4, was the glass rear hatch. This Collector Edition presents extremely well, with no major cosmetic issues. The paint retains an extremely healthy shine, and the graphics are crisp. The panels are free from cracks or other issues, and the gaps are tight and consistent. There is no rust to spoil the ownership experience, and the wheels are excellent. The glass is clear, and the owner recently repaired the headlight doors, ensuring that they operate correctly.

Chevrolet lavished plenty of attention on the interior when developing the Collector Edition. Unique leather trim was the starting point, with all cars receiving air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a rear defogger, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic wheel, and cruise control. This car’s original stereo has been replaced by a more modern Sony CD player, which appears to be the only addition. The overall appearance is consistent with a cherished survivor that has been treated respectfully. Perhaps the most impressive aspect is the lack of wear on the seats’ outer edges. The bolsters are particularly prone to this sort of deterioration, but this car’s seats look supple and inviting. The carpet is clean, and there is no evidence of broken plastic.

Chevrolet adopted a “one size fits all” approach to the 1982 Corvette’s mechanical specifications. All buyers received a 5.7-liter Cross-Fire Injection V8, the newly introduced four-speed 700-R4 automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The Cross-Fire Injection provided a power boost over the previous year’s offering, with the company quoting power and torque figures of 200hp and 285 ft/lbs. This Collector Edition retains its original drivetrain but has received plenty of recent work. The owner had it treated with a new battery and alternator. She serviced the brakes, engine, and transmission. The image gallery includes invoices confirming the work and the owner’s investment. Potential bidders can consider this Corvette a turnkey proposition.

The C3 Corvette evolved during its production run. Initially pitched as a hard-edged, uncompromising sports car, the 1982 Collector Edition reinforced the fact that it had morphed into an extremely comfortable and well-appointed Grand Tourer. This Collector Edition is a wonderful survivor that will provide the winning bidder with immediate motoring pleasure. It presents extremely well for its age and is still capable of turning heads decades after it left the line. There is something undeniably attractive about purchasing a classic that is effectively the last of the breed, which is the opportunity offered by this Collector Edition. Therefore, if a tidy C3 Corvette has been on your radar, scrolling through the image gallery demonstrates why submitting a bid makes perfect sense.

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