Regarding the C3 era of the Chevrolet Corvette, many of the later examples typically don’t receive as much fanfare as the sixties and early 70s examples. However, that’s not to say those from near the end of the run don’t have plenty to offer, plus they tend to be more affordable than some of their earlier counterparts. This 1979 Corvette could stand some work, but with an asking price of just $3,500, it seems a genuine bargain in the marketplace.
The later C3 cars can easily be distinguished by the fastback rear window, which was introduced for the 1978 model. T-Tops remained standard, with real glass components becoming an option, although this one’s got the body-painted standard panels. Red remained a popular color at the end of the seventies decade, and while the paint here has faded, the fiberglass itself appears to still be in decent condition and complete. I’m guessing with some prep work and a respray, this Corvette would look a lot better outside and turn quite a few heads without breaking your bank account.
With the low asking price, I was expecting to find the base L48 engine, but the bang for your buck continues under the hood as this one’s equipped with the optional L82, which was making 225 horsepower in ’79. The seller doesn’t go into a lot of details regarding the drivetrain, but he does list the car’s mileage at 114,000 plus provides a short video with the motor running, which sounds healthy and has a nice rumble out the back. 1979 was the final year a manual could be had with the L82, which would have been fun to find here, but the transmission is automatic.
Inside, the radio has been removed and the carpets could use replacing, but things still look pretty decent overall in there. The seller also mentions that new weather stripping will be included for the doors and T-Tops. For $3,500, I’m not finding very much here to complain about, and if you’re ready to make this one yours, the ‘Vette is located in Aumsville, Oregon, and can be spotted here on Facebook. Is this 1979 Chevrolet Corvette as good of a deal as I’m perceiving?
This a great buy for a running classic entry level for someone getting started. These are beginning to climb in value. They got a bad name for being power choked with emissions, but what car didn’t back then? It wasn’t the car’s fault and you can beef these to 300 plus ponies on a minimal budget. I went overboard and totally restored a 79 to a resto mod. Will never get what I have invested but don’t really care. Was in high school when these were new and wanted a 78 or 79 so badly. I always said one day I’ll get one and fix it up the way I want. Completed it in 3 years after locating it.
I will say it again. The malaise era talk is more myth than not. 225 net is easily 300 gross when the exhaust is opened up and timing set for 91+ octane fuel. In other words, basically what you would have had to have and do to a circa 1970 engine to meet their gross numbers. The L-82 was also a more refined LT-1 with hydraulic lifters and better low end torque.
This car is a steal at $3500
It also looks knee deep in rubber too (decent tires). This is a bargain. It probably has a few gremlins not mentioned, but it is a Chevrolet and could be fixed easily.
…. or you could spend $3500 on a ’71 cuda grille.
If that listing is legit, it is truly a great bargain.
Is that the same red/orange as ’74 Pontiac Buccaneer “red”?
Click on the Craigslist link and it takes you to Facebook? Not a bad deal for the price.
I’ve said this many times before, C-1 through C-6 should not be an automatic, but if this ad is for real, this is a great buy for someone wanting to get into a driver grade Vette. I need this thing like I need a hole in the head, but as my daughter lives just outside Aumsville, I am pretty tempted to have her go take a peek at it.
Listing is completely removed from FB Marketplace – most likely a scam.
I knew it was too good to be true.