Is $1,000 cheap enough for you to buy this 1979 Chevrolet Corvette? It is located in Reno, Nevada and would probably cost more to ship it to you than it would to buy it. It is a nonrunning car but is said to have a good body. The Corvette was originally equipped with an L82 350 cubic inch and automatic transmission. The odometer is said to read 53,321 miles. The 1979 Corvette was the most popular 3rd generation (C3) Corvette. Production reached a new high with 53,807 sales. Many thanks to Tony Primo for finding this listing.
The base engine in the 1979 Corvette was the L48 designated 350 cubic inch V8 that was rated at 190 hp. The performance upgrade was the L82 350 cubic inch V8 that was rated at 220 hp. This Corvette does not have its original engine but was a L-82 optioned Corvette from the factory. As mentioned, this car is nonrunning due to not having a complete engine and one of the pistons is said to be broken. The car also is missing some other important parts under the hood.
Several options were introduced in 1979 based on the prior year’s Indy 500 pace car. These included the optional glass mirrored T-Tops which cost $365. The car could also be ordered with D80 front and rear spoilers which decreased dragged and actually increased miles per gallon by about 0.5 mpg. This car has neither of these options and looks pretty well used. This car still has its original seats which were high back bucket seats that became standard in 1979 and had better support and side bolsters than in prior years. These seats were also 24 lbs lighter than prior years.
This 1979 Corvette is listed here on Craigslist. As mentioned, the seller is only asking $1,000 or best offer to the first buyer with cash. The Corvette is said to have a clean title. The seller states that the front tires are bad but the rear tires are good. The car rolls so it could be loaded on a trailer. So, the seller discloses that this is a nonrunning, builder. Are you the right buyer to take on this project? Hopefully, it is not purchased by a dreamer and ends up sitting in someones yard.
And now for something completely different! Swap in either a GM LFX 3.6 V6 and six-speed (manual or automatic) out of an ATS/CTS/Camaro (~325HP and ~275 Lb.-Ft. of torque) OR GM LTG 2.0 Turbo 4 and six-speed (manual or automatic) out of an ATS/CTS (~275HP and ~260 Lb.-Ft. of torque). Softer front springs would be needed along with any other mods to accommodate the powertrain swap. Either of these would give better-than-stock power and mileage and be the center of attention at your local event.
There is something to be said for being different – I would personally rather have a unique ride than another of the same as everybody else. However, either of those engines will probably require replacement (or substantial changes to control systems) due to ECM or other electronic obsolescence in a few years.
You’re not wrong at all. OTOH, nothing’s “future-proof”.
Hey Bruce! ! NOTE. This ad was taken down days ago!
Nice write-up, BTW.
I prefer at least 400 cubes & 330 ft lbs torque, no sensors, & simple wiring harnesses, ignition, & fuel delivery.
As a friend used to say, cheap, cheap. Like a little bird.
$1,000.00 ?????? Come on folks, practical jokes are very rarely amusing to anyone but the jokester. If someone actually takes the time to check this ad out about this car out, please update us all.
Already deleted!!!!!!
The ad has been taken down. Wonder why.
Seems silly that someone would even take the time to submit it.
Because it sold.
Why is this so hard to believe? This heap has probably been sitting so long that the owner now is most likely forced to get rid of it.
Seems silly that someone would even take the time to submit it.
It would not be for me that model of
corvette is not my style Its cheap enough that it sold, that is the way to move one fast
I doubt very seriously that it sold. My guess is that the ad was taken down because it was bogus. If someone actually bought it, I’m sure that many of us would love to hear from them.
You already made four comments on a so called crappy car. I guess that why it was submitted and that BarnFinds wrote it up.
Ok, I’m done. At no time did I say, or even give the slightest indication that I thought it was a “crappy car”. I indicated that I believed that the ad was a practical joke due to the price. You could sell that thing in about 10 minutes for at least 5 grand, if not more. I know what Vettes in any condition are worth and if you believe that someone got this one for a grand, good for you.
My theory that it sold because the owner needed it gone is just as valid as your theory that it was a joke.
It’s a theory that I believe, and I don’t have to repeat it a bunch of times. I could care less if you agree with me.
Don’t knock em folks, This 79 was in worse shape 4 years ago than the one pictured, had a great frame and birdcage. Installed a crate ZZ4 engine, 420# ft torque, rebuilt the 350 tranny, strippe 4 layers of paint, new custom interior and glass. I know I will not get what I have in it, but I was 18 when these were new and wanted one so bad. Always wanted to take one and paint it the color I wanted with no spoilers. I think it gives it the C2 look with the back glass. Be creative folks, these are slowly rising in value.
Great work!
C3’s have a great and timeless presence. There is nothing else like them.
Exterior
Sweet looking Vette there, Cooter. Great color.
One of the best l’ve seen. Hit all the areas needed to upgrade the original car. Too bad most of the folks on BF don’t show their cars.
Interior
Interior 2
Rear
Had just dropped the ZZ4 engine inside the bay for fit. Removed and did a frame off resto.
Excellent! Way to go! Thank you for illustrating what can be done. Hopefully you get years of enjoyment, and inspire others along the way.
Someone got a good buy on the subject car- and the seller found it a new home- that’s what I call a win-win. 👍🏻
Cooter, You done good, it came out beautiful, you ought to be proud. When you turn a sows ear into a silk purse you smile with every mile behind the wheel, it’s a keeper for sure,,,,,,, very very nice .
And did you buy it for $1000.00? Didn’t say it couldn’t be a nice car, said nobody bought it for one grand,
There are plenty of deals out there. You have to be the first one there with cash in your hand. Not unbelievable that someone got fed up with this car and let it go for a grand.
That’s right. The unusual thing about this car is that it was advertised. Most good deals sell through word of mouth. Posting an ad for a cheap car should be among the last options, instead try and pass it along to a friend or someone in your social circle. In theory those are people you know and like, that alone is worth first look.
I made the mistake of posting an ad for a car I was selling cheaply rather than letting friends know first and will never do it again. I had people call up and ask if I could hold it for several days until they could fit it in their schedule to come see it, then curse me out when I said it was first come first serve. I also had people no show, others would ask a million questions, want me to take payments or want assurances it would run and drive without any problems and if it did have issues wanted me a warranty it.
Since then, over 20 years ago I’ve never sold a car through an ad and have rarely bought one that was advertised.
Steve R
Have all you guys realized that this dead ad has received more activity than some of the live ads on this forum…damn.
WOW..good evening.
Cooter: You may never get out of it what you’ve put into it, but you have the undying admiration of a whole bunch of C3 fans.
Yeah, that and a empty change jar!
If I am not mistaken, Cooter is also driving a C8. I think he might qualify for “BF King of the Corvette Hill” A tip of the hat to you, sir.
Maybe it didn’t sell during Hot August Nights so he priced it accordingly.
A grand was fair. 5 grand would be insane Charles!
nothing is more expensive that a cheap vette, except if its Italian.
Great start for a track car.