We’ve had this conversation before: collector cars just aren’t selling in the four-digit range any more. In fact, you’ve got to get to $20K or more to get into anything, and even then, you might be in for more work than you thought. Before we get seduced into the line of thought, let’s see what else is out there that’s got cool factor mixed with a decent price. And that’s where cars like this 1978 Chevy Corvette Coupe, seen here on craigslist and priced at $16,500, come in. It’s available for purchase in Everett, PA, and it certainly presents well in photos. Thanks for the tip on this one, Mitchell G.
The Corvette is a dream for many, but oftentimes, we don’t believe it will come true. That’s perhaps when visions of 454-CID monster motors and super-rare versions are dancing around in our heads. But take a car like this one: just under 71K on the odometer, a 350 cubic inch engine purring under the hood, and sharp silver paint, and while it’s not going to win too many drag races, given the smog-era engine it’s saddled with, it will propel you nicely down main street towards your favorite cruising spot.
Sure, there’s stuff about one that we don’t know. Is that paint original? Does what one presumes is factory AC still work? How’s the engine in terms of smoke or knocks? Is that rear spoiler original? It looks outsized in how it sits on the car. Further research indicates that it’s factory, so hold the comments, please. It is what it is. The advantage of this being a 1978 model is that it commemorates the Corvette’s 25th anniversary, with badging to indicate the quarter-century mark. (Note that there were a couple of special editions issued in this 25th year of production, including a pace car replica as the Vette for the first time paced the 500-mile race, but that this car is not one of those.)
The car you get here has had work done to remedy sitting around, including brake work and new hoses. It is said to run, drive, and display beautifully. If you take it to a smog state, like California, you’ll have to test it every two years, a potential headache and expense, but if you can get it in tune and compliant, then you’ll have a car that surely has to go up from its present asking price. Get it for $12 or $14k, and you’re surely to the good.
That rear spoiler is the first thing to go.
I agree with you, Brian, get it for a few grand less and it sounds like a good deal.
The later-in-the-’70s lower rear spoiler integrated into the bumper cover looks better, IMO.
1980 was the first year for that bumper.
imo, one of the best features about the car.. not only rare but functional at speeds for these front heavy machines.. after all, a Corvette is all sculpted for speed.
if the buyer of this vette does remove it, ill buy it $
C3 Corvettes are not “front-heavy” contrary to the popular BF opinion. They are basically equally balanced at close to 50-50 weight distribution. Also contrary to BF accepted “wisdom” the engine does not sit over the front suspension as is stated over and over on these pages. In a C3 the centerline of the engine sits back about 18-20″ from the centerline of the front suspension.
If still in doubt, search the BF archive to March 2023 “Corvette” listings and there are images of a 1967 frame that clearly illustrates where the engine sits. This frame was used throughout C3 production.
The engine is completely behind the front wheel centerline.
welll then, thank yall for the correction .
ive drivin 2 vettes, for pizza delivery actually, a 78 and an 85.
both were a thrill to whip through the neighborhood, tail whips were common, but the 87 Iroc was a better experiance for me; also pizza delivery. i have a BMW with 50/50 and its the best handling car ive ever had.
regardless, a spoiler is a functional addition had high speeds, and for the rareness/coolness factor, i think it should stay on the car.
It is always fun to drive a “Pizza Ship”, right?
Non anniversary models had a much cleaner look. Too bad it is not a 4sp, those were always slick on the C3s. The cloth interiors, if in good shape, are always a plus for me. The thought of sitting on some dead animals hide has never appealed to me, plus hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
I don’t think that any year of C3 came with cloth seats. Just vinyl or leather were available.
I like the vinyl better than leather, easier to care for and never gets that cracked, worn out look. The tan vinyl in my C3 convertible never felt hot, even in direct sunlight and I never sat in the car in the winter since this type of car is no longer driven then.
I bought a 1979 C3 in 2019 to honor a fellow skydiving lady who died in 1992. Her widower parked the car in one of his garages for almost 25 years. I replaced the braking system and tires. Then I drove it for fun only. It had the 350/automatic setup and wouldn’t scare you.
But I did get pulled over by people who wanted to tell me their Corvette stories. Not being a social person, it was awful. (LOL)
I paid $9,500 for the car and sold it to a real Corvette fanatic who was 17 years old a year later.
A few hundred hours of tinkering, lots of brake parts and about $800 worth of tires. I sold it to the kid for exactly $9,000.
I haven’t done the math, but I don’t think that I made much money on the deal.
I previously had a 1958 that I bought when I was 24 years old.
I found out that the magic was gone, but am glad that Zack loves the car and
belongs to a Corvette club. His peers are amazed that he has kept it in almost pristine vintage style.
The 8-track tape player works perfectly too.
He still Emails me with stories and pictures.
I am proud of both of us.
Things change.