After about 1972, Corvettes have a tendency to get lost in the shuffle. Their renowned power wasn’t too renowned anymore as it trended downwards and the styling became more generic. The ‘Vette experienced stronger than ever sales success but it lacked the panache of earlier years. After the big block 454 engine was dropped from the Corvette line-up at the end of ’74, the two-seater still had a trick up its sleeve in terms of the L82 engine – more on that to follow. And low and behold, here is a 1979 example just so equipped. It is located in Front Royal, Virginia, and available here on craigslist for $4,000. Thanks to Rocco B. for this tip!
The arrival of the 1978 25th anniversary edition Corvette spelled the end of its iconic, tunneled rear window design that was introduced in ’68. It was replaced with a large panoramic, curved rear window that would continue through the end of the C3 run in 1982. This 1979 model marked the return to the more traditional Corvette badging following the use of the one-year-only 25th-anniversary version that had proceeded it. Beyond that, the ’79 edition was largely unchanged from the ’78.
Corvettes, of any era, are generally not found in fields, so this example’s parking choice was intriguing. And it’s not in too bad a condition. The seller does not elaborate on the Chevy’s disposition but the dark green finish has held up rather well and the body appears to be free of fiberglass seam cracks, dislodged panels, or scraped/warped spoilers. And speaking of dark green, this finish has a bit of a blue over-hue which may be what the seller means by the “Blue Pearl” reference. It does not resemble the ’79 Corvette swatch for dark green. At the least, the tailpiece has been repainted as the block-shaped bumperettes are green and not black; hard to say about the rest of the finish. The glass t-top panels have significant cracks and the seller has included detailed images. Of note are the optional aluminum alloy wheels, the traditional 15″x8″ Corvette rally wheel was still the standard in 1979.
Moving inside is a bit of an eye-opener. I’m not sure what those seat covers are all about but I don’t think I would want to park my tuchus on either of them. The seller states that the interior needs cosmetic work so I imagine job #1 is probably with the seats and what lies underneath. Beyond that, there are the standard issues like a cracked dash pad, worn door cards, and faded/worn-out carpet. The instrument panel is not in bad shape but the cheap aftermarket cassette deck detracts from the “Corvette” theme. In reality, the Corvette interior theme had retreated a few years back. The color interior color hue pretty well matches the exterior greenie-blue.
Under the hood, and unfortunately, not photographed, is a 225 net HP, 350 CI V8 engine known as option L82. At least that’s what the hood badge claims, the VIN holds the truth but the VIN provided is not an actual Corvette VIN code. Anyway, the engine is what sets this Corvette apart from lesser models. The standard L48 350 CI engine was good for 195 net HP so the L82 provides a 30 net HP bump. But the difference in HP is just skin deep as the L82 has considerably more going for it inside. This optional engine was introduced in 1973 as a replacement for the vaunted, solid lifter, Holley carburetor equipped LT-1 motor of ’70-’72. Chevrolet’s claim at the time was that they couldn’t get the LT-1 to function properly with the newly mandated EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculator) valve so they had to back up a bit and go with an iron intake manifold, Quadrajet equipped version of the 350 to get Federal emissions certification. True? I don’t know but that was the story going around in late ’72. The L82 motor optionally powered Corvettes from ’73 until ’80 and was the standard powerplant in the ’73 and ’74 Camaro Z28. The additional power was gleaned by a higher compression ratio, larger valves, a more aggressive camshaft profile, and a different ignition curve. But inside, the L82 featured four-bolt main bearing caps, a forged steel crankshaft, and impact extruded aluminum pistons, all things not present on the standard L48 engine. This motor was truly more than just a ginned-up, standard 350 V8. The seller claims that his 112K mile ‘Vette is a “strong driver.” Behind the L82 is a three-speed, Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission; too bad it’s not a four-speed manual, they were starting to become rarer by ’79 and really enhanced the driving experience.
On the surface, this Corvette seems reasonable at its list price. The ’78 25th anniversary models have seen an improvement in values as of late but the other late C3’s still lag a bit. This example seems pretty together, and the L82 engine is always a draw but a thorough inspection would still be warranted. So, what do you think, perhaps a good buy?
These rust like crazy, the kick panel by drivers left foot is looking like a swamp creature and thats a well known spot to check the birdcage for rust
Contributing factor to the HUGE door to body gap at the back end? Could be……
I agree. It’s a parts car. There’s nothing left of the frame.
This is a 78 Corvette.
1979 Corvette has black trim around the back window.
1979 Corvette has black rocker panels the panels that run from the front wheel to the rear wheel parallel to the door.
I see this all in Chrome that means it’s a 1978 and if the numbers don’t match well we know where that goes from there.
Makes me wonder if the designers of the Monte Carlo/Grand Prix Aerocoupes didn’t study this rear window design. 1968-up Corvettes experienced the same rear end lift as the Dodge Charger but because they never raced on the high banks the issue never surfaced.
What? Rear-end lift? The biggest problem with 1968/69 Corvettes was front-end lift. Zora Duntov said that at speeds over 130 the car wanted to fly.
These cars never did 130 and even if I’d did ,you would be luckey to be alive !
The L82 was a low compression version of the L46 and not the LT1. Raising the compression of a L82 immediately gave you 350 crank hp (about 300’ish SAE net)
randys:
True in technical design but the L46 was dropped after 1970.
From a marketing perspective, and what I stated, was that the introduction of the L82 in ’73 was a replacement for the LT-1 option from ’72.
JO
If, and I mean if the birdcage checks out, and the suspension isn’t toast after 112,000 miles,- and now parked in the dirt, myself who is not a Chevy guy by any means, but loves the Disco era Vettes, i had a 1980 for a short time, would throw an LS motor in this, cause it’s not crossing the line, and would never put one in anything else but a Chevy, and do a color change interior and exterior, it needs both already, but that’s me
1. At that point youd be underwater by alot.
No reputable.shop wants to paint my c3 for anything bellow 10-14grand.
2.an LS swap in these requires a lot of work, not only the typical fuel system stuff but the rear diff in these is one of a kind and by 79 they were slapping it haphazardly. My suffered a catastrophic failure without sticky tires (255 eagle gt2) and a mild small block (9.6 CR bulid on the stock shortblock).
3. The biggest upgrade for these cars is a tranny swap to 200r4 (direct fit- bolton) deep first and second plus OD).
4. But thats beyond point- any C3 thats stored outside like this one (look at the junk in the background) is rusted out.
5. At this price its NOT a great deal IDK why would you even bother, these late c3 go for 4 grand with valid tags/registration not some “long term outdoor storage” swamp donkey
Assuming for a moment that the birdcage isn’t toast like some believe, I’d take it in a heartbeat at that price. If it is rusted, well ……
This is a horrible price for an out door storage 79. A lot nicer cars out there at this price, just join some c3 groups and forums
I wonder it they would sell the bath towels on the seats……
Those appear to be “sheepskin” covers… Rare, Very Rare! (sarc)