The 1978 Corvette demonstrated how dramatically buyer tastes had changed during a quarter-century of production. When the first C1 cars rolled off the line, potential buyers lamented that Chevrolet offered its new sports car without a manual transmission option. By the time our feature car emerged, over 82% of buyers voluntarily chose the self-shifting path. That statistic alone increases this manual-equipped example’s desirability, while the original owner’s decision to order it with the L82 version of the iconic small-block seals the deal. This stunning survivor needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. Frantic bidding action has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $14,000.

Chevrolet offered 1978 Corvette buyers a choice of ten paint shades and a pair of two-tone combinations. The most striking of these was the Black and Silver, which graced the panels of the Pace Car Replicas. The Silver and Gray Silver Anniversary option was considered by many as more classy and subtle. That brings us to a fascinating statistic: With so many paint colors from which to choose, it is incredible that the Pace Car and Silver Anniversary combinations accounted for over 46% of total sales in 1978. The other end of the spectrum belonged to Corvette Yellow, chosen by under 3% of buyers. This ‘Vette presents beautifully, with the supplied photos revealing no evidence of significant flaws in the panels or paint. The shine is deep, and the spotless factory wheels accentuate the car’s positive impression. The glass, including the removable roof panels, is flawless, as are the badges. The seller doesn’t mention rust issues with the frame or birdcage, with the lack of visible corrosion in other areas suggesting the ‘Vette is as solid as the day its original owner took delivery.

By 1978, the Corvette was no longer the fire-breathing beast it had been at the decade’s start. It was no longer a hard-edged sports car but was viewed by many as a comfortable grand tourer. However, some performance credentials were still available for buyers ticking the right boxes on their Order Forms. That is the case with our feature car. The original owner selected the range-topping L82 version of the 350ci V8, backing the small-block with a four-speed manual transmission. Power assistance for the steering and brakes had become standard equipment the previous year, guaranteeing an effortless driving experience. The L82 added $525 to the Corvette’s sticker price, which was a considerable sum in 1978. However, it didn’t prevent 12,739 buyers from handing over the extra cash in search of improved performance. Tightening emission regulations may have strangled this motor to the point where the driver had 220hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal, but this classic would have covered the ¼-mile in 15.8 seconds. The seller indicates this car has 38,500 miles on the clock, but not whether they hold verifying evidence confirming the reading is original. They state that the Corvette runs and drives perfectly, with the engine feeling strong and the transmission shifting smoothly. The new owner receives desirable documentation with their purchase, including the original Window Sticker, Owner’s Manual, Warranty Book, and other unspecified paperwork.

Life inside this Corvette is unlikely to be uncomfortable because the original owner selected a few desirable extras when ordering this classic. Occupants sink into bucket seats wrapped in stunning and supple Red leather. If the wind-in-the-hair experience provided by the removable roof panels is unappealing, the ice-cold air conditioning may be more to their taste. The windows and locks benefit from power operation. The driver can tailor their position by adjusting the tilt/telescopic wheel, while the AM/FM stereo radio/tape player should relieve boredom on long journeys. The interior presentation is on par with the exterior. There are no signs of wear or damage and no aftermarket additions. The leather features the typical accumulated creases that are a hallmark of that material, but that is as close as I can get to criticizing any aspect of the interior. I wouldn’t call it showroom-fresh, but its condition is above average.

Later versions of the C3 Corvette are becoming heroes of the current classic market. Buyers spent decades ignoring them as they focused on the early examples. However, a new generation of enthusiasts sees cars like this 1978 Silver Anniversary model as an affordable entry point into the world of classic ownership. With values climbing, it is typical for spotless low-mileage examples to consistently sell for around $25,000. The thirty-five bids submitted on this car confirm that people like what they see, and I’ll be unsurprised if the action intensifies before the hammer falls. What do you think the final price will be, and are you willing to pay it?