The late C3 Corvette represents a bargain today. Where else are you going to get better looks and more performance potential for less? These cars are hard to beat and that’s why I ended up with this one. As I’ve mentioned before, we have a new website in the works so my cars are being sold to help finance the project. It’s currently listed here on eBay with no reserve and only a few days to go!
There were only two engine options available in ’79. Both were 350 V8s, but the L82 put out about 30 more horsepower. That may not sound like a lot, but it was a 15% jump over the base engine! You can spot the L82 specific finned valve covers in that very clean engine bay. The a/c compressor will need to be replaced if you want cool air, but other than that, this thing pulls hard and is ready to enjoy.
Here’s the main reason I sold my white Corvette to buy this one. Most of these were automatics, so the 4-speed caught my eye. The manual transmission does make the driving experience much more thrilling. As mentioned in the eBay listing, I wanted to rebuild the shifter to make gear shifts a little slicker. Some new window switches and a steering wheel dye job were also on the to-do list.
This one has the options that mattered most to me – L82, 4-speed, and those cool looking pace car spoilers! We couldn’t find any evidence of crash damage and besides some touchup, the paint appears to be original. The underside is solid with no signs of rust either. Overall, this is a very nice car that I’m sure will make its next owner very happy. I still believe these are undervalued for what they are. Let’s just hope the new site is worth letting this beauty go!
I’d argue that, when you can find one, the 1980 California models represent the very best value C3s. Not because they’re good, mind you. They’re objectively the very worst, most gutless, Corvettes ever made, with their 180hp 305. They’re the best because they’re the cheapest and there’s no reason to keep them stock, meaning they’re prefect for that LS swap, especially given that they were all fully loaded with leather, AC, telescoping wheel, and lighter weight suspension that included the new for ‘80 aluminum D44 IRS and fiberglas rear leaf.
Maybe, but with true dual exhaust and a few other tweaks on this one you could increase the horsepower quite a bit without too much expense or effort. That’s the route I was going to take.
I know a lot of people wanna go real fast but I find this car very appealing esp for the price.mildly modified it would be very enjoyable for an old motor head like me that isn’t interested in getting crazy in a car anymore
My oldest brother had a 75 Stingray. When it came time to rebuild the weak suck L48 350 got a set of 461 casting # “camel hump” heads, comp 268 cam, flat top .030 pistons, Edelbrock Performer, revurved HEI and a few tweaks to the original Q-jet carb. (The “ram horn” exhaust manifolds stayed.) I would be willing to bet that power output nearly doubled!
As a owner of a 1971 model, these later cars have grown on me over the years. This one is great…color, interior, spoilers, 4 speed, L-82. Couldn’t ask for much more.
It’s a good looking car but one thing still bothers me. I honestly don’t remember a manual tranny being available in this one via the factory. IIRC they used to call it a 4 speed automatic, and yes I did see the shift pattern on the console.
Not to say it’s not oem, but I wonder if it’s someone doing a tranny swap into it.
I owned a white 79 Vette with the L82 engine and 4-speed. It’s factory. I also have a friend that owns a black L82 and 4-speed.
And I owned a silver 79, dark blue leather with L-82, Optional 4-speed, FE-7 suspension package, true dual exhaust, no cat converter or smog system (Although I kept all of that crap). For that era, that car got up and goed!
I forgot about the 25,000 ORIGINAL MILES (LOL!) and no air conditioning.
You could get a manual and I guarantee that’s how this one left the factory. They didn’t make a lot of them though and that’s why it’s neat to find one so equipped.
Pretty sure that Manual Trans was no longer available with L82 after ‘79.
1980 was last year fir L82 but auto only.
‘81 & 82 were one engine & auto only.
Used to have every Verte engine size, HP & torque as well as major options & styling changes memorized from 1953 through mid-80’s.
As my mom used to say, “just imagine if you put that memory to use for something productive…..”
i bought a 1981 4-speed car in 81 last year for standards in c3 body 82s all autos
Order a ’79 just like this from the factory. To this day, it remains the worst car out of 55+ that I’ve owned. It was so bad, it put me off domestics for 26 years.
Always get a kick out of the “I had a bad one” stories. I had a bad girlfriend once but I didn’t wait 26 years before trying my next one.
Thanks for making me laugh :) good one!!
@ Ike “Always get a kick out of the “I had a bad one” stories. I had a bad girlfriend once but I didn’t wait 26 years before trying my next one.”
Thanks for a good laugh :) made me LOL good one
Now that’s funny
L82 4 speed was indeed available in 79 and 80.I get a kick out of the anemic performance reports.0-60 in 7,top speed about 140,excellent handling on smooth roads,great brakes even by modern standards.Killer looks,getting better everyday now,this would have been jaw dropping in a sea of 911’s in Europe in the 80’s.Wouldn’t look too bad today either.
https://www.caranddriver.com/archives/1979-chevrolet-corvette-road-test-review
After selling my ’70, I thought I was done with C3s, but if I were to go back, one like this is what I would want.
I had been restoring a 74 for the last 7 years but I always liked the rear window of the 78/79. I decided at the start of this year to buy a going 78 or 79 and I found a very original 79 L82 4 speed in great mechanical condition, excellent interior and worn paintwork. Its very presentable but it will get a freshen up next year. I simply love driving it, its no speed demon but it makes the right sounds and looks so cool in my opinion. I parted out the 74. From the black book numbers 4 speed cars were of a very low production number and to find one here in Australia was even better.
a twin to one I had in 1980 but mine had black leather interior
I thought the L82 came with a 4 speed also. Vette facts shows only L48’s available with a manual.
http://www.vettefacts.com/C3/1979.aspx
Vette Facts is dead wrong. There were 9 engine options in 1979, Vette Facts only lists 7. ZBA was the L82 4 speed standard, ZBB was the L82 3 speed automatic. Source: The Genuine Crvette Black Book. Also, I own a matching numbers 1979 L82 with a 4 speed manual transmission.
Thanks Al!
Hey Jesse, sad you are selling this rig to get the new site going. She is a great ride! Black 4 speed in great shape. As we all know, there is so much to make these cars hammer if you need more performance. Hopefully when the new site shows up you will be able to replace her. Take care and looking forward to see what you cats have shaking in the future, Mike.
It is going towards a new site. The auction ends soon and it looks like someone might get a bargain!
From what I gather 1979s are the hardest ones to find, look for your self, I bet if you started looking ,you would find way more 1978s than 79s, more corvette for youre dollar,