Rarity is a relative term in the classic world, and you must sometimes dig below the surface to confirm whether such claims are valid. That is the case with this 1978 Corvette, which the seller claims is a rare Red Silver Anniversary Edition. The fact is that every Corvette produced during that year carried Silver Anniversary identification on the nose badge and fuel cap, and 15,283 cars were ordered wearing the distinctive Silver Anniversary paint. However, this Corvette is rarer than those, as we will see shortly. It is a tidy and solid driver needing a new home, with the seller listing the Corvette here on Craigslist in Las Vegas, Nevada. The seller set their price at $15,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting it.
With 1978 marking the 25th year of Corvette production, every car rolling off the line wore badges denoting the milestone. While 15,283 buyers selected the commemorative paint scheme, only 2,074 ticked the box beside Corvette Red on the Order Form. That represents a take-up rate of around 4.4%, with only Yellow, Light Beige, and Dark Brown cars finding fewer buyers. That makes this car relatively rare, but I don’t believe it will significantly impact its potential value. This is a dry climate classic, making the solid nature of its frame and birdcage unsurprising. The lack of UV damage on the paint suggests it has been sheltered from the blazing sun when not prowling the streets. The seller indicates there are a few marks and chips, but nothing shows in the supplied photos. With no issues with the glass, trim, or chrome Rally wheels, this Corvette appears to be a tidy driver with no pressing needs.
Ordering a ’78 Corvette in Red brought a choice of four interior trim shades, with this car’s original owner selecting Red leather. I would class the overall condition and presentation as above average for a vehicle of this type and age, with only the odd fit of the glove compartment door as an issue requiring investigation. The leather and other upholstered surfaces are free from problems, and there is no evidence of the sun exacting a high toll on anything inside this classic. The factory radio has made way for a more modern unit, but that appears to be the only modification. It is unsurprising that the original owner ordered this car with air conditioning, considering its location. The new owner also receives power windows, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic wheel, and cruise control.
Lifting the hood reveals a mystery with this Corvette. The seller doesn’t describe it as numbers-matching, and the stickers on the valve covers suggest it has received another engine at some point. We find what the seller claims is the L82 version of the 350ci V8, but I’m not sold on that. The small-block doesn’t carry the dual snorkel air cleaner that was an integral part of the package, and the intake also looks wrong. However, if we assume it is all that is claimed, the motor should deliver 220hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. The seller states the car runs and drives like a dream and has been appropriately maintained. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 28,000 miles, but there is no mention of evidence that would confirm its originality. However, it is a turnkey proposition that the new owner could enjoy immediately.
This 1978 Corvette presents well and could be ideal for an enthusiast seeking a classic that provides immediate enjoyment. The question marks hanging over the engine specifications and odometer reading deserve further investigation. I always advise an in-person inspection by potential buyers or a knowledgeable representative because a classic car represents a significant investment, and getting it wrong can sour the ownership experience. I’m not suggesting anything untoward in this case, but an inspection will provide peace of mind. What are your thoughts on this Corvette?
A nice example, as per motor if it was ever replaced, that sticker leads me to say a gm replacement. Correct me if wrong but in the 70’s throught the 80’s didn’t gm advertise a target master 350 that was a new service replacement motor, that sticker reminds me of that. Whom ever did it did a nice job.
These are finally grabbing traction as classics, especially pre – 1980 models, when the nose was extended, but those are also starting to climb in value. I restored a 79 to my liking which included a ZZ4 crate engine and the color I’ve always wanted on one of these, which wasn’t a color GM offered. I also have an unrestored 77 with a new crate engine but needs restored. I may place it here in a couple of months. The Govt regulations choked the life out of these, and all other vehicles built during that time. But with a few extra bucks and a good engine guy could be cured back then. They’re good cars but got a bad label mostly because of that.
All true statements and somehow GM managed to sell almost 47,000 1978 Corvettes.
The seats covers look new, as do the door cards, but why does the steering wheel leather cover look so ratty? This car may not have the original motor because it appears that a “Target Master” occupies that space. I also believe that the original engines were painted GM blue in 1978. There is no evidence that this car is an L-82 anyway. I would need to see documentation supporting the 28K mile claim, I suspect 128K. I read the CL ad and it sounds like the seller is swinging for the fences. All things considered, this could be a pretty nice driver, and for around $14k I don’t think you could lose money. Be prepared to spend more money though.
I meant to say is that you should be prepared to spend more money on this car AFTER the purchase.
L-82 engines had finned, aluminum valve covers, and aluminium intake manifold, and the service parts label inside the rear compartment door lid should show L82 option on it. Engine ID code should be CMR. 3.70 rear axle ratio.
There’s red and a whole lot of it! Appears nice in the pics. An inspection is in order. This is when Corvette and F-car sales took off. 1978 was a peak sales year and the competition simply wasn’t there anymore.
I think 1979 was the peak for C3 sales.
All L-82 engines had the L-82 letter/numbers on both sides of the hood.
I want this… and I don’t care for red!!
Need an expert to verify its legitimacy…