Two words. Sometimes, that is all it takes to ignite excitement when a classic hits the market. Such is the case with this 1979 Chevrolet Corvette. It presents nicely and has a low odometer reading. It has recently emerged from an estate and has been meticulously maintained. However, the seller’s decision to list it with No Reserve has helped it attract twenty-two bids since it hit the market here on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio. That action has pushed the price to $6,700 with plenty of time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim.
Chevrolet effectively marked time in 1979, blessing the Corvette with only a few minor upgrades. The spoiler package that featured on the previous year’s Indy Pace Car addition became an option and was chosen by 6,853 customers. This ’79 isn’t one of those cars, but it is a tidy survivor. The Code 72 Red found on our featured car ranked fourth among the ten available paint shades Chevrolet offered that year, with 12.5% of buyers ticking that box. The seller listed this classic to settle an enthusiast’s estate, and is candid about the overall condition. They state that close inspection will reveal small nicks and touch-ups, but that the overall presentation is pretty sharp. Who am I to argue? The paint shines richly, and there are no apparent fiberglass issues. The garage-kept car’s underside is equally clean, suggesting an absence of frame rust or other problems. The glass is clear and, if I’m honest, I prefer the Rally wheels fitted to this ‘Vette, rather than the optional aluminum items.
The first owner didn’t load this Corvette’s interior with factory options, but they chose enough to make life particularly pleasant. They include ice-cold air conditioning, Red leather trim, power windows, and power locks. The leather looks remarkably good for its age. Some of the seat edges are becoming dark, but there is no wear or evidence of developing holes. The carpet is equally impressive, showing no signs of fading. The dash and console are excellent, and the CD stereo is the only visible addition. Maybe this interior isn’t perfect, but it sure ticks the boxes for those seeking an exceptionally tidy driver-grade classic.
Powering this Corvette is the iconic 350ci V8. The small-block produced a factory-claimed 195hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque when this classic left the line. The first owner guaranteed a relaxed driving experience, teaming this motor with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The images reveal a range of cosmetic enhancements beneath the hood, as well as headers and an upgraded distributor. The seller doesn’t claim the car is numbers-matching, but states it has a genuine 65,000 miles on the clock and was meticulously maintained by its late owner. The Corvette runs and drives perfectly, ready for summer fun with the winning bidder behind the wheel.
The bidding action on this 1979 Chevrolet Corvette has been pretty intense, but it only tells part of the story. The Watch List tally of eighty-five confirms that people like what they see, and many may be hovering to strike in the auction’s closing moments. That begs the question of the ultimate sale price. What would you be willing to pay for this classic? More importantly, are you tempted to join what could fast become a bidding war?
That red on red looks great. It may not be a fire breathing beast, but I bet it’s a pleasure to drive.
Seller has withdrawn the listing.
Probably a stolen listing. I like 79s, especially red on red, but it is a boring L48 automatic with cheap junk atop the engine. The original dual snorkel air cleaner was far more efficient. Those round air cleaners are totally useless for air flow. Good C3s are getting harder to find with each passing day as rust takes over and cheap interior parts wear and crumble. Too bad it isn’t an L82 with a four speed.