If you have your heart set on owning a C3 Corvette and are struggling to locate an affordable project candidate, this 1982 example might be worth a close look. The seller is candid about its condition, supplying an excellent selection of images. They describe it as either a project or a parts candidate. It would need plenty of TLC to recapture its former glory, but with No Reserve in play, somebody could score this tired ‘Vette for a bargain basement price. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Jacksonville, Florida. The bidding sits at a mere $1,901, following strong interest, and with No Reserve in play, this Corvette is only days away from finding a new home.
Chevrolet was marking time by 1982, limiting updates to its C3 Corvette as its replacement waited in the wings. The most significant change hid below the surface, with no notable updates to the car’s appearance. The first owner ordered this ‘Vette in the Code 24/26 combination of Silver Blue and Dark Blue. Leaving the distinctive Collector Edition out of the equation, the fact that 1,667 buyers selected this combination made it the most popular of the four two-tone finishes available during that model year. “Tired” is the best way to describe this car’s appearance, with significant paint deterioration. However, the panels look pretty respectable, and the lack of interior moisture damage suggests that the seals for the glass roof panels are in good order. The seller supplies a wide range of images in their listing, with those of the underside showing heavy surface corrosion on the frame. There is no evidence of steel penetration, but treating the problem before it deteriorates would be wise. The state of the birdcage is unknown, which might prompt some potential buyers to consider an in-person inspection.
Chevrolet continued to bolt its iconic 5.7-liter V8 under the hood of the Corvette in 1982, but this marks the most significant change for that model year. Forget carburetors because the company added Cross Fire Injection to the mix. Opinions vary on the Cross Fire system, but it indicated that Chevrolet was taking steps to recover some of the small-block’s performance that was lost to tighter emission regulations. The other major change was the retirement of the previous bullet-proof Turbo Hydramatic transmission, with its place taken by a four-speed 700-R4 unit. The engine upgrades improved the motor’s power and torque figures, although the changes weren’t significant. However, the transmission managed to achieve the goals of improving the Corvette’s acceleration and open-road cruising abilities. The information provided by the seller is sparse, leaving us with no information regarding this car’s mechanical health. It is unclear whether the vehicle runs or drives, but it is almost guaranteed that the winning bidder will take it home on a trailer.
This Corvette’s interior is as tired as its exterior, needing a long list of replacement parts to present at its best. Everything required is readily available, and it will be a matter of how much the buyer is willing to spend that will determine how extensive the restoration is. The shopping list will include seatcovers, a carpet set, a dashpad, and a wheel. There will undoubtedly be more to add to the list, but a deep clean would be the first port of call to minimize the chances of purchasing unnecessary items. The first owner equipped the interior nicely, selecting air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, power mirrors, a tilt wheel, and cruise control. The factory radio has made way for a Kenwood radio/cassette player, which appears to be the only obvious addition.
Project or parts? That is the big question hanging over the future of this 1982 Corvette. The heavy frame corrosion would need attention to prevent further deterioration, meaning that any restoration would need to follow a frame-off approach to ensure that there were no future issues. The interior is begging for love, and the paint is well beyond its best. However, the listing statistics suggest that this classic has struck a chord with potential buyers. It has received twenty-three bids, and with listing view and Watch List tallies of over 600 and 80, respectively, it seems that people might be willing to roll the dice. It is guaranteed to find a new home in a few days, but what do you think the future holds for this tired classic?
There is absolutely nothing to entice anyone into buying that car.
Unless there is money to be made
A Collector Edition maybe and even there. To much to spend v/s the return on investment
Amazing what 59000 miles of neglect can do. It’s sad but it’s a money pit. A total respray is about 4 to 5 g’s to start with. The insides has to be redone and altough the aftermarket can cater easilly to that and maybe GM has still some tidbits here and there. Does it start, is the engine seized a/c probably is. One could find a beautiful example for less than the money its would take to get this one back on the road. Sorry not for me
This would be a wonderful Corvette once restored. That said, like others have mentioned it would be a money pit for certain. It would require just about everything. After fixing everything you’d be in the hole for about double its worth. Might be worth it to someone who can do all of the work themselves.
I suppose my question would be how did it get to that point of complete neglect, their nothing special,but could have been a fun car to ride around in,just looks like it needs a complete restoration,not worth it
With the plethora of decent drivers out there, I think this one is too far gone. Up here in southern Ontario, nice drivers are in the $9-11k range. (That’s in Canadian funds too!!)
Once again the wheels and perhaps the T-tops are the only parts worth the time and trouble.
The car was in a flood. The juice is not worth the squeeze.
I smell possible water damage here.
Sold 4/8/2025 for a high bid of $5,100.
Steve R