There are many reasons to like this 1979 Chevrolet Corvette. From its desirable drivetrain combination to its low odometer reading and the long list of factory options, it possesses something that will appeal to almost any taste. However, it is the seller’s decision to list this barn find with No Reserve that might make it irresistible. The new owner could choose to preserve this classic, although a cosmetic restoration should be straightforward if they crave perfection. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in Raymond, Mississippi. Bidding sits at $10,000, and with No Reserve to muddy the water, it is only days away from finding a new home.
The C3 Corvette underwent a few styling changes throughout its life, but one of the more notable occurred in 1978 when Chevrolet introduced a “fastback-style” rear window. This changed the car’s appearance markedly and would remain part of the Corvette package for the duration of the C3’s production run. Code 19 Black was comfortably the most popular paint shade in 1979, with over 19% of buyers ticking that box on the Order Form. This car adds spoilers, cast aluminum wheels, and glass roof panels to the equation to create a striking vehicle. The seller indicates that the ‘Vette has been in dry storage since around 1993, and it doesn’t seem to have suffered from that experience. Accurately assessing the paint condition below the dust is virtually impossible. However, the dust has rubbed away in a couple of spots, revealing a pleasing shine. The other unknown is the state of the frame and birdcage. This is a serious consideration, although the lack of severe corrosion in areas like the engine bay is an encouraging sign.
The first owner wasn’t afraid to let their wallet do the talking when ordering this Corvette. They selected the L82 version of the iconic 350ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and a range of interior options that we will cover shortly. The L82 was the range-topping motor in 1979, delivering 225hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. The Corvette’s performance fell far short of the C3’s glory days, but it was still considered respectable in an era when cars of this type were renowned for converting fuel into noise. The seller claims that this Corvette has a genuine 57,759 miles on its odometer. If its hibernation history is confirmed, that figure seems plausible. It doesn’t run or drive, but the indications are that getting it to that point shouldn’t be difficult.
I mentioned the factory options, and the list is long and full of desirable items. The new owner receives Oyster leather trim, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a rear defogger, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. This was about as good as it got in 1979, allowing this classic to combine respectable performance with a comfortable motoring experience. This Corvette’s interior generally looks quite good. There is slight wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat, but no evidence of tears or abuse. The console sports a few scratches, but the rest of the trim and the carpet should present well following a deep clean.
This 1979 Corvette has attracted seven bids, but with view and Watch List tallies of 194 and thirty-eight respectively, the price is sure to rise as the end draws near. That begs the question of what you might pay to park this classic in your workshop. What I will find more fascinating will be whether the majority of our readers would choose restoration or preservation if they became its new owner. So, it’s over to you for comments.
Fairly high redline on the tach – did these motors have forged rods?
Nope they sure didn’t
1979…………one of the worst years for the Corvette. Knock about 50% off that asking price if you want it.
So far it’s had 7 bids to reach its current level of $10,000, it opened at $7,500.
Steve R
Is your comment based on facts/experience or old wives tales? I purchased a Top Flight 1979 L-82 from a fellow NCRS member and had zero issues with it. I still must be the luckiest Corvette owner in the world. I have owned a 1976, 1979, 1984, and my current 1995, and have never had any issues with any of them. The only common factor is they have all been purchased through the NCRS members-only classified ads. Anyone seriously considering a Corvette purchase who does not join NCRS is asking for trouble, and will probably find it.
Never trust the ‘low mileage’ quotes on these pigs, had a silver ann & cpl others, 80, 82, they ALL had speedo issues, plastic gears I believe it was. Dont know how many clusters had swapped out because of. Luckily ‘Corvette Steve’ in CT should sound familiar to any Vette owner in CT!
Owned numerous C3s in the past. All were L48. Common problem was ignition switch wouldn’t engage unless you dropped the tilt steering down. They were all anemic couldn’t get out of it’s own way. Got rid of the last one after I had my ass handed to me trying to overtake a stock 302 mustang merging onto the freeway.
Good antitheft feature. Could you get a vette this gen w/o tilt wheel?
The GM pellet cat converter & emissions carb not helping – can i assume true dual exhaust(no cat) & a pre-1973 quadrajet would make a very noticeable difference in performance?
I owned this car in California so modifications and tinkering with the engine was forbidden. Off the assembly line it wouldn’t turn the tires on dry pavement and barely on loose gravel or dirt.
I have a 76 Vette in my shop right now did a frame off on this one did a ton of work on it and went through pretty much everything. One thing I will say is the build quality of these cars was incredibly terrible, where the body was glued on I could break off chunks of excess glue on the frame and birdcage where it was wire welded there would 4and 5″ pieces of wire stuck to the welds. It seemed like every shortcut that could be made building the cars was used!
I grenaded one of these junk Mexican motors 1st week I had it. Cam broke at high RPM resulting in multiple holes in the block and oil pan. I pulled it and replaced it with a large journal 327 11:5/1, forged rods, 30-30 cam, 2.02 fuelie heads, aluminum intake and headers. It ran pretty well but, should have replaced the 350 with a big block. Maybe one of these days I will do another swap.
Good reading …
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-general/4225406-why-do-birdcages-rust-so-easily.html
I still can’t believe ANY Vette at least ’72 or older was driven in the rain(let alone salt), or even parked outside in the rain.
I guess even washing/rinsing with a garden hose is an issue.
Too bad the birdcages weren’t made of aluminum or stainless steel. &/or had proper draining capability.
I wonder if a Bricklin’s safety cage is prone to rusting as well.
This would be a nice car to start a sympathetic restoration on. However, at the current 13.1K, I feel it is already above what it is worth, considering it probably hasn’t run in 30+ years.
And who knows what lies under all of that dust. Are there rodents in the Texas Hill Country?
PRA4SNW everything is big in Texas. Rodents the size of beavers mosquitoes the size of dragon flies and gnats the size of butterflies.
I had a 79 and took it to Germany in 1980 (Army) It was so slow it couldn’t get out of its own way. I got embarrassed on the Autobahn. I couldn’t even keep up with a 4 cylinder Ford.
SOLD for 13.1K.