UPDATE 05/24/2024: There are times when it seems obvious a seller is motivated to move their classic to a new home ASAP. Such is the case with this 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. Only a few days have passed since this car crossed our desk, but it has reappeared with its price slashed. The seller originally listed at $22,500, but it could now be yours for $20,500 OBO. The rest of the information remains the same, with the Corvette listed here on Craigslist.

05/22/2024: It is inevitable that when a new model lands in a showroom, some paint shades will be significantly more popular than others. This 1982 Corvette perfectly demonstrates that thinking because the color gracing its flanks was chosen by a tiny percentage of buyers. It presents well as an unmolested survivor and is set to find a new home. The seller has listed this classic here on Craigslist in Daytona Beach, Florida. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finders Randy J for the original lead and T.J. for noticing the seller had slashed their price.

It was no secret that the 1982 model year marked the end of the line for Chevrolet’s venerable C3 Corvette. It served the company well, with 542,741 cars driving off the lot during fifteen model years. The 1982 total of 25,407 represented a significant drop compared to previous years and was the lowest tally since 1971. Chevrolet offered buyers a palette of twelve single paint shades and four two-tone combinations. The Silver Beige that graced the Collectors Edition was the most popular choice by a comfortable margin, but this car’s original owner selected Code 56 Gold. It wasn’t the least popular shade, but with only 648 buyers ticking that box, it represented a mere 2.6% of total sales in 1982. There will always be debate about whether such a claim to rarity increases a classic’s desirability, but it is true that some paint shades will impact potential value. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case here. The seller makes bold claims about this car’s condition, describing the paint as a 9.8/10. They say it is almost flawless, and there are no visible issues in the supplied photos. It would be fascinating to know whether an in-person inspection will reveal any problems, but this Corvette seems to make the right noises. The panels are immaculate, and a sheltered existence means it remains rust-free. I see no glass issues, the badges are intact, and the distinctive alloy wheels are free from stains and damage.

If the seller’s description of this Corvette is accurate, they have done themselves no favors with the interior shots. They rate its condition on par with the exterior as a 9.8/10. However, this image seems to show physical damage to the passenger seat leather. I am prepared to accept it is a problem with the photo rather than an issue with the interior. This car is 1-of-1,710 ordered with Saddle leather trim, and it would be fascinating to learn how many buyers teamed this with Gold paint. I suspect that figure would raise the rarity stakes even further. The original stereo has made way for an aftermarket radio/cassette player, but that is the only change. It isn’t heavily optioned by modern standards, but the new owner will slip behind the wheel of a car with air conditioning, power windows, power seats, power mirrors, and a tilt/telescopic wheel.

The C4 Corvette didn’t hit showroom floors until the 1984 model year, but the 1982 Corvette provided the first insight into its mechanical configuration. The car retained the legendary 350ci V8, but Chevrolet fitted it with fuel injection. This wasn’t the same system that saw service in the 1960s, but it was what was termed “Cross-Fire Injection.” It utilized two throttle bodies and a pair of injectors to deliver the mixture to the small-block. The injectors and throttle body sent their charge to cylinders on the opposite bank, hence the name. Also new was the four-speed 700-R4 automatic transmission, which was the only unit Chevrolet offered in 1982. The Cross-Fire improved power and torque slightly over the previous year, although performance figures still fell far short of those produced in the Corvette’s glory days. This car should use 200hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque to cover the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds. That wasn’t fast in 1982, and it certainly isn’t now. The seller recently treated this ‘Vette to a tune-up, replacing the plugs, wires, injectors, valve cover gaskets, alternator, battery, and all fluids. The engine exhales through an upgraded exhaust, and the car rolls on new tires. They say it runs and drives perfectly and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

This 1982 Corvette is a tidy survivor with no apparent needs. It also demonstrates why buyers must do their homework before committing the funds to a classic purchase. If you believe Hagerty, the seller’s price is very optimistic. However, NADA suggests their figure is in the ballpark. Investigating recent successful sales results is enlightening because they provide a “real world” insight. They indicate the price is realistic and might actually be slightly below expectations for a classic of this caliber. It hasn’t been on the market for long, but do you think it will find a new home?