The demise of the big-block option at the end of the 1974 model year left Corvette buyers with only one choice if they craved better-than-average performance. Ticking the box beside the L82 option boosted engine power, which proved to be a popular choice when this 1979 example rolled off the line. The seller claims that is what occupies this engine bay, and it will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on that question. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Corvette listed here on Craigslist in Denver, Colorado. They set their price at $19,510 for a classic that appears to be a tidy survivor.
I have always believed that there is no better way to photograph a C3 Corvette than from a low angle. That approach captures its swooping lines at their best and is the choice made by the seller in this case. They admit that its Dark Brown Metallic paint isn’t perfect, with it and the contrasting Gold pinstripe exhibiting marks and blemishes. However, if viewed purely as a survivor-grade vehicle, its condition is comfortably acceptable. The fiberglass exhibits no evidence of distress, while the underside shots confirm that there is no frame rust to spoil the ownership experience. The Rally wheels look excellent, and the glass is clear.
The first owner splashed a few dollars inside this Corvette, equipping it with Light Beige leather trim and power windows. They passed on other desirable features like air conditioning and a tilt/telescopic wheel, but life should still be pleasant in their absence. This interior isn’t pristine but, as with the exterior, its condition is acceptable if viewed from a driver-grade perspective. The seller confirms there is a small leather rip that may be a candidate for a blind patch, and the steering column is scratched around the ignition switch, but the rest of the interior is tidy and free from evidence of abuse and UV damage. The wheel wears a wrap, and the original radio has made way for an aftermarket stereo.
The standard 350ci V8 that occupied the engine bays of most Corvettes produced in 1979 delivered 195hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque. The optional L82 increased power to 225hp, but the torque figure dropped marginally to 270 ft/lbs. However, it still provided a performance boost that was instantly apparent when the driver pressed the “loud” pedal. The first owner wished to slip behind the vehicle that offered an effortless motoring experience, selecting to equip this classic with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. This brings us to a point worth pondering. The seller states in the listing heading that this engine is an L82, but it doesn’t rate a further mention in the text or inspection documentation. It is missing the correct air cleaner and valve covers, but these may have been swapped out when the other cosmetic enhancements were installed. In the absence of a VIN, it will take an in-person inspection to confirm the truth. However, this Corvette runs and drives well, and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
It is undeniable that by the time this Corvette rolled off the line in 1979, the badge was no longer attached to a firebreathing beast. The L82 small-block improved the situation, but buyers would wait years before Chevrolet produced a version of its iconic sports car that could match a C3 with a big-block under the hood. The seller claims that this car features a genuine L82, and it may be that the cosmetic additions have disguised it effectively. Only an in-person inspection will unearth the truth, but are you attracted enough to take that next step?
There are better late-70’s C3 Corvette’s for less money. The carb, intake, air cleaner and valve covers have all been replaced with aftermarket parts. It’s more likely the car came with AC, which was removed than not coming with it from the factory.like stated in the write up the seller doesn’t show the VIN or mention if it’s matching numbers. I’d keep looking until something else came along, for $19,510 that shouldn’t be too hard.
Steve R
The under hood photo is poorly lit but the shiny metal tube with a crimped on rubber hose in the left of the photo is an A/C line, pretty sure it’s attached to a rotary style compressor but the photo is too dark to make it out. While the car doesn’t look too bad as a survivor, the air cleaner with a 327 sticker says someone doesn’t know or care about how silly it looks. I wouldn’t put white walls on but thats easy to remedy.
Good from afar….. Engine appears to be missing most emission controls and A/C compressor. These engines were low compression, so just adding intake, carb and chrome stuff does not improve performance. Fairly nice interior, But wrong colour armrests, steering wheel cover likely hiding problems, ripped seat, and cheap aftermarket stereo.
The underbody appears freshly painted, so may be hiding problems. Tires look nice, but may be old.
’79s are just not particularly valuable or collectible. This looks like a well-detailed $10K-$12K used car. I totally agree with Steve R, there are lots of better C3s around for less $.
Steve R is correct. Market flooded with C3s. This one had stupid mods and that air cleaner label. Yuck. I sold a very good 73 driver with a total mechanical restoration for far less than they are asking here.
Looks like it has the 7” wide wheels which were not available on a 79 I believe.
I agree. I wouldn’t pay the asking price for this car, but it is a far cry better than the ’79 L82 that was featured here a few days ago. That one is an EBay auction and it is up to $13.1K now.
So, buyers are willing to pay up for these cars, wise decision or not.
I would forget about this one just because of those ridiculous
white wall tires on a 79 corvette. Give me a break.
Have u ever seen whitewalls on a t/a? They were offered for only a few months on ’73 models & there was even a red 1 with such tires at the Chicago auto show back then.
327??? LOL! It also looks outright weird with whitewalls. I know that was common on the very early C3s but I do not believe they were even available by ’79,
The fifth digit in the vin will show a “4” if this car is an L-82, and then you will have to check the block stamp to be sure it has the “born with” motor. Even if this is an L-82, the auto trans brings down the value. The suitcase on the firewall indicates that the car has A/C, although the compressor is missing. I would pass on this one, the price is too high and the car appears to be cobbled together.
That thing is about $10K over priced. To start with the seller claims it’s an L-82, but from blowing up the pictures it looks like the “L-82” on the hood is a sticker or decal. Real L-82’s came with a chrome emblem with red painted inserts. Besides the air cleaner, valve covers and missing AC compressor, it has an Edelbrock intake, some sort of aftermarket carb (from looking at the fuel line), chrome timing cover, chrome alternator, other chrome dress up items and is the missing shielding and other parts. Even if it is (or was) an L-82, there’s not much L-82 left of it. The seat backs, arm rests and door escutcheons should all be interior color. The center cluster has been cut up for a DIN radio and the clock’s been replaced with some other gauge.
As others have said, there are plenty of nicer cars out there for less money.
The A/C is missing. This was an original A/C car.
I agree with nearly all of the previous comments about this, (except the negativity about the whitewalls. I’m not a fan of whitewalls but I think that they kind of work on this car) Any way, just the automatic decreases its value quite a bit and the misc. changes/ additions don’t do it any favors. I wouldn’t pay anything close to the asking price even if it were 4 speed.