Well, we will have to include this ad in the “bad pictures” file as the seller did not include any pictures of the entire car from the passenger side or the driver side. What we can tell, is this is a red on red 1979 Chevrolet Corvette with an L48 350 cubic inch V8 engine and 4-speed transmission. The car is stated to have only 39,343 miles on the odometer. The car is listed here on Craigslist for $20,000 and is listed in Wichita, Kansas. We appreciate Ikey Heyman for bringing this car to our attention so we can share it with you.
Although the seller excludes pictures of the engine compartment, he or she does do a good job of emphasizing the low mileage on this car. Here is a picture of the odometer and the car does look pretty clean on the inside. I own a 1979 red Corvette with an L82 engine, automatic transmission and 23,000 miles. The factory carpet and the condition of the dash and console are encouraging signs that this car might be a low mileage Corvette.
The red leather seats have a lot of creases in them. The seat covers on my Corvette have been replaced so it is hard to tell if this is original but none of the seams or stitching in the seats look bad or worn. I always find it interesting that somebody would order the lower horsepower L48 350 cubic inch V8 engine with a 4-speed transmission. The L48 engine was the base motor that was rated at 190 horsepower. The optional L82 engine was the high output engine available in 1979 and produced 225 horsepower.
The exterior of the car looks stock except for the red paint in the slots of the factory aluminum wheels. The black wall tires also make the car look a little understated. This car was not highly optioned and came with the solid rood T-tops instead of the glass T-top option. I believe that is also has the base suspension and not the optional gymkhana suspension. I am not a fan of the white pinstripes either but to each his own.
I agree the 4 speed with the l48 never made sense. Every 4 speed should have been had the L82 engine. It got worse in 1980 when the 4 speed wasn’t available behind the L82 only the L48 got the 4 speed. The pace car spoilers greatly improve the looks of the 78-79 Corvette’s but this one appears to be nice. If you wanted a 79 corvette in 1979 and for what ever reason couldn’t get one here’s your chance.
Hey Barn Finds! Two things:
1) Give Ikey Heyman free lifetime membership.
2) Nobody’s business except the person who ordered the car and PAID for the car why it has an automatic/L48 combination.
It’s a 4 speed.
I was half-right and full grouchy this morning. Get off the lawn! Lesson learned- Never comment before having coffee. Sincere apologies.
It is a 4 speed blow interior picture up
I hope the seller is willing to deal several thousand off his asking price.
Yes it’s nice, but 20K can buy a lot of Corvette elsewhere.
I had a original 79 corvette L82 automatic. Corvette Beige 43,000 miles Hounds tooth interior. I sold it for $10,500 this past June.
Either I sold it for a lot less than I should have or he is selling this for a lot more than it is worth. Either way 20k can get you a nice 71-72
Hope he gets it it will help the C3 values
And I agree put Ikey H on the payroll 👍
This is a real nice $12K Corvette. Big auctions are full of these and most go under $17K all in and better optioned. .
Why the lower hp motor? Maybe the owner was a regular gas guy, or wanted lower insurance premiums?
Would like to know the brand & tire size on there. Seems very high profile
Good candidate for an engine swap. Numbers matching is meaningless in malaise era cars.
Here is a benchmark on 1979 Corvette pricing courtesy of the NCRS website classifieds- Same car, multiple Top Flights plus additional NCRS Awards, 6,700 miles. $22,000.