Vehicle Description
This 1979 Chevrolet Corvette gets a lot of things right. Maybe it's
because Classic White Corvettes are always in fashion, or maybe
it's those desirable T-tops, but this Sting Ray perfectly captures
the feel of the era. It also packs its original, numbers-matching
350 L48 V8 engine and a handsome red leather interior, so if you're
looking for a starter Corvette, it'll be hard to do better than
this for less money.
Looking at the trim tag, it says this C3 was originally Code 10
Classic White, and that's exactly the suit of clothes that this
Corvette wears today. It's covered in what is likely an older,
factory-correct respray that presents well today, and while there
are signs of use and age, the car still has a ton of charisma. Look
at the way the light dances over those swooping fenders and tell me
again that this is not a great color that just oozes sophistication
when applied on a classic. Look a little closer and you'll see that
the fiberglass underneath is in good order. Panel fit is just about
how the factory would do it, very good but not perfect, and the car
has an overall look that's quite honest. This is not a show car, of
course, but there's a reason it's priced the way it is, leaving you
room to take it up a notch and still come out ahead on the other
end. Not many Corvettes offer such a choice, let alone Corvettes
with this much curb appeal.
Code 722 Red leather was the recommended interior choice with Code
10 paint, and the leather seats in this car are in such great shape
they appear to have been reupholstered at some point. The
workmanship is quite good and the bright red look is very appealing
when you open the door. The seats are supported by very nice
original door panels and plush carpets tie the whole interior
together, while the factory dash is free of cracks or blemishes: a
feat in and of itself. Factory gauges still look good with crisp,
bright white markings on their faces, visible through a steering
wheel with leather that's very grippy and shows zero wear and tear.
Options include R134a A/C (although it does need a charge), power
windows and locks, and a tilt/telescopic wheel. The only major
deviation from stock inside is the modern JVC
AM/FM/CD/AUX/Satellite stereo head unit in the dash and speakers
behind the seats. T-tops mean open air motoring is always an
option, and both tops will stow easily in the compartment behind
the seats where they have their own seatbelts to hold them safely
in place.
The wonder that is the small block Chevy V8 provides power, this
time in matching-numbers L48 guise and making 195 horsepower. Of
course, more power is just a few phone calls and internet clicks
away, but even in completely stock form, the engine has great
torque and moves the 'Vette with ease and a great V8 burble.
Reliability like this is unparalleled in any other 2-seat sports
car, and the tidy engine bay suggests that this '79 has always been
someone's toy, not a daily driver. Not overly detailed for show, it
has nonetheless been maintained and used gently, with newer
components like the HEI ignition, alternator, and even the power
brake system leading the way. Underneath, it's quite clean, showing
signs of use but no cause for worry. 4-wheel discs, power steering,
and a limited slip differential were standard equipment, and the
TH350 3-speed automatic was the most popular transmission option
that year, and this one was very recently serviced with fresh fluid
and a new filter. It starts quickly, idles right, drives well, and
you'll probably find that you feel comfortable behind the wheel
almost instantly. An H-pipe dual exhaust system feed factory
replacement mufflers and provide a great soundtrack that you'll
instantly fall in love with. Bright Rally wheels always look right,
with these wearing fat 225/70/15 General white-letter radials that
really fill the fenders nicely and complete the period look.
If your tastes run to fuelies and split-windows, but your budget
says otherwise, this 1979 Corvette gets you into the game at a very
reasonable price. Call today!