Vehicle Description
1979 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Typically, after a celebration, life returns to a comfortable
baseline. Not for Corvette, not this year. We saw in 1977, the
500,000th Corvette roll off production, and in 1978 we celebrated
the Silver Anniversary. This year, in 1979, Corvette sold over
50,000 Corvettes for the first time in history, and 1979 still
holds the record for most Corvettes sold in a year! In addition to
surpassing production numbers, the 1979 Corvette was the first to
sell for over $10,000. The price hike didn't deter Corvette
enthusiasts, as evidenced by the numbers.
For consignment, one of the 50,000 Corvettes produced for the '79
model year. A diamond in the rough if you will, with a numbers
matching drivetrain but in need of some TLC on the interior and
exterior front, this 'Vette is ripe for the picking and ready to be
enjoyed as you turn wrenches and bring her back to her former
glory.
Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by
the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws
to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public
highways in your area.*
Exterior
Gone are any evidence of chrome edges with any bumpers or grille
surrounds. Now the black painted horizontal ribbed grille is
surrounded by black neoprene which flares outward at the fenders
and has hidden headlights just above. These then run into a long
front hood with flanking shark gill vents on either side of the
quarters and a stainless-steel rocker trimming. Body matching black
T tops are in nice condition and remove easily to open the cockpit
up to fresh air and sunshine. Sculpted doors with handles that push
down on top near their sills are truly aerodynamic and look great
as well. The rear greenhouse curved glass melts down into the now
rounded rear of the car, and still maintains the deep-set round
taillights. Dual exhaust tips end underneath the rear bumper and
this car holds the beautiful line it came from the factory with. An
amateur respray of the factory black finish shows with some
inclusions, dry application, scuffs and chipping, particularly on
the neoprene front and rear bumpers. 15-inch slotted deep-dish
wheels add a nice contrast to the black fiberglass which presents
in average condition overall.
Interior
Opening the doors we see smooth stitched red leather covering the
door panels on the uppers, and utilizing red carpeting on the
bottoms. We note some wear and soiling of the door panels and on
the driver's door the armrest has pulled away and the bezel for the
door actuator is loose, a red tape repair is noted on the
passenger's armrest. Faded and age cracked Medium Red leather
buckets flank a matching center console which shows some markings
and wear on the plastic covering. This console makes its way up to
the dash, where climate controls, the gearshift lever, power window
switches, and ashtray are seen. Taking your eye up further into the
dash center, a factory AM/FM radio, and a grouping of essential
gauges monitors the vitals of the car. The speedo and tach cluster
is fronted by the original tilt wheel steering column. On the
passenger's side the appearance of a glove box returns after years
of its absence. Behind the buckets is ample carpeted storage with a
ceiling of curved glass hatchback. Fair condition carpet on red
floods the floor and storage space.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood and we are allowed to gaze upon the blue painted
bowtie block, chrome valve coverings, supple hoses and yellow
ignition wiring throughout. 350 cubes is the displacement of this
numbers matching L48 4 barrel version V8, and a numbers matching
3-speed automatic on back (TH350). This mil is topped off with an
Edelbrock intake and 4bbl carburetor sans air cleaner assembly. The
rear axle weighs in at 3.36 ratio. An acceptable presentation under
the flip forward hood.
Undercarriage
Mimicking the condition of the topside, we note some slight surface
rust but overall, mostly black undercoating which is very clean.
Straight steel for the framing with no issues being seen for the
backbone of this late edition C3. Independent SLA suspension is on
the front and a fully independent frame anchored rear differential
with transverse leaf springs is on the rear, as well as power disc
brakes and power steering. Dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers in
good condition are also installed.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and very smooth idle, and after a warm up it was
off to the test track. Here it has nice smooth acceleration, good
solid braking and excellent handling. The interior, although worn,
is comfortable. A few frowns showed up during our drive, those
being the power locks are currently not working, the headlights
don't rotate up on their own and the driver's door does not open
from the outside, also the belt for the A/C compressor has been
removed.
An airflow fiberglass sculpted body with the powerful 350ci L48
engine. Nicely aged red leather interior, and just a few faults in
the paint, but grab her hand and walk her up to the test track, and
you'll fall in love. Just a few faults that can be buttoned up in
an afternoon of wrenching. The pop off the T top and breathe in
some success when carving through the back roads in your 1979
Corvette.
VIN DECODE
1Z8789S438957
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
87-Coupe
8-350ci V8 L48 4bbl 195hp
9-1979
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
438957-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
K11-June 11th Build
TRIM 722-Medium Red Leather
PNT 19L-Black
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
