Vehicle Description
1979 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
In 1979, Corvette was in its 26th year and third generation. It was
just the second year of the fastback glass, a feature that would
have enduring appeal. Fun fact: more Corvettes were produced in
1979 than any other year at 53,807, (the 2023 C8 came close with
53,785). Most other years averaged 20,000 less cars! A redesign was
coming in 1980, so the '79 represents a pivotal time in Corvette
lore as the C4 was looming just a few years away.
For consignment, a "little red Corvette" with a cloak on. More on
that later, for now, feast your eyes on a pampered holdover from
1979. With some recent work and modern touches that render it an
excellent driver that would be more than welcome at cruise nights,
cars and coffee, and car shows. But if you don't like crowds, take
the T's off and enjoy a mountain road or coastal highway, it's the
perfect ride!
Note: 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
Our car is not "bathed" in Dead Red Metallic...it's wrapped! Yes,
the joys of vinyl mean you can have any color you want, and this
metallic maroon is just the ticket! It's glossy and clean and
provides a more uniform palette than original paint might. It's not
perfect as we note some bubbles, some "less than smooth" areas such
as the cowl hood, and a peeling edge on the underside of the car.
Beyond that, standard classic Vette here with the L82 badge on the
raised hood indicating 350 cubes under it, the crossed flag emblems
where they belong. The epic quad light tail, and the flush, chrome
door actuators that never cease to impress us. The windows are
tinted and we think it enhances the overall look of the car and the
stock wheels are a great design that was used for several
years.
Interior
Appropriately deemed Oyster by Chevrolet, the off-white interior
really pops with the dark exterior. The doors have mixed materials
and include a checkered cloth insert that matches the seats. The
door actuator, power lock switch, and armrest are on the door
located here as well, that's nifty! The cloth seats are of the
design that is a holdover from the 1978 Pace Car edition and look
great. The padded steering wheel is thick and soft to the touch and
directs the eyes to the square instrument cluster that houses the
speedometer and tach. The center stack contains an airplane-like
cluster with five gauges, (including a new clock), then an
aftermarket AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth radio below along with the A/C
controls. An old-school alarm touchpad is attached to the dash and
adds some 80's flair. The center console houses the chrome-knobbed
shifter, and the H-pattern diagram for reference is to the side.
The parking brake lever is parked under the armrest. Our consignor
states a new gray carpet has been installed and indeed it is in
great shape and extends into the storage area behind the seats.
Drivetrain
The original 350ci V8 is accounted for and gets its go-juice via a
single 4-barrel carburetor, (Corvette would transition to fuel
injection in 1981), and is rated at 225 horsepower. The
transmission is also original and is the Muncie M20 4-speed manual
which sends power to the rear axle and 3.70 positraction. The
consignor states the radiator and fan are new. Power disc brakes
are found front and rear.
Undercarriage
Overall, the underside is in very nice condition. Some typical
surface rust on the usual spots; driveshaft, suspension parts,
frame, and clamps, but nothing structural or worrisome. Dual
exhaust flows to Magnaflow mufflers and no catalytic converter is
present. Independent front suspension softened by coil springs
while the rear has a multi-link independent suspension with tubular
axle drive shafts, transverse strut rods, torque control arms and
transverse leaf springs.
Drivability
Melt into the low seats and buckle in and suddenly you're in a
fighter jet. It's a great space that makes a Corvette just a bit
more special than your average car. A turn of the key and the 350
fired up with a roar. Into first gear we go, then gently row the
gears and the car responds well with good acceleration. That
elaborate suspension helps alleviate bumps and bounces over
imperfections in the road. I mean, it's no Lincoln Continental but
the 255/60/15's stay planted, and a pleasurable ride ensues.
Braking is good and after a quick loop, we came in for a
landing.
C3 Corvettes represent a few things: the continuation of America's
sports car, a fun ride with a reliable V8, good looks that still
turn heads, and a relatively affordable way to enter the classic
car hobby. This is a solid example with a great drivetrain,
interior and wrapped fiberglass body. The fact that it's a T-top
car is a bonus! Buckle up, Iceman, this ride awaits!
1Z8749S422295
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
87-Coupe
4-350ci V8 L82 4bbl 225hp
9-1979
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
422295-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
C08-October 8th Build
TRIM 12C-Oyster Cloth
PAINT 72L-Red
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
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