Vehicle Description
1979 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
"On June 3, 1978, just prior to the Corvette's '79 model year
introduction, the car's icon status was committed to celluloid in
Corvette Summer. The movie featured Star Wars hero Mark Hamill, but
its real star was a custom C3 Stingray modified by Hollywood car
builder George Barris. Whether Corvette Summer helped propel Vette
sales for the upcoming '79 model year is still a point of
contention among enthusiasts. Nonetheless, the film left a lasting
impression on many children and adults of the '70s, many of whom
fell in love with the car for the very first time, thanks to the
movie." From Motortrend, Aug. 2009
For consignment, a 1979 Chevrolet Corvette coupe showing 42,740
miles on the odometer but the true mileage is unknown. This car has
been owned by the consignor for 14 years and wears Classic White
with a red pinstripe. The '79 is noteworthy because more Corvettes
were produced in 1979 than any other year at 53,807, the 2023 C8
came close with 53,785.
Exterior
The shape is unmistakable. With its long shark-like nose, rounded
and sloping rear window, short, rounded tail, fender vents and
coke-bottle curves, it can only be a Corvette. The windshield rakes
rearward, a trajectory matched by the shoulder line and door
handles which face towards the sky, flush with the fiberglass body.
The red and gray lines on the white body accentuate the curves,
pronouncing the rising fenders like white dunes over 15-inch Ansen
slot wheels with raised lettering on 70 series tires. In back, a
rounded fascia houses the Vette's iconic quad tail light setup with
reverse lights occupying the center of the inside lights, while
black bumperette flanks the license plate box above chrome exhaust
tips that point to the ground. Imperfections include chipping paint
on the nose piece and on the body just behind it, some curb rash on
a wheel, and other minor chips.
Interior
Smooth and bright red vinyl greets occupants on the door panels
that also include a carpeted lower insert, all in great shape. From
there, it's butt in first to the leather sport buckets, a lovely
mix of red tones and stitched panels with side support and a tall
back, showing minimal patina. A big red O exists in the form of a 3
spoke steering wheel that leads to a typical for the era simple
instrument panel where speed and tach take center stage,
complemented by the aircraft like configuration of gauges in the
center stack, five all together, over a more modern AM/FM/CD unit
and A/C controls. Chipped black paint on the ashtray is pretty
typical for this generation Vette, and lives just ahead of the
round ball shifter, moved through positions via a thumb button.
Plush red carpet covers the floor and cargo areas and has not
suffered too badly from fading as the red is prone to do. It's in
good shape here and overall, we have a nice, clean interior.
Drivetrain
Pull that hood forward and we find a driver quality but clean 350ci
V8, rated at 185 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. A
TH 350 3-speed automatic transmission is behind it and sends power
to the rear wheels which are 3.36 gears with Positraction. The need
for speed is tempered by power disc brakes on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath where most of the metals are oxidized but
intact. Surface rust is also present in usual spots and a bit of
oil appears on the pan, flywheel cover, and a coating on the
transmission pan. Dual exhaust runs through MagnaFlow mufflers
before exiting through chrome tips out back. Independent SLA coil
spring suspension is on front and in the back is a fully
independent suspension with a transverse leaf spring.
Drive-Ability
The enveloping seats and reclined posture instantly make you feel
like an Indy racer, and the growl of the 350 sounds more like
NASCAR. In true Vette fashion, it has excellent grip and handling
and while not blistering fast, being this close to the ground makes
it feel quicker than it is. During our jaunt around the test loop
we find the following items not working. Also the tachometer, the
A/C, the power locks, the clock did not work, and the right
headlight won't rotate up. All other functions worked as expected.
While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were
working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these
functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
This generation Corvette still affords the opportunity to get into
a classic sports car without breaking the bank. Timeless lines, the
pedigreed brand, and a heart racing red interior makes this car one
to consider. Take off those T-tops for some extra fun as the breeze
blows through the cabin at wide open throttle! Corvette summer?
Absolutely. But add spring and fall and you have a three season
E-ticket ride that will still turn heads!
1Z8789S453453
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
87-Coupe
8-350ci V8, 195hp
9-1979
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
453453-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
H25-May 25th
TRIM 722-Medium Red Leather
PAINT 10L-Classic White
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
