INTRODUCTION: I just purchased this Corvette from a trusted,
knowledgeable collector I've known for many years. He bought it in
1998 with 61,000 actual miles, still wearing its original paint. He
treated it to a complete body-on restoration, including rebuilding
the engine and transmission. Today, it has just 72,000 miles. This
is a real sweetheart of a Corvette. It presents beautifully, and
once you get behind the wheel, you'll appreciate just how well it
drives!
EXTERIOR: The body is exceptionally clean, straight, and
beautifully fitted. The previous owner is a professional body man
who owned his own business and recently retired. When he purchased
this Corvette in 1998, it was still wearing its original paint, and
he believes it to be a no-hit body. He personally restored and
painted the car in 1999, using single stage Ermine White, its
original color. The paint was polished smooth as glass, and
remarkably, it still looks like it was just done! It has a
beautiful, deep gloss with only a few imperfections you'd have to
look for. The body panels fit very nicely, the doors shut
beautifully, and the headlights open and close properly. It
features the big block bulge hood, giving it that unmistakable
Corvette attitude. The owner went the extra mile during the
restoration, using many genuine GM NOS parts rather than
reproductions. In fact, the bumpers still have their GM stickers on
the back! The chrome looks fantastic, including the bumpers,
emblems, bezels, dual bowtie mirrors, door handles, gas cap, and
taillights. The stainless trim was sent out and professionally
polished. It also has the correct power antenna. The white
convertible top was replaced and is in excellent condition. The
windshield and weatherstrips were replaced. It's rolling on
Goodyear tires with spinner hubcaps, completing that classic
Corvette look.
INTERIOR: Wow, this interior looks practically brand new! Sitting
inside, the vibrant red upholstery really pops, and all the
sparkling chrome gives it an incredibly crisp, fresh appearance.
Everything is exceptionally clean, tidy, and beautifully detailed.
The seats have firm, supportive cushions with pristine upholstery.
The door panels look like new, including the window cranks and
hardware. The dash pads are mint, and all the knobs, switches, and
original radio sparkle. The gauges were restored and the clock has
been upgraded with a quartz movement. Fresh red carpeting extends
front to back, protected by reproduction black floor mats. The
center console is NOS and features the correct chrome shifter.
There's also a removable center armrest with a convenient cup
holder. It has red seat belts and an upgraded genuine wood steering
wheel that looks fantastic. Even the glove box door is beautiful,
and inside is a fresh liner. The interior lights are working
throughout.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: Very clean, tidy, and authentic in appearance.
It features a 396 big block motor that was completely rebuilt
approximately 12,000 miles ago. The rebuild included a reground
crankshaft, .030-over bore, and a slightly hotter camshaft,
producing an estimated 370 horsepower. It's dressed to resemble the
425-horsepower version with the high-performance aluminum intake,
orange valve covers, black air cleaner, and factory style ignition
shielding. The Holley carburetor was recently replaced, and the
alternator is new. Everything looks fresh, proper, and well
maintained, including the clutch fan, shroud, radiator, voltage
regulator, and surrounding components.
UNDERSIDE: The previous owner purposely chose a body-on-frame
restoration to preserve the car's factory integrity. Sometimes
taking a car completely apart can compromise what the factory got
right, and this Corvette already drove amazingly well. The
suspension bushings were in excellent condition then and still are
today. This was the first year Corvette offered disc brakes and
they came at all four wheels. The entire system was rebuilt with
new rotors and calipers featuring stainless steel sleeves for long
lasting reliability. The emergency brake is hooked up and
functional. The dual exhaust remains in excellent condition, with
the correct polished tips exiting through the rear valance. Looking
up at the motor, it's clean, dry, and finished in Chevy Orange,
with heat wrap protecting the starter. The original Muncie
four-speed transmission was professionally rebuilt, and the clutch
was replaced. Out back is its original 3.36 Positraction rear end,
which has been serviced. The frame is rock solid, and the
fiberglass floors are clean, undamaged, and painted black for a
tidy presentation. Even the spare tire carrier is still in
place.
SERVICE: We take pride in our cars and our reputation. Every
vehicle goes through our service department where it is inspected,
test driven, and we address the essentials before offering it for
sale.
CONCLUSION: This is a Corvette that's going to treat its next owner
very well, just as it has treated its previous owner for the past
27 years. Beautifully maintained, exceptionally well-sorted, and an
absolute pleasure to drive. It's a car you can be proud to own and
confident to enjoy!
Vehicles are displayed in a museum setting. Admission applies
without an appointment and is refunded with purchase, including a
one-year museum membership.
815-385-3644 (9-5 Central)
[email protected] - Prompt responses
Power steering
4 wheel disc brakes
3.36 posi
Deluxe wheel
Reproduction mats
Center armrest
Quartz clock
Power antenna
