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

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