1977 Chevrolet Corvette C3 L-82

Highlights

One owner for the last 40 years!
Appealing 200bhp L-82 and manual gearbox specification
New engine and ancillaries fitted in 2020 and sparing use since
Meticulous handwritten history file covering last 40 years
Just two registered keepers since 1981
MOT to April 2025 with no advisories
Well maintained L-82 with scope for cosmetic improvement

The Appeal

The C3 Corvette, America’s sports car, was often specified by buyers in a way that was more cruising than sporting. Not here. This ‘77 Vette has the more powerful 200bhp L-82 350CI motor and a rare manual box.

Alongside that appealing specification is a history file quite unlike any we have seen in recent times. There are pages and pages of close-written, very detailed notes recording every single instance of maintenance and improvement dating back to 1986. Recent highlights include a new engine in May 2020 together with ancillaries like fuel and water pumps and starter motor. Since then the current keeper has carefully checked and attended to minor running issues. This is a car that has clearly been loved and poured over and was the deceased current keeper’s daily driver.

It arrived here in 1981 and has had just two keepers since. The history file and long, advisory-free MOT point to a fine-running car. The bodywork is presentable with scope to improve it, which may be a worthwhile investment considering the history file. But no doubt with a car as stylish and sporting as this, such details can wait.

The History and Paperwork

VIN records confirm this car was built in early 1977 with the L-82 engine
Imported to the UK on 1st May 1981
Current keeper for last 40 years who sadly recently died
He was a Vincent classic V-twin restorer and used it daily
DVLA records engine capacity as 5.3litres but this car appears to have a L-82 5.7L engine
Two registered keepers since arriving here
Thick and carefully organised history file of old MOTs, invoices and tax discs
Handwritten and carefully annotated maintenance notes dating to January 1986
Notable recent work includes new 350CI crate engine replacement in May 2020
Engine ancillaries including water and fuel pumps and starter motor also replaced
Original matching numbers L82 is on a frame and included in sale
Alternator replaced in September 2020
Some spare belts included
Old registration document
V5C in current keeper’s name
Good MOT history with regular use since 2006
Current MOT to 22nd April 2025 with no advisories and 19,136 miles showing
Now showing 19,143 miles

The Condition

Finished in factory correct Classic White (10) with Smoke Grey (152) leather interior
Paintwork shows signs of use and age but is presentable from a distance
There are various marks in photographs including sills, nose cone and wings
Bodywork appears well kept with straight panels and no obvious fibreglass deterioration
Exterior chromework is complete but shows some areas of tarnish
Fitted with factory correct deep diosh chromed alloy wheels in fair condition
BF Goodrich tyres appears in good order with no MOT advisories for tyres
Underside presents well with some evidence of remedial work
No structural advisories on latest MOT test
Leather interior appears to be original and unmodified including period radio cassette
Removable targa roof panels operate correctly with no leaks or sealing issues reported
Cabin includes factory leather trimmed, alloy-spoked wheel
All dials and switchgear appear to work correctly including auxiliary console dials
Black carpets with overmats are presentable showing some wear

The Mechanics

Factory fitted with a 350CI 5.7litre L-82 200bhp V8 engine
4spd manual gearbox
There are indications that the gearbox has recently been attended to
New GM 350CI crate engine fitted in May 2020
Little used since installation noted in MOTs
Original matching numbers L82 motor included in sale
C3 brake caliper issue resolved by fitting stainless sleeved calipers and O-ring seals
Very well maintained car with fastidious history file dating back to 1986
No reported running or driving issues to advise
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

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