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
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.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
