1979 Chevrolet Corvette C3
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
• Matching numbers car
• 5.7L L82 V8 engine
• Interior in overall good condition
• All lights converted to UK spec
THE BACKGROUND
An iconic american sports car the Chevrolet Corvette, also known as the 'Vette is a two-door, two-passenger sports car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet across more than 60 years of production and eight design generations. The Corvette serves as Chevrolet's halo vehicle and is widely noted for its performance and distinctive plastic either fiberglass or composite bodywork.
This version is the third generation ‘’C3’’ and even though some chassis components and engines were carried over from the previous model the C3 was completely redesigned inside and out. The car was available as a convertible or coupe with the coupe available with removable roof panels called T-Tops.
Concealed headlights helped with its enduring, sleek appearance alongside flush door handles. In 1978 a few design tweaks were added such as a fastback rear window was added alongside silver nose and fuel door emblems to celebrate the models 25th anniversary.
A shade was also installed to add a cover to the rear cargo compartment and to the front dash aircraft styled centre console and gauge cluster. The C3 sold spectacularly well, with just shy of 54,000 produced for 1979 alone.
THE HISTORY
Not much is known about the car, all we know is that until a recent recomission in 2020 in Buffalo, New York this car was off the road in storage and had been since the early 90’s. It was imported to the UK in February 2021 where it has been registered and converted to meet UK requirements.
The seller was told that the vehicle was low ownership and has original mileage but unfortunately no paperwork from the US is available to back this up, it does however have matching numbers and has had recent work carried out in the UK.
THE PAPERWORK
Paperwork and invoices for all the work carried out in the UK can be included as well as the Haynes workshop manual.
THE EXTERIOR
The Corvette C3 features a fibreglass body, this vehicle was originally silver but as part of its refurbishment in the states it was painted two tone black and silver with red pinstripe, it looks great especially with the american racing alloys.
Condition wise, it's worth pointing out that the paint isn’t perfect, the closer you look the more you see that might require attention. There’s a few areas where the paint seems a bit rough or it's starting to bubble (such as on the driver's side arch). Overall, there’s no signs of big damage or issues.
The car comes with 2 sets of "T tops" one pair are the original solid tops and the other are glass T tops. The spare pair are in their own storage bags.
THE INTERIOR
There’s prominently red trim inside this C3, with carpets, seats and steering wheel all sharing the same colour, the black clusters and centre console help break it up though. You get such a 70’s vibe sitting inside the car.
Inside is all in good order, there’s only a few age related marks here and there, the most obvious being on the glovebox. A good clean with the primary focus of that clean on the leather seats is all that's truly required.
THE MECHANICS
The L82 V8 sounded mighty, started with no hesitation and roared comfortably as the car was moved around. According to the current owner in 2020 it had the braking system renewed including new brake calipers, brake pads and discs all round. It also had a new fuel tank and carb rebuild. The car passed a New York inspection certificate in 2020.
When the car arrived in the UK the car's headlights were converted to UK spec. Also modified the lighting system to UK specification, such as indicators. In addition, the fuel pump was replaced and new hoses along with new KYB shock absorbers were fitted all round. The power steering system was leaking
when it arrived and it has now had all new hoses and the ram / operating valves have been replaced. It has also been fully serviced since arriving in the UK.
It is mot and tax exempt being a 1979 model and runs and drives well. Everything works as it should but the gauges can be a bit unreliable
THE APPEAL
You get a lot of car for your money, this is a superb looking american sports car with a 5.7L V8 that makes all the right noises.
There is some room for improvement, mainly paint but it’s minor, the car is a great starting point with recent servicing, brakes and UK conversion so if required this car can be enjoyed from the get go.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1979
- Make Chevrolet
- Model Corvette
- Colour Black & Silver
- Odometer 59,746 Miles
- Engine size 5700
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Somerset
- Country United Kingdom
8
bids
from 6
bidders
- cl•••• £11,250 06/09/21
- co•••• £11,000 04/09/21
- au•••• £10,750 04/09/21
- co•••• £10,500 31/08/21
- CB•••• £10,000 30/08/21
- Pe•••• £6,750 30/08/21
- CB•••• £6,000 30/08/21
- ba•••• £4,999 30/08/21
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.