A Corvette with a really bold and period-appropriate look
Fully restored in 2013 and benefitting from a number of improvements and upgrades
UK registered and ready to drive away and enjoy
The Appeal
The Corvette C3 became the third iteration of Chevrolet sports car when it first hit the roads in 1968. Although the car carried through the “Stingray” nomenclature initially, it was dropped again in 1976 for the C3 and wouldn’t reappear again until 2014 with the arrival of the C7. Most of the C3’s predecessor’s underpinnings were initially carried forward into the new car. The C3 continued to be significantly refined and developed throughout its 14-year production cycle, however.
Our example was imported from the USA in 2012 before undergoing a thorough restoration and refurbishment in 2013. During this process all aspects of the car were addressed resulting in the fully operation and very eye-catching example we have here today. Fully UK registered and ready for use.
The History and Paperwork
This Corvette was built in 1979 in St Louis, Missouri
Little else is known of its early life until it was imported to the UK in 2012
The car then underwent a restoration in 2013
The current owner acquired the car in 2018
The car has been dry stored in the current owner’s tenure
The paperwork archive includes the V5 in the name of the owner
The Corvette is understood to be registered as a historic vehicle
As such it is thought to be MoT and VED exempt
A previous MoT hard copy from 2017 is present
There are numerous documents relating to the car’s earlier import
This includes the title certificate from Pennsylvania, USA
The original UK Nova is also on hand
There are a number of invoices included
These detail many of the parts ordered for the car over the years
The Interior
The interior is typical Corvette fair and is predominantly trimmed in black
The low bucket seats are trimmed in black vinyl
These are arranged into vertical box pleats for optimum comfort and support
The seats are generally in a good overall condition
There is a little cracking (pictured) to the rear of the driver’s seat base
The seats are separated by a big centre transmission tunnel
The tunnel is home to the large automatic transmission selector
This area also houses the heating controls
The owner reports that the air conditioning compressor has been removed
The centre console houses several supplemental gauges
A period-appropriate radio cassette head unit is also fitted
The main gauges sit behind the original, three spoke alloy and leather steering wheel
The carpets appear thick and complete and are finished in black
The door cards are trimmed in hard wearing black vinyl
The seats fold forward to gain access to the carpeted luggage compartment
This can also be accessed by the large, glass hatch which was new for MY79
The luggage area houses two deep storage lockers
The battery is also housed here in its own compartment
The removeable roof panels are trimmed in black vinyl on the underside
These have come unattached in places which should be an easy fix
The Exterior
This Corvette C3 offers a very overt road presence, it is fair to say
It boasts a custom paint job which consists of a black lower section
This then fades into the bright red at the car’s waistline
This gives the car a distinctive and individual look
The paintwork appears well applied and seems to exude a good, deep shine
Likewise, the bodywork looks to be in a good overall condition
Only in the door shuts are there signs of obvious repair
The road presence is further enhanced by a pair of large, chromed Doug’s Headers side exhausts
These have “Corvette” laser cut into their covers
The distinctive C3 pop up headlamps and T-top roof are both in evidence
This example rolls on American Racing Turbine “General Lee” wheels
These are fitted with a matching set of Futura GLS Super Sport tyres
These are emblazoned with white lettering to the side walls for extra kerb appeal
The Mechanics
The Corvette C3 is all about its 5.7L small block V8 engine in many ways
These are a torquey and well proven unit with a distinctive V8 rumble
Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission
Mechanical improvements made to the C3 include a high torque starter motor
Other improvements include Bilstein shock absorbers and new steering ram
A new stainless steel exhaust system has been fitted as has a new battery
New plugs, plug leads, oil and filters have also been added
The current owner reports the car as starting easily and running very well indeed
Summary
During 1979 the Corvette reached the height of its popularity with over 53,000 being built that year. A record that still stands unchallenged today. It’s easy to see why. The C3 Corvette seems to encapsulate those more carefree times with many of today’s pressures and problems still decades away.
This is a handsome example with plenty of late 1970’s detail to drink in. The car seems to have benefitted from a thorough updating in 2013 and the presentation remains strong to this day.
It’s certainly a car to make an entrance in and possibly not one for the shy and retiring, but the Corvette never has been. Here is a car that is ready to roll. Just pop out those roof panels, fire up the big V8 and head for the horizon. It is almost guaranteed that you’ll have a huge smile on your face the whole time.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
1979 Chevrolet Corvette C3
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