Holley four-barrel conversion with Edelbrock inlet manifold
The Appeal
For many years, it has been a bone of contention for us that we were never able to officially buy the C3 Corvette in the UK. Its delicious combination of lightweight construction, swooping, almost organic bodywork and massive V8 powertrains makes it quite an impactful machine.
Of course, the lack of official availability has not stopped right-minded individuals from importing them over the years. And that’s what we have here – a fine, largely unmodified and original example of the final edition of the C3: the Collector Edition.
Imported from the US in 2019, it is now offered with a fresh MOT, ready and raring to go. Whether you choose to use and enjoy it as is, replete with its genuine patina, or use it as a basis for further improvement, we’re sure it’s going to turn heads and win hearts wherever you take it…5oh8rJ79vP2ATDw18dXYuMv4H8813ciitUiTYdaV.jpg426.3 KB
The History and Paperwork
1982 MY car
Final edition of the C3 – Collector Edition
1 of 6,759 examples sold
10,445 miles indicated on a five-figure odometer, so we believe it has gone around the clock
Two UK owners since import in April 2019
Current owner since November 2019
Gearbox rebuilt by marque specialists in December 2019
Current MOT to May 2024, with no advisories
Previous failure items and advisories have been attended too
We’re told that the car has been kept dry-stored by the owner
Multi-hued leather door panels, which were renewed this year, and original seat covers
The upholstery generally appears to be in good condition for its age, with some wear and patina to the seat covers and a burst seam on the driver’s side
We note that both seats exhibit some sagging and may benefit from re-stuffing or new foam
Correct specification beige carpeting - replaced throughout the cabin this year
New seat belts have been installed this year, as the original items were fraying
Modern Pioneer CD/radio system
Electric windows and door mirrors
Aftermarket sports steering wheel, although the original item is present and comes with the car
Full bank of gauges and instruments in the centre console
All of the trim and switchgear presents in very good condition, with nothing apparently missing and all of it appearing to be in factory specification
The vendor reports no faults or issues with any of the cabin’s functions
There is a useful luggage area behind the seats that can easily be accessed by the hinged, frameless rear glass hatch
As with all ‘Collector Edition’ C3s, the car is finished in the unique ‘Silver Beige’ colour scheme, with brown pinstriping and “fading shadow” motifs to the bonnet and sides
Overall, the paint looks to be in presentable and decent original condition, with some blemishes, scuffs and chips in places, but nothing that would concern us
The fibreglass bodywork appears to be in fine fettle, with no obvious cracks or misalignments we could discern
Iconic pop-up headlamps working well
Bronzed glass roof panels, which easily remove for a full targa driving experience
There is some fading and wear evident on the badging and branding around the car, but it all appears to be present and correct
The glass elements and light lenses look nice and clear, with no cracks or chips we could see
Correct finned wheel design – inspired by the optional cast aluminium wheels of the 1967 car – presented in good order and shod with a matched set of Cooper Cobra tyres
The vendor tells us that the underside of the car is straight and solid, with no issues reported
Cross-Fire injection system replaced with a Holley four-barrel carburettor and Edelbrock inlet manifold, as the Cross-Fire system is legendarily unreliable
Four-speed automatic transmission – rebuilt in December 2019 by Lincolnshire Corvette and Classics Ltd, including the installation of a new flexplate
Rear-wheel drive
Cruise control system
Reported to run and drive well, with no mechanical problems reported by the vendor
As the final edition of the legendary C3 Corvette, the Collector Edition is a special thing with many unique elements. The fact that this charmingly patinated example is presented in such complete and unmodified condition is really quite special. If you’ve always fancied parking a Corvette on the drive – and let’s face it, we all have – then this would be a marvellous choice that can be driven as-is but offers room for improvement too.
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.
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