Highlights
- A rare and dramatic presence on UK roads
- 5.7 litre 'small block' V8
- In current ownership since 2009
The Appeal
Famously leased to lucky NASA astronauts for a mere $1 per year, Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette ‘Stingray’ was a swoopy sports car available with a range of versions of the firm’s V8 engines. An icon in the US, it’s a rare sight on the roads of the UK.
Presented here with the L82 'small block' V8, this example is a fat slice of seventies Americana that looks and sounds glorious. It has been in current ownership since 2009 and has reportedly been carefully stored during that time. It’s now ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.
The History and Paperwork
- Manufactured in 1973
- Imported to the UK from the US in 1993, reportedly by the same person that bought Keith Moon’s Rolls Royce
- DVLA records show that it was originally gold and it has been red throughout the vendor's ownership.
- Acquired by the current owner in 2009
- MOT and tax exempt
- Accompanied by the V5
The Interior
- Black leather seats
- Everything in working order
- Lovely patina
When you pull open the long door with its distinctive kick up at the rear, you are presented with a cabin that exudes seventies style while showing a delightful level of patination.
The driver’s side door lock toggle is missing but otherwise it all appears to be present and correct. In front of the driver is a sporty three-spoked wheel, a full set of gauges and an integrated radio. The centre console too houses a crowded instrument cluster, making the driver feels as if they are in a fighter jet rather than a car!
Black leather seats are complemented by red carpets and, while the switchgear shows some wear, the owner reports that everything is fully operational.
The Exterior
- Fabulous styling
- Eye-catching red paintwork
- Pop up headlights
The Corvette’s curvaceous body is complemented by the distinctive wheel design and, overall, the car presents very well in bright red.
The vendor tells us that the car has been kept garaged during his tenure and only taken out in good weather, which would appear to be borne out by its condition; the paintwork looks to be in very good order overall as does the chrome that adorns the chrome bumpers at the rear.
The Mechanics
- L-82 5.7 litre ‘small block’ V8
- Automatic gearbox
- Recent service
Under the bonnet lurks the beating heart of this car, a 5.7 litre L-82 V8. The engine compartment is quite clean and tidy, although we do notice some tape has been used as a temporary lid for the expansion bottle.
The vendor tells us that during his ownership it has received a new steering column, brakes and callipers all round, an engine overhaul, and a suspension refresh, including new dampers all round
The vendor tells us that during his ownership it has received a new steering column, brakes and callipers all round, an engine overhaul, and a suspension refresh, including new dampers all round
The vendor tells us that the car has recently been serviced and that it drives without issue. He concedes that it has a small power steering leak and that the rear bushes may need attention but when the reward is getting to experience a car like this on the road, it’s surely a small price to pay.
Summary
Not for shrinking violets, this is a car that will turn heads like few others. With a stonking V8 and styling to die for, it’s a fabulous classic American.
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