***Photographs supplied by Vendor***
Highlights
- Rare 25th Anniversary edition of Chevrolet’s legendary sportscar in its 3rd generation
- VET 7S private plate included in sale
- Beautiful Oyster White interior in very well-preserved order
- Featuring the optional (more powerful) L82 5.7 litre 350 cu.in 220bhp V8
- Imported from Texas (dry) in 2019
The Appeal
Many see the 1978 facelift of the C3 as the most attractive of all Corvettes , with a new fastback rear window being the most dramatic and noticeable styling change, giving the ten-year-old C3 a fresh lease on life. The fixed-glass fastback benefited both aerodynamics and increased the usable luggage space behind the seats while improving rearward visibility in the bargain. Coupled with the rarity value of being a genuine Silver Anniversary model, an exquisite and well-preserved interior, a valuable and appropriate private plate, and that superb upgraded L82 220-bhp V8, this is an investment opportunity not to be missed – provided you like being noticed, because that comes with Corvette territory!
The History and Paperwork
- 1978 was the Corvette's 25th anniversary, and all 46,776 ‘78s featured silver anniversary nose and fuel cap emblems
- Only one-third, though, were full Silver Anniversary models, denoted by the $399 “B2Z” option package which featured a unique and very handsome two-tone Silver over Dark Gray colour scheme, special aluminium wheels and dual “sport” exterior mirrors
- Imported from Texas in 2019, UK V5C present and correct showing one owner since
- V5C present and correct - 100,560 mileage believed genuine
- Original owners’ handbook, plus original build sheet present – a rare find
- Sheaf of UK paperwork documenting a £7,300 thorough mechanical recommissioning and transmission overhaul in 2019-20, with only a few hundred miles since
The Interior
Beautifully preserved, this is a fine place to be and a real credit to previous owners
- Oyster white leather seats, door cards and steering wheel, all in near-unmarked condition
- Silver-gray carpets in excellent shape throughout
- Fully functioning cruise control
- Electric windows power smoothly up and down
- Original DELCO AM/FM radio/8-track player, with special holders for the tapes in glove box and optional rear speakers
- Targa roof panels (manual removal) present and correct
- A/C blowing nice and cold
- Rear compartment cover to protect cargo and carpet present and correct.
- Redesigned for 1978 tachometer and speedometer to match the new “aircraft-styled” centre console and gauge cluster first seen the previous year: all gauges function correctly
The Exterior
- The two-tone colour scheme looks brilliant, highlighted by the thin gray pinstripe
- Paintwork overall in very good condition: there’s a very small gap in the pinstriping on the front bumper
- A lifetime in dry Texas, and evident cherished care, mean no corrosion
- Good, mostly clean underbody, some surface rust here and there
- Exhaust system in good condition, no welding needed here
- Splendid Silver Anniversary model aluminium wheels in very good condition, no evidence of any damage or curbing
- Recent BF Goodrich Radial T/A 255/60 R15s, all in excellent condition with plenty of remaining tread
- Spare wheel (stored underbody at rear) present and correct
- All the special badging associated with the Anniversary model is present
The Mechanics
- L82 series 5.7 litre (350 cu.in) “small block” V8, a true American legend amongst engines, develops 220 bhp through the M38 3-speed auto box
- Lighter aluminium intake manifold saved 24 lbs compared to the cast iron unit of previous years
- Engine and running gear all subject to substantial recommission in 2019
- Light corrosion on front track rod ends - may need replacement soon
Summary
The 1978 Silver Anniversary Corvette was truly one of the best. By making the right changes, the 25th Anniversary ‘Vette had a unique pedigree but never strayed far from the menacing C3 “shark” that ruled the era. This particular example has clearly been cherished both here and on the other side of the pond – it neither looks nor feels 40+ years old.
The special colour scheme sets off the car’s lines to perfection, whilst the sheer rarity of this limited edition makes it a great investment. A very appropriate private plate provides the cherry on the cake. There are a couple of minor things that a perfectionist will want to fix, but nothing whatsoever to prevent getting in and going – and this car will not fail to attract considerable interest wherever it goes!
The special colour scheme sets off the car’s lines to perfection, whilst the sheer rarity of this limited edition makes it a great investment. A very appropriate private plate provides the cherry on the cake. There are a couple of minor things that a perfectionist will want to fix, but nothing whatsoever to prevent getting in and going – and this car will not fail to attract considerable interest wherever it goes!
