1979 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
"On June 3, 1978, just prior to the Corvette's '79 model year introduction, the car's icon status was committed to celluloid in Corvette Summer. The movie featured Star Wars hero Mark Hamill, but its real star was a custom C3 Stingray modified by Hollywood car builder George Barris. Whether Corvette Summer helped propel Vette sales for the upcoming '79 model year is still a point of contention among enthusiasts. Nonetheless, the film left a lasting impression on many children and adults of the '70s, many of whom fell in love with the car for the very first time, thanks to the movie." From Motortrend, Aug. 2009
For consignment, a 1979 Chevrolet Corvette coupe showing 42,740 miles on the odometer but the true mileage is unknown. This car has been owned by the consignor for 14 years and wears Classic White with a red pinstripe. The '79 is noteworthy because more Corvettes were produced in 1979 than any other year at 53,807, the 2023 C8 came close with 53,785.
Exterior
The shape is unmistakable. With its long shark-like nose, rounded and sloping rear window, short, rounded tail, fender vents and coke-bottle curves, it can only be a Corvette. The windshield rakes rearward, a trajectory matched by the shoulder line and door handles which face towards the sky, flush with the fiberglass body. The red and gray lines on the white body accentuate the curves, pronouncing the rising fenders like white dunes over 15-inch Ansen slot wheels with raised lettering on 70 series tires. In back, a rounded fascia houses the Vette's iconic quad tail light setup with reverse lights occupying the center of the inside lights, while black bumperette flanks the license plate box above chrome exhaust tips that point to the ground. Imperfections include chipping paint on the nose piece and on the body just behind it, some curb rash on a wheel, and other minor chips.
Interior
Smooth and bright red vinyl greets occupants on the door panels that also include a carpeted lower insert, all in great shape. From there, it's butt in first to the leather sport buckets, a lovely mix of red tones and stitched panels with side support and a tall back, showing minimal patina. A big red O exists in the form of a 3 spoke steering wheel that leads to a typical for the era simple instrument panel where speed and tach take center stage, complemented by the aircraft like configuration of gauges in the center stack, five all together, over a more modern AM/FM/CD unit and A/C controls. Chipped black paint on the ashtray is pretty typical for this generation Vette, and lives just ahead of the round ball shifter, moved through positions via a thumb button. Plush red carpet covers the floor and cargo areas and has not suffered too badly from fading as the red is prone to do. It's in good shape here and overall, we have a nice, clean interior.
Drivetrain
Pull that hood forward and we find a driver quality but clean 350ci V8, rated at 185 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. A TH 350 3-speed automatic transmission is behind it and sends power to the rear wheels which are 3.36 gears with Positraction. The need for speed is tempered by power disc brakes on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath where most of the metals are oxidized but intact. Surface rust is also present in usual spots and a bit of oil appears on the pan, flywheel cover, and a coating on the transmission pan. Dual exhaust runs through MagnaFlow mufflers before exiting through chrome tips out back. Independent SLA coil spring suspension is on front and in the back is a fully independent suspension with a transverse leaf spring.
Drive-Ability
The enveloping seats and reclined posture instantly make you feel like an Indy racer, and the growl of the 350 sounds more like NASCAR. In true Vette fashion, it has excellent grip and handling and while not blistering fast, being this close to the ground makes it feel quicker than it is. During our jaunt around the test loop we find the following items not working. Also the tachometer, the A/C, the power locks, the clock did not work, and the right headlight won't rotate up. All other functions worked as expected. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
This generation Corvette still affords the opportunity to get into a classic sports car without breaking the bank. Timeless lines, the pedigreed brand, and a heart racing red interior makes this car one to consider. Take off those T-tops for some extra fun as the breeze blows through the cabin at wide open throttle! Corvette summer? Absolutely. But add spring and fall and you have a three season E-ticket ride that will still turn heads!
1Z8789S453453
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
87-Coupe
8-350ci V8, 195hp
9-1979
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
453453-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
H25-May 25th
TRIM 722-Medium Red Leather
PAINT 10L-Classic White
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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