1979 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

1979 Chevrolet Corvette CoupeTypically, after a celebration, life returns to a comfortable baseline. Not for Corvette, not this year. We saw in 1977, the 500,000th Corvette...

1979 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

Typically, after a celebration, life returns to a comfortable baseline. Not for Corvette, not this year. We saw in 1977, the 500,000th Corvette roll off production, and in 1978 we celebrated the Silver Anniversary. This year, in 1979, Corvette sold over 50,000 Corvettes for the first time in history, and 1979 still holds the record for most Corvettes sold in a year! In addition to surpassing production numbers, the 1979 Corvette was the first to sell for over $10,000. The price hike didn't deter Corvette enthusiasts, as evidenced by the numbers.

For consignment, one of the 50,000 Corvettes produced for the '79 model year. A diamond in the rough if you will, with a numbers matching drivetrain but in need of some TLC on the interior and exterior front, this 'Vette is ripe for the picking and ready to be enjoyed as you turn wrenches and bring her back to her former glory.

***Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public highways in your area.***

Exterior
Gone are any evidence of chrome edges with any bumpers or grille surrounds. Now the black painted horizontal ribbed grille is surrounded by black neoprene which flares outward at the fenders and has hidden headlights just above. These then run into a long front hood with flanking shark gill vents on either side of the quarters and a stainless-steel rocker trimming. Body matching black T tops are in nice condition and remove easily to open the cockpit up to fresh air and sunshine. Sculpted doors with handles that push down on top near their sills are truly aerodynamic and look great as well. The rear greenhouse curved glass melts down into the now rounded rear of the car, and still maintains the deep-set round taillights. Dual exhaust tips end underneath the rear bumper and this car holds the beautiful line it came from the factory with. An amateur respray of the factory black finish shows with some inclusions, dry application, scuffs and chipping, particularly on the neoprene front and rear bumpers. 15-inch slotted deep-dish wheels add a nice contrast to the black fiberglass which presents in average condition overall.

Interior
Opening the doors we see smooth stitched red leather covering the door panels on the uppers, and utilizing red carpeting on the bottoms. We note some wear and soiling of the door panels and on the driver's door the armrest has pulled away and the bezel for the door actuator is loose, a red tape repair is noted on the passenger's armrest. Faded and age cracked Medium Red leather buckets flank a matching center console which shows some markings and wear on the plastic covering. This console makes its way up to the dash, where climate controls, the gearshift lever, power window switches, and ashtray are seen. Taking your eye up further into the dash center, a factory AM/FM radio, and a grouping of essential gauges monitors the vitals of the car. The speedo and tach cluster is fronted by the original tilt wheel steering column. On the passenger's side the appearance of a glove box returns after years of its absence. Behind the buckets is ample carpeted storage with a ceiling of curved glass hatchback. Fair condition carpet on red floods the floor and storage space.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood and we are allowed to gaze upon the blue painted bowtie block, chrome valve coverings, supple hoses and yellow ignition wiring throughout. 350 cubes is the displacement of this numbers matching L48 4 barrel version V8, and a numbers matching 3-speed automatic on back (TH350). This mil is topped off with an Edelbrock intake and 4bbl carburetor sans air cleaner assembly. The rear axle weighs in at 3.36 ratio. An acceptable presentation under the flip forward hood.

Undercarriage
Mimicking the condition of the topside, we note some slight surface rust but overall, mostly black undercoating which is very clean. Straight steel for the framing with no issues being seen for the backbone of this late edition C3. Independent SLA suspension is on the front and a fully independent frame anchored rear differential with transverse leaf springs is on the rear, as well as power disc brakes and power steering. Dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers in good condition are also installed.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter and very smooth idle, and after a warm up it was off to the test track. Here it has nice smooth acceleration, good solid braking and excellent handling. The interior, although worn, is comfortable. A few frowns showed up during our drive, those being the power locks are currently not working, the headlights don't rotate up on their own and the driver's door does not open from the outside, also the belt for the A/C compressor has been removed.

An airflow fiberglass sculpted body with the powerful 350ci L48 engine. Nicely aged red leather interior, and just a few faults in the paint, but grab her hand and walk her up to the test track, and you'll fall in love. Just a few faults that can be buttoned up in an afternoon of wrenching. The pop off the T top and breathe in some success when carving through the back roads in your 1979 Corvette.

VIN DECODE
1Z8789S438957
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
87-Coupe
8-350ci V8 L48 4bbl 195hp
9-1979
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
438957-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
K11-June 11th Build
TRIM 722-Medium Red Leather
PNT 19L-Black