1979 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

This 1979 Corvette offers a sinister black paint job, a beautifully finished leather interior, and with a strong-running 383 cubic inch stroker motor under the hood, it's a great entry-level 'Vette that will get you into all the big events and put a smile on your face every time you crack the throttle.

1978 was the first year of the fastback styling, and in 1979 not much changed simply because they could sell every Corvette they could build. While some wax nostalgic over red Corvettes, it's only the black ones that truly fulfill the car's mission of intimidation on the street; people just don't want to mess with a black 'Vette. More understated than the pace cars and Anniversary models from the previous year, but emphasizing the bulging fenders, there was no doubt that this was a high performance machine. The repaint was nicely done, although you can't blame the owner for driving it afterwards, because, after all, who wouldn't want to show it off? Just lift off the T-tops and hit the road!

Black leather is the obvious choice with the inky black bodywork, and the combination will always work without looking dated. With only a bit of patina that suggests gentle use and regular care, the seats are inviting like your favorite recliner. The door panels, carpets, and dash pad are also in great shape, and everything has a consistent look so there's not a single part that looks either too new or too old. Corvettes came loaded with just about everything GM could throw at a car in 1979, including A/C, power windows, tilt and telescoping wheel, rear defrost, and a standard anti-theft system. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels great in your hands, and the shifter for 3-speed automatic transmission falls easily to hand just inches away. An upgraded AM/FM/CD head unit replaces the original, which probably included an 8-track, and has been expertly installed with a pair of big speakers and a subwoofer neatly integrated into the rear bulkhead.

The 383 cubic inch V8 living under the hood makes some serious power, so the jokes about these cars end right now. Fed by a Holley 4-barrel carburetor atop an Edelbrock intake manifold, it makes big block levels of torque yet loves to rev. A few dress-up items make it look nicely detailed under the forward-tilting hood and a big aluminum radiator and twin electric fans keep it cool without effort. Long-tube headers feed a custom dual exhaust system with X-pipe and the underside is incredibly sanitary. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission snaps through the gears with authority and with the right-now throttle response of the big cubic inch small block, it's an absolute blast to drive on the street. It starts easily and runs great, and even the ride/handling compromise is pretty easy to live with in the '79s. Pretty aluminum wheels are the right choice and carry 255/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials

C3 Corvettes represent a ton of bang for the buck, but only for the moment, and this potent 1979 model is a great way to get into the Corvette hobby for not a lot of money. Call today!