1978 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

While everyone is going nuts over the 427s, you can still get a high-quality collector-grade 'Vette like this 1978 coupe for not a lot of cash. It's got plenty of power, awesome looks, and a growing fan base of guys who grew up idolizing cars just like this. It turns out that they're just as fun as you always imagined they'd be.

1978 was a revolutionary year for Chevy's fantastic plastic sports car. The hatchback rear window gives it a brand-new look, and the air dams and rear spoiler make it look plenty aggressive. That two-tone paint job accentuates the car's best features and with a silver stripe separating the Victory Red and black areas, it looks long, low and mean. The finish is truly spectacular and we're having a hard time finding fault with it anywhere; the finish is deep and luscious, the gaps are tight and even, and the colors are exactly right for the '70s most iconic machine. You'll also note that it's been subtly modified with a reshaped rear spoiler and custom taillights that have been paired together for a familiar yet unique look. Most importantly, this one doesn't have any damage to the common areas: the chin spoiler hasn't been scraped on steep driveways, the rocker panels haven't been sandblasted by the tires, and nobody has been using the bumpers to parallel park. If you want an ultra-clean Corvette that you can drive while it appreciates, this is an excellent choice.

The same holds true inside, where the black leather interior is nicely finished. It accurately reproduces the original look, from the stitching on the seats to the carpets, and all of it shows only minor signs of use. The Corvette was definitely a futuristic place to be, and in an era that embraced flash and glitz, the design is an ideal complement. This one is also loaded with just about every option Chevy could think of, including A/C, power windows, a tilt/telescope wheel, and a new Sony AM/FM/CD stereo in the dash. The factory gauges are in good shape, with the tach parking itself at about 1100 RPM when you shut it down, which is how they all worked. New carpets on the floor complete the high-quality look.

The engine is the original, numbers-matching 350 cubic inch L48 small block, which made a respectable 185 horsepower in 1978. The engine bay is nicely finished, offering correct features like the big air cleaner up top and Chevy Orange paint on the block. Chrome valve covers add a little sparkle, but that's about it for the modifications. Obviously someone has loved this car since it was new (not unusual with Collector Edition cars), and it drives pretty much like a brand-new car. Underneath, you won't find any major issues, although it is quite original throughout save for the removal of the restrictive catalytic converter, giving the exhaust system a wonderful V8 growl. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission spins the original rear end, which has fresh fluid inside. The brakes have also been recently serviced, the shocks and tie rods are new, and it wears fresh 255/60/15 Goodyear white-letter performance radials on the original machined aluminum wheels.

Don't miss another opportunity to pick up a slick '70s Corvette that has an awesome custom look. Arguably the high point of '70s design, it captures the era perfectly. Call today!