1982 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

As everyone knows, 1982 was the end of C3 Corvette production, but GM definitely sent it off with a bang. They built 6759 Collector Edition coupes like this nicely preserved original, which today are a nice piece of any collection of fiberglass and still a great way to enjoy a vintage 'Vette on a budget.

In their usual unexciting way, GM called the finish on the special edition Corvette "Silver Beige" which, I suppose, accurately describes the pewter-like hue. Not quite silver and not quite gold, it's one of those instantly-recognizable cars that you'll see far away at a car show and smile to yourself because it's so iconic. This one appears to be largely original, including the paint, which shows a few signs of age here and there, but overall looks like it rolled through the decades without incident. Fit and finish are actually quite good, dispelling the myth that these cars were poorly made, and the darker graphics on the lower doors and hood define some of the Corvette's most dramatic features. The hatchback profile, deep chin spoiler, and ducktail end cap all add to the distinctive look that was uniquely Corvette.

The subtle but well-executed interior is tastefully done, particularly for the era. Fresh seat covers on the adjustable buckets look great and these chairs really are as comfortable and supportive as they look. Door panels with multiple shades of silver beige give it a racy look without being too loud about it and the neutral carpet makes it bright inside without being a pain to keep clean. In all, it's a very well-designed interior that suits GM's flagship just fine. The carpets are in great shape, the dash hasn't been baked by the sun (although there are one or two cracks that are inevitable on any vintage 'Vette), there are new floor mats with embroidered Corvette logos on the floor. Sure, the steering wheel needs a little TLC, but the gauges show crisp markings, the A/C is cold, and it's loaded with options like power windows, locks, seats, and mirrors, a tilt column, rear defrost, and just about anything else GM could invent to include in the top-of-the-line Corvette. Mirrored T-tops mean that there was still an open-air experience with the Corvette, and they seal up well. For entertainment, there's also an AM/FM/CD stereo in the center stack that sounds great.

The only engine in 1982 was the Cross Fire Injected 350 cubic inch V8, which was torquey, powerful, and surprisingly efficient thanks to a new 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission as standard equipment. Considering how easy these are to modify and how many Cross Fire cars have received carburetors over the years, it's nice to see one that's almost completely stock under the hood. The offset air cleaner gives it away, but you'll be impressed by how clean everything is and how well-maintained all the vitals are. It starts quickly and easily, idles well, and snaps through the gears with authority, making for an entertaining V8 drive. The undercarriage is mostly original, again with proper maintenance along the way. Correct turbine alloys were standard on the Collectors' Edition, with this one carrying 255/60/15 Dayton radials at all four corners.

This is a distinctive, fun-to-drive Corvette that's extremely affordable. Maybe GM got it right calling it a Collectors' Edition, because we never seem to be able to keep them in stock. Call today!