1982 Chevrolet Corvette Collectors Edition

Description

If you're a Corvette collector, well, it only seems right to have a 1982 "Collector's Edition" in your collection, right? And if you're simply looking for a nice 'Vette to enjoy, this 39,977-mile original is certainly a fine candidate at a very reasonable price.

The special silver beige paint and side cove graphics are the most familiar indicator of a Collector's Edition 1982 Corvette, but the code 07 in the VIN verifies it. Still wearing its original paint, this one has obviously led a good life and has been treated exactly the way its name would imply. Someone has washed and waxed it regularly if it's seen anything more threatening than a lawn sprinkler, I'd be surprised. The factory paint has a great shine and a soft glow to it that only age can provide, and it's far more appealing than fresh urethane would be, particularly in the Corvette world where survivors are cherished, not restored. Surprisingly, they got the front and rear end caps to match the body pretty well with the Collector's Editions, and the subtle color and graphics are period-perfect for the early-80s time period. Fit and finish are just what you'd get from the factory (pretty good, actually), and it doesn't show a lot of evidence that it's been driven. Someone really took care of this car.

The interior is stock, and it has recently had the front seats and door panels reupholstered using very authentic-looking materials (the Collector's Edition upholstery is not reproduced in kit form). The articulated bucket seats are as comfortable as they look and with the two-tone leather on their faces, the car's luxury mission is obvious. The carpets are protected by matching mats and remain in great shape, as does the dash pad which has not been cooked by the sun. Perhaps only the steering wheel reveals any signs of age, but it's not a big deal and again speaks to the car's authenticity. Just about everything was standard equipment, including power windows, A/C (now with R134a refrigerant!), a tilt column, and cruise control. The AM/FM/cassette radio is an OEM piece that might be from a later model, but it looks appropriate in this car's cockpit. All the gauges still have bright markings, and yes, the tach always parks itself that way when you shut off the engine, just a quirk of GM electronics back then.

The engine is the reliable and torquey Cross-Fire fuel injected L83 350 cubic inch V8, which in 1982 was making a still respectable 200 horsepower, which was 10 more than 1981. The engine remains completely stock, right down to the original and distinctive Cross-Fire Injection air cleaner up top and finned valve covers to add a racy look. With proper maintenance, this car starts, runs, and drives extremely well and thanks to the engine's fat torque curve, it's a ton of fun on the street. A 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission was the only choice in 1982 and makes this one of the best long-distance cruisers ever to wear the crossed-flag emblem. The underside is as clean as you'd expect for the mileage, still carrying a correct exhaust system with catalytic converter and fiberglass leaf spring. Unique Collector's Edition alloys are in awesome shape and wear 225/60/15 BFGoodrich radials, probably only the second set of tires this car has ever worn.

Distinctive and fun, this end-of-the-line C3 still represents a lot of performance, and now comes with a nice low price. Call today!