1978 Chevrolet Corvette C3 25th Anniversary T-Top
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THE HIGHLIGHTS
• Low mileage
• Fresh MOT
• Mechanically overhauled
• Recent works in excess of £6,000
• Historic vehicle registered
• Collectable Anniversary T-Top!
THE BACKGROUND
Produced from 1967 to 1982, the C3 Corvette was the third generation of the American sports car. Utilising the same chassis and engine packages from the previous generation but with an all-new body and interior, the C3 went on to set new sales records for Chevrolet. The C3’s are still an enticing purchase today for European buyers due to the styling being unlike anything else on our humble byways.
Based on the Mako Shark II concept from Larry Shinoda the C3 showed the world that America still had the ability to create truly unique and innovative car designs, coupled with the grunt and reliability of the trusty Chevy V8 and you had a recipe that has delighted petrol heads (or gear heads) for decades.
THE HISTORY
This Corvette was purchased earlier in the year needing some minor recommissioning. The current owners have completed lots of work and purchased lots of parts to get this car back to great working order and have continued further with servicing and refinement of the work carried out.
The Corvette is now considered historic and the DVLA will supply the car with a V5 to reflect this, considering the historic status of the big American muscle car, it’s surprisingly smooth and refined on the road.
The Corvette is now considered historic and the DVLA will supply the car with a V5 to reflect this, considering the historic status of the big American muscle car, it’s surprisingly smooth and refined on the road.
THE PAPERWORK
Despite the 43-year-old Corvette being exempt from tax and MOT checks, the current owner has provided a valid MOT for peace of mind which should give prospective buyers assurance this car is ready to be driven and enjoyed. The owner will also include the HPI certificate, which shows no issues, along with the MOT history of the car.
Further to the service and care history, the owner is also including, various Corvette information sources, magazines and a parts catalogue. A full list of parts and repairs has been documented by the current owner some of which include all new brakes, trim pieces from America and updating and improving the headlights.
Further to the service and care history, the owner is also including, various Corvette information sources, magazines and a parts catalogue. A full list of parts and repairs has been documented by the current owner some of which include all new brakes, trim pieces from America and updating and improving the headlights.
THE INTERIOR
Inside the Corvette is a welcoming and spacious cabin, seats trimmed with blue leather and black and blue carpet and dash trim, this may be due to the fact that the car was blue at one point before it had a respray. The inside of the Corvette is in great condition, it’s good to see a 43-year-old car that looks this good after its many years of service.
There are no rips or tears in the seats, which are very comfortable and provide adequate support, the carpet is in fantastic condition with no discolorations or damage and the dash has no splits or damage either. The steering wheel and dashboard are well designed, and all works as it should, with extra gauges in the centre console providing a suite of additional information for the driver. The instrument cluster in this 25th Anniversary edition Corvette was redesigned to complement the centre console, whilst a glove compartment replaced the map pocket in front of the passenger.
The Sony radio gives the car some modern touches whilst not taking away from the car’s originality or look. Being 43 years old, this analogue American muscle car does not have some of the features of a modern car but with less to go wrong and less to distract from that massive V8 up front, that can only be a good thing.
There are no rips or tears in the seats, which are very comfortable and provide adequate support, the carpet is in fantastic condition with no discolorations or damage and the dash has no splits or damage either. The steering wheel and dashboard are well designed, and all works as it should, with extra gauges in the centre console providing a suite of additional information for the driver. The instrument cluster in this 25th Anniversary edition Corvette was redesigned to complement the centre console, whilst a glove compartment replaced the map pocket in front of the passenger.
The Sony radio gives the car some modern touches whilst not taking away from the car’s originality or look. Being 43 years old, this analogue American muscle car does not have some of the features of a modern car but with less to go wrong and less to distract from that massive V8 up front, that can only be a good thing.
THE EXTERIOR
This car certainly has some presence, with its bulging arches and curved haunches, it flexes whilst it stands still. The most notable features, among many, on the outside of the Corvette are the deep-dish alloy wheels with centre wheel nut covers and white tyre lettering, the pop-up headlights and T-Tops along with the massive Hooker side pipe exhausts.
The T-Top convertible roof pieces are a big plus for this car, and the owner will have received and fitted the last missing trim piece from the chrome accents of the T-Tops at the time of sale. The black respray was completed after the car’s manufacture and does have some crazing and minor cracks but overall, it polishes up well. The black with gold highlights is an iconic colour scheme that suits this car perfectly, the black really complimenting the profile of the car well.
Being the 25th Anniversary model this Corvette has the fastback style rear window, improving the looks and the aerodynamics of the car as well as increasing luggage space behind the seats.
THE MECHANICS
The big 5.7L Chevy V8 is remarkably refined and civil on the roads whilst cruising and those Hooker headers give a satisfying burble without making your ears bleed. The current owner has ensured the engine is working to its best making this car a perfectly good daily, usable classic ready for its next owner.
The car has benefitted from all new brake callipers, discs and pads whilst upgrading to stainless steel lip sealed type callipers. The owner has made sure to go through the whole vehicle to rectify any issues that may prevent the usability of the Corvette, meaning that everything now works as it should and is ready to be driven away.
A summary of some of the works done by the vendor, costing in excess of £6,000, and a testament to his fastidious nature, some of the additional works included; updating and servicing the handbrake and brake pipes, new Galaxy White Lettered tyres, new chrome air filter set, new inner and outer headlights & converted to halogen, new wiper blades, new wheel nuts, new headlight vacuum switch as well as numerous cosmetic items including: rear door glass weather strip, new black and silver number plates, t-top trim.
The 3-speed gearbox is smooth with changing gears and no crunching or any other noises were heard during the test drive.
The car has benefitted from all new brake callipers, discs and pads whilst upgrading to stainless steel lip sealed type callipers. The owner has made sure to go through the whole vehicle to rectify any issues that may prevent the usability of the Corvette, meaning that everything now works as it should and is ready to be driven away.
A summary of some of the works done by the vendor, costing in excess of £6,000, and a testament to his fastidious nature, some of the additional works included; updating and servicing the handbrake and brake pipes, new Galaxy White Lettered tyres, new chrome air filter set, new inner and outer headlights & converted to halogen, new wiper blades, new wheel nuts, new headlight vacuum switch as well as numerous cosmetic items including: rear door glass weather strip, new black and silver number plates, t-top trim.
The 3-speed gearbox is smooth with changing gears and no crunching or any other noises were heard during the test drive.
THE APPEAL
A true American automotive hero car, the C3 Corvette is a reliable powerhouse that turns heads wherever it goes and will have both young and old turning their heads in admiration/jealousy/disgruntlement as you shake the earth driving past.
With surprising ease of use and reliability from the bulging muscular American, the C3 Corvette appeals to fans in Europe as a gateway into experiencing a slice of how they live over the pond. Well looked after examples are going up in price considerably and will continue to do so if regularly maintained and looked after. Perhaps now is the time to consider taking a bet on a delicious slice of Americana.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1978
- Make Chevrolet
- Model Corvette C3 25th Anniversary T-Top
- Colour Black
- Odometer 69,125 Miles
- Engine size 5700
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Location Essex
- Country United Kingdom
20
bids
- jo•••• £14,750 11/11/21
- Mo•••• £14,500 11/11/21
- jo•••• £14,250 11/11/21
- Mo•••• £14,000 11/11/21
- jo•••• £13,750 11/11/21
- Mo•••• £13,500 11/11/21
- jo•••• £13,250 11/11/21
- Mo•••• £13,000 11/11/21
- jo•••• £12,750 11/11/21
- Mo•••• £12,500 11/11/21
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