1978 Chevrolet Corvette 25th Anniversary

Description

As far as I'm concerned, the 25th Anniversary Corvettes were the best-looking 'Vettes built in '78. Who cares how many they built, the point is that you can get a great-looking and distinctive classic Corvette for the price of a used Malibu sedan. The two-tone color scheme has aged well and this one sports a sparkling interior that's pure 1978 cool.

A big part of the Corvette experience is hanging out with other Corvette guys, and you'll find that this Anniversary car will be welcomed with open arms wherever you go. The distinctive silver over dark gray paint scheme has aged well and a lot of non-Corvette folks will assume it's a custom job. The truth is, this is how the factory did it, and the overall finish is certainly appropriate for the age and care which a car like this has received over the years. There's a great gloss to the paint with only minor signs of use, and the crisp bodywork, even gaps, and overall look suggest a car that has been a cherished toy all its life and never a daily driver. All the special markings are still there, from the insignias on the front fenders to the L82 badges on the hood, it's definitely got a special look. The car has a very correct look overall save for the quartet of exhaust pipes sticking out in back, but we'll get to those in a moment.

The sparkling interior was called Parchment by some and Oyster by the guys at Chevrolet when this car came out, but either way it's a perfect match for 1978. The beautiful seats just have to be wearing replacement seat covers, because upholstery that's 36 years old never looks that good. However, the carpets may very well be nice originals and the door panels are certainly up to snuff. You'll note that this car is loaded with options, including A/C, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a tilt steering column, all befitting Chevy's flagship. The gauges are original and show quite well, along with a newer Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo head unit neatly installed in the center stack. Color-matched floor mats help keep those light-colored carpets looking their best, and with the T-tops off on a sunny day, you'll appreciate this interior a lot more than something darker.

The engine is a well-maintained and mildly modified 350, with plenty of bite behind the bark. With an open-element air cleaner, a Moroso ignition system, a mild camshaft, long-tube headers, and an aluminum intake manifold with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor on top, it's got more than a few more horsepower today. Finned valve covers add a retro-looking bit of performance hardware, and new chrome pieces like the alternator and master cylinder brighten up the formerly all-black engine bay. A TH350 3-speed automatic was by far the most popular transmission choice in 1978 and it's flanked by a set of low-restriction mufflers that dump into those shiny chrome pipes I mentioned earlier. This 'Vette certainly sounds nasty! The chassis is impressively clean overall, perfect for a car that's going to get driven, and the factory slotted aluminum wheels have the right look inside fat 255/60/15 Uniroyal white-letter radials.

The other Corvette guys are going to be mighty surprised when they see how well this Anniversary 'Vette moves, and the slick bodywork and gorgeous interior are merely camouflage for a very fun car. Call today!