1978 Chevrolet Corvette L82 Silver Anniversary

Description

Anniversaries are worth celebrating, and in 1978 Chevrolet had a big one: 25 years of Corvette. They chose to celebrate this silver anniversary milestone with not one, but two special editions. The Limited Edition Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replica made headlines with the buying frenzy it created, but the B2Z “Silver Anniversary” paint package was far more popular.    

The third generation (C3) Corvette debuted in 1968, but updates were annual and one of the most notable changes for the 1978 model was the new fastback rear window, which not only enhanced the car’s aesthetics but also improved aerodynamics and cargo. The interior received updates as well, including redesigned seats for better comfort and support. Under the hood, the 1978 Corvette offered two engine options, the base L48 engine produced 185 horsepower, while the optional L82 engine delivered a more robust 220 horsepower. These engines could be paired with either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission.  

All 1978 Corvettes had a special 25th Anniversary emblem embroidered on the seats, but the $399 B2Z package added the paint colors of the traditional gift for a “Silver Anniversary.”  

Highlights  

• Two-owner L82 Corvette with 30-year original ownership 

• Special B2Z factory Silver (13) and Dark Gray (07) paint option 

• Performance 5.7-liter (350 cu-in) L82 V8 producing 220 hp  

• Three-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission  

• T-Tops for open air enjoyment or closed all-weather comfort 

• Factory options including but not limited to:  

  • A31 – Power windows 

  • AU3 – Power door locks 

  • C49 – Electric rear window defogger  

  • D35 – Sport Mirrors, LH Remote, RH Manual  

  • L82 – 5.7-liter 4bbl V8  

  • MX1 – Automatic Transmission  

  • NA5 – Standard Emissions System  

  • UM2 – AM/FM Stereo Radio with 8-Track  

  • U81 – Dual Rear Speakers  

  • ZX2 – Convenience Group 

• The Body Tag decodes as: 

  • I12 – Built 12 May 1978 

  • Paint – 13U Silver and 07M Dark Gray 

  • Trim – 192 Black Leather Bucket Seat Interior 

• The chassis number (1Z8748S426534) decodes as:  

  • 1 – Chevrolet  

  • Z – Corvette  

  • 87 – Coupe  

  • 4 – 350 cu-in four-barrel carbureted “L82” V8 engine  

  • 8 – 1978 model year  

  • S – St. Louis, Missouri, final assembly plant  

  • 426534 – Plant sequence number starting with 400001  

Features  

• Recent maintenance includes:  

  • Transmission replaced  

  • Water pump replaced   

  • Radiator replaced  

  • Thermostat replaced   

  • Repainted original colors  

  • New Goodyear Eagle ST tires 

  • Reproduction YJ8 aluminum wheels  

 Known Imperfections  

• Paint damage on the lower fascia of the front bumper  

• Passenger side T-top vinyl liner is detached but not damaged (just needs new Velcro) 

• Small paint chip on driver side rear side panel.  

• Air conditioning not working 

• Driver side door rod that holds the door open has broken  

• Small dent near driver side front head light  

• Small tear on driver seat 

Included

• Maintenance receipts

• 8-track cartridges

• Original build sheet

• Original owner’s manual

• Corvette 25thAnniversary jacket

• 1978 Corvette Assembly Manual

• Custom license plate

• Original owner manual

• 1978 Corvette factory assembly manual from General Motors

• Haynes 1978 Corvette repair manual

• Two custom vintage license plates

• Two commemorative 25th Anniversary license plates

• 25th Silver Anniversary Corvette jacket size large

• 25th Anniversary key chain

• Ignition, door, and glove compartment keys

• Seven 8-track cartridges

• One 8-track cleaner cartridge

• Wolf car cover

• 25th Silver Anniversary collector magazine

• New tune up parts including spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, distributor rotor, valve cover gasket, wire loom, and standard PVC valve

• Motor oil and filter

Ownership History   

The consignor reports this 1978 Chevrolet Corvette L82 25th Anniversary was purchased by the original owner for his wife on their 25th wedding anniversary. She was a schoolteacher who rarely drove it, and it was garage kept for the 30 years they owned it. When the original owner passed away his wife gave the car to his best friend. He owned the Corvette until he passed away in 2022. The consignor bought it from his son in the summer of 2023. The 40,155 miles showing are believed original.  

Additional Notes   

There is a loan on this vehicle. Sale proceeds will be used to satisfy the loan and allow the seller to transfer the title to the winning bidder. Please contact the seller directly with any questions.