1978 Chevrolet Corvette Silver Anniversary

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Anniversaries are worth celebrating, and in 1978 Chevrolet had a big one: 25 years of the Corvette. Chevy 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 redesigned seats for better comfort and support. Under the hood, the base L48 engine produced 185 horsepower, while the optional L82 engine delivered a more robust 220 hp. These engines could be paired with either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission.   

This 1978 Silver Anniversary car looks much different than it did when it rolled out of the dealership. It now wears red matte paint, new front valence and spoiler, black side pipes, and a completely new interior (including dash and all plastic components, seats, carpet, and stereo), and has received numerous maintenance and mechanical upgrades. 

Highlights 

• Finished in red matte paint over red and black vinyl interior 

• Powered by a L48 350 cu-in V8 with Rochester Quadrajet carburetor rated at 185 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque 

• Edelbrock air cleaner and valve covers 

• Three-speed automatic transmission

• Updates/upgrades/maintenance by current owner: 

  • Recently repainted by shop with a matte finish 

  • Black side pipes 

  • New front valence and spoiler 

  • New wheels and new Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires 

  • Large 25th Anniversary badge in engine bay (underside of hood) 

  • New interior, including dash and all plastic components, carpet, seats, stereo, miscellaneous controls, weather seals, etc. 

  • New 1977-82 Chevrolet Corvette Retro-Manufacturing Blue Tooth stereo and Rockville dB12 amp and speakers 

  • New brakes 

  • New shocks 

  • New battery 

  • Recent alignment 

• The chassis number (1Z87L8S408325) decodes as: 

  • 1 – Chevrolet 

  • Z – Corvette 

  • 87 – Two-door sport coupe 

  • L – L48 350 V8 185 hp 

  • 8 – 1978 model year 

  • S – St. Louis, Missouri, assembly plant 

  • 408325 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• 25th Anniversary badges on hood and steering wheel 

• Glass T-Tops 

• Air conditioning 

• 140-mph speedometer and 5300-rpm (redline) tachometer 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor paint imperfections 

• Tachometer cable needs to be replaced 

• Driver door lock needs to be adjusted 

• Fuel light stays on 

• Emergency brake needs to be adjusted (also have components to replace, if desired) 

Included 

• Spare tire mounted on underside 

• Miscellaneous parts 

Ownership History

The California seller of this 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Silver Anniversary has owned it since April 2025. The seller says, “Exciting to drive, sounds great, and a real head turner! I believe I’m the third owner; I bought it from an older woman who had owned it for years. She called it her baby.”