1979 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe L82

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Hot Rod magazine fawned over the latest version of the Chevrolet Corvette in its July 1979 issue, applauding the consistency of America's Sports Car. “In America, home of the brave and the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, some things never change … A Corvette still invites its driver, even dares him, to make every bend in the road his own private challenge.” 

The 1979 Corvette was part of the car’s longest-running generation — the C3, from 1968-1982 — and became the best-selling Corvette of all time, with 53,807 produced. This surge in popularity was driven by a combination of refined styling, improved comfort, and growing interest in American performance cars during the late 1970s. Visually, the '79 Corvette retained the dramatic curves of the C3 body but featured subtle updates like new front and rear spoilers, which improved aerodynamics and gave the car a sportier appearance. Inside, the cabin received more luxurious appointments, including optional leather upholstery. 

Under the hood, the base L48 engine produced 195 horsepower, while the optional L82, as seen here, delivered 225 horsepower — respectable figures for the era.

This well-cared-for 1979 Chevrolet Corvette is powered by the optional L82 engine and wears white paint with red and black leather seats. 

Highlights 

• Finished in white paint with red pinstripes 

• Red and black leather upholstery with plush red carpet 

• Powered by a 350 cu-in four-barrel carbureted “L82” V8 engine rated at 225 hp 

• Three-speed automatic transmission with woodgrain shift knob 

• T-top with both glass and hard top inserts 

• The chassis number (1Z8789S442969) decodes as: 

  • 1 – Chevrolet 

  • Z – Corvette 

  • 87 – 2-door coupe 

  • 8 - 350 cu-in four-barrel V8 

  • 9 – 1979 model year 

  • S – St. Louis (Missouri) assembly plant 

  • 442969 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• New Corvette AM/FM stereo with 6 rear speakers 

• New battery 

• New seat belts 

• Red leather-wrapped steering wheel 

• Woodgrain center console dash 

• 140 mph speedometer and 7,000 rpm tachometer 

• Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires

Known Imperfections 

• Front-end paint imperfections including scuffs and bubbling on nose

• Pinstriping is chipped in several places, including near driver’s door handle 

• Topcoat on passenger front bumper and fender is cracked, and fender is scuffed 

• Paint is missing from black trim above passenger door 

• Crack in fiberglass on passenger rear wheel well 

• Topcoat is peeling above passenger taillight 

• Topcoat is cracked above driver's taillight and on rear spoiler

• Weather stripping on driver’s door has slid from its original location 

• Paint imperfections on passenger rocker panel

• Scuffs on housing of driver’s interior door handle 

• Imperfections on passenger door upholstery

• seller notes a "minor" oil leak 

• A/C and clock inoperable

• Tachometer works intermittently 

• Gear shift indicator needle is missing

Included 

• Car cover

• T-top covers

Ownership History 

The Delaware seller of this 1979 Chevrolet Corvette L82 has owned it since May 2023.