- Later C3 Corvette Models are Still Bargains
- Proper Bargain
- Refinished Beauty
- Attractive Ride
- Stellar Seating
- Modest Output
- Multiple Options
Later C3 Corvette Models are Still Bargains
They might be lacking in performance, but these cars offer a lot for the money.
Proper Bargain
The Corvette was on a serious roll coming out of its second generation into the third, and that trend continued with a radically different yet modern design for the 1968 model year. Things went south quickly, as they did in the entire automotive world, following the 1972 model year amid the gas crisis and smog regulations, however. As a result, later C3 Corvettes are seriously lacking in terms of performance, but that also makes them a rare bargain in today’s world, as this pristine 1978 model proved when it crossed the block at Bring a Trailer recently.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Refinished Beauty
This 1978 Corvette hammered for a mere $16,777, which is pocket change for a stylish, head-turning, vintage sports car that also happens to have just 56k miles on the clock. This 25th Anniversary Edition model was refinished by a previous owner, and as a result, it looks pretty darn close to perfect.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Attractive Ride
This car’s two-tone silver paint still looks pretty flawless, and it still sports its original 15-inch slotted alloy wheels, which are now wrapped with a set of 255/70 Grand Prix Performance GT white-letter tires. It’s an attractive car by anyone’s standards, even if most prefer the earlier chrome bumper cars.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Amenities
The same goes for the interior, which is finished in two-tone Oyster cloth and leather, with amenities including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and locks, air conditioning, and a push-button AM/FM radio.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Stellar Seating
The bucket seats look like they’ve barely been used at this point, though it’s unclear if the previous refurbishment included some interior work. Regardless, if the 56k-mile figure is accurate, we wouldn’t be surprised if they were original.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Modest Output
No Corvette built in this era was what anyone would call a powerhouse, but this particular car is fitted with GM’s L82 350 cubic-inch V8, a reliable powerplant that’s also easy to modify if one desires. In this form, it cranks out a modest 220 horsepower, which it sends to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission and a Positraction differential.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Multiple Options
A car like this may never be some high-dollar collectible, but to us, it’s a fantastic toy to tool around in on the weekends and enjoy. Or, one could LS-swap it, add some modern suspension bits, and have a fun and fast ride that could blow away most modern supercars. Either way, it’s hard to pass on these bargain C3s at the moment.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
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