Still in the possession of its original owner, this 1982 Corvette has been stored since it was nearly new.
Unlike a lot of other models in the automotive world, the Corvette is a car that is often stored and not driven, for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, this is done because the owner wants to preserve its value as a collector’s item, which may or may not pay off in the future. Other times, folks simply don’t drive their Corvette much because it’s a second car or a fun weekend toy. It’s not clear why this 1982 Corvette up for grabs at Bring a Trailer was shelved shortly after it was purchased new, but the result is a basically brand new 40-year-old car with just 318 original miles on the clock.
This 1982 Corvette was stored shortly after the original owner purchased it, and it hasn’t changed hands since – until now. As such, it’s quite the time capsule, and it’s an interesting car in its own regard. On the outside, this C3 is finished in white with blue graphics, rolling on a set of eight-slot alloy wheels that are wrapped with 255/60 Goodyear Eagle GT tires. There are some blemishes on the exterior, but nothing terribly offensive by any means.
Inside the cabin, this Corvette looks factory fresh with perfect dark blue leather bucket seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and amenities including an AM/FM radio, cruise control, power windows, a tilting steering column, and air conditioning. There is some wear present due to age, but it’s clear that this car hasn’t been driven much over the past four decades, regardless.
That is also evident from the engine bay, which houses GM’s L83 350 cubic-inch V8 and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and a Positraction rear end. Unfortunately, the owner didn’t bother to even try and start the car since it was stored in the ’80s, and no maintenance has been performed, either. At the very least, the seller notes that the fuel tank will need to be cleaned out, and the new owner will need to replace the fuel pump and sender.
In any event, it shouldn’t be terribly difficult or expensive to get this 1982 Corvette running, and it certainly isn’t every day that we come across one with this kind of mileage. Whether or not that makes it a valuable and coveted collector’s item, well, we’ll find out in a few days when the auction ends.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Keyword: This 1982 Corvette Amazingly Has Just 318 Original Miles