Dark Side of The Torque: 1979 Chevrolet Corvette L82
I’ve said this before, but I think it needs repeating — I’m not against progress. I think that stuff needs upgrading and technology is great…but the thing about the Corvette is that it was never a competitor to an actual Ferrari. It still isn’t…despite what the mainstream car fishwrap pundits might let you believe…because the Corvette was all about power…stupid, tire-roasting torque, and unlimited power. A Ferrari 488/whatever is Rey from the new Star Wars trilogy — gorgeous, overly powerful, lithe, graceful and fast…but the Corvette is, and always will be Episode 3 Palpatine. A cape, unnecessary cowls/scoops/hoods, and unlimited power!! Don’t fret…it’ll get worse because some day the Corvette will be an electric all-wheel-drive, self-steered, google-pod…but you don’t have to buy one of them, because you have this 1979 Chevrolet Corvette L82 offered for $9250 in Dothan, AL via craigslist. Tip from Ramjet.
From the seller:
1979 Chevrolet Corvette
condition: excellent
cylinders: 8 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 78000
paint color: silver
size: mid-size
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
type: coupe
1979 Corvette Stingray Dayton body kit L82 sport automatic only 78,000 original miles clean runs great smoke free drives great factory ac t-good missing have custom targa top instead has brand new battery updated with large cam Edelbrock Intake and 4 barrel carb HEI distributor etc.. has brand new tires super nice car and fun to drive has updated suspension and rides nice. $9,500 OBO textRob
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Sometimes I feel that when it comes to C3 Vettes, the gaudier it is, the better. Just sometimes. But this is one of those times. This car has just enough 70s disco flash going on to turn heads and piss off purists without going full Corvette Summer. Never go full Corvette Summer.
Yes, this the trick of the C3. You need some bling and enough torque from that V8 to chirp the tires in every gear, but don’t try to autocross it because you’ll get beaten by stock Miatas. But a 79 Corvette is a destination car — you drive it to get that late 70s vibe and maybe air your mullet out a little bit.
I’m with you – this seems to be a fairly good example of customizing the C3 Corvettes. But I think this one needs a pair of howling turbos behind those NACA ducts. Quite possibly feeding into a 454 instead of the expected LS swap. Because it’s all about power. Unlimited power.