Yes, we know all about the horsepower shortcomings of the late C3 Corvettes.
We’ve heard the complaints about the emissions-strangled engines, the automatic transmissions and the performance that couldn’t quite live up to the Corvette’s aggressive appearance.
But that doesn’t make these cars any less desirable in our eyes than today’s high-horsepower — and high-dollar — models.
After all, it’s hard to argue with the beautiful curves of a 1982 Corvette, especially one like this remarkably well-preserved example with just 18,015 documented miles on the odometer.
Better yet, this final-year C3 wears an eye-catching combination of Dark Claret Metallic over a Camel leather interior.
Currently being offered by a private seller on eBay in Wilmington, Delaware, the Corvette carries an asking price of $28,000 or best offer.
And there’s plenty to like about this one.
For starters, the car reportedly retains its original factory paint, which looks remarkably good considering it’s been around for 44 years.
Dark Claret is one of those colors that can reveal every little scratch, chip and imperfection, but the photos show a finish that has held up nicely over the decades.
The most noticeable flaws are some fading and deterioration on the front and rear bumper covers. A competent body shop should be able to address those shortcomings without too much trouble.
The seller says the Corvette has always been garaged and never driven in bad weather. Photos of the underside reveal some surface corrosion, but nothing that immediately appears alarming.
Of course, a personal inspection would be wise before handing over $28,000.
Under that long, sculpted hood rests the original, numbers-matching 350 V8 equipped with Chevrolet’s Cross-Fire Injection system.
Rated at 200 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque, the engine won’t exactly frighten the owner of a new Z06.
But it was an improvement over some of the preceding C3 engines, and the new-for-1982 four-speed automatic transmission helped make better use of the available power. The 700R4 transmission also featured an overdrive fourth gear, making the Corvette a more comfortable highway cruiser.
And let’s face it: Most people buying a 1982 Corvette today aren’t planning to spend their weekends at the drag strip.
They’re buying one because they love the styling, the driving experience and the unmistakable feeling of sitting behind the wheel of a classic American sports car.
This particular 1982 Corvette also has another attraction: The original owner apparently wasn’t shy about checking boxes on the options list.
In addition to the already generous standard equipment, the car was ordered with power door locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, power mirrors, cruise control, a rear-window defogger and a power antenna. There’s even an interesting bit of history involving the stereo.
The original owner apparently decided that an AM/FM/8-track player wasn’t quite what he wanted and wrote the selling dealership requesting a replacement with an AM/FM/cassette unit.
That letter is reportedly included among the extensive documentation dating back to the car’s original purchase at Town & Country Chevrolet in Toms River, New Jersey.
Unfortunately, the original 8-track radio didn’t survive the switch. That’s too bad because I’ve got a case full of tapes I’d love to play in this car, and the ’82 was the last year an 8-track was offered in a Corvette.
The Camel leather interior appears exceptionally well-preserved, with little evidence of the wear normally associated with a car more than four decades old.
The seller says everything works as intended, including the air conditioning, power seats, windows, stereo and power antenna.
The Corvette also wears 15-inch aluminum wheels with BFGoodrich radial tires dated 2019. Suspension modifications include an upgraded front sway bar with polyurethane bushings.
A clean Carfax report, original purchase documentation and a car cover are included.
Naturally, the $28,000 asking price raises the question of value.
After all, even with its low mileage and desirable color combination, this Corvette isn’t quite perfect. The faded bumper covers will need attention if the next owner wants a truly show-quality appearance.
Still, we really like this well-preserved survivor that hasn’t been extensively modified or subjected to a questionable restoration. Do you?
Source:
eBay Motors via Barn Finds
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