30K original mile survivor

1978 Chevrolet Corvette Base Coupe 2-Door Description

Thisclassic Corvetteis a 30k mile survivor; code 26 Corvette Light Blue (I have seen it referenced as Frost Blue) and represents just 4% of 1978 production with original untouched (except for maintenance items) numbers match engine, transmission, carburetor, starter, alternator, andwith factory grease crayon marks still on the frame and chassis components throughout, and broadcast spring tags still on the coil springs. Original exhaust system still has its heat shields and clean catalytic converter. Never-mounted spare tire isthe early '78 production "safety yellow"wheel as it should be. The beautiful Dark Blue leather interior - impeccable when you consider its age - still smells like leather.The AC still works, power antenna still goes up and down with the radio, power windows buzz up and down, delay dome lights and key buzzer still work, the engine runs smoothly and the car drives like new with a firm brake pedal. The brake calipers, master cylinder, brake hoses and pads were all replaced in 2009 along with engine belts, hoses and the like in the course of normal maintenance (when it was 31 years old). I would place the body paint in #2 original condition on a 1-5 scale, 1 being the best, with only minor flaws. Look at the pictures as they are accurate; the car looks this nice. Fiberglass is the same. Look at the chassis and engine photos as this is a “nothing to hide” car with only factory-applied paints and coatings on the hard parts. This means the chassis has not been painted, touched-up or undercoated in a pre-sale regimen in order to hide shortcomings. Same with the engine; it is what the factory built ( except for belts, hoses and maintenance items ) with no painting existing parts or swapping of original parts for aftermarket performance stuff. Grease crayon numbers are still visible on the side of the engine block from the Flint engine plant that built it in 1978. The body mount bushingswhich are typically in dire need of replacement by noware amazingly nice and need nothing.Look at the body photos as this color can change with different lighting from light blue to white. Then study the superb gaps and panel alignment as they are factory-fresh on this no-hit body with much original paint still present. Some minor panel seam reworking and blended paint has been done at some point as anyone with a late 70’s shark will tell you how the seams shrink. And the original bumpers - still the original urethane and still in remarkable condition. Notice the stance of this car as the suspension (except for shocks) is original and ride height is factory-issue. Again, all the factory crayon marks on the chassis and components and much original frame paint still present amongst only minor surface rust / aging. Think NCRS. Tank sticker is detached and comes with the car (originally delivered to Walter Chevrolet in Raleigh, NC), asdoes the original owner's manual and service records.

I’m in the Corvette restoration business and active on the national judging field. I see hundreds of Corvettes each year, and I can tell you that the ones on the judging field for "Flight"judging or "Gold"have been restored to "like new" condition. The ones going for "Bowtie" or "Survivor" are like this car. These don't come along too often. I would put this car in #2 original condition ( 1-5 where 1 is the best ).

NADA Classic Car Guide: Avg. retail $13,800 ; high retail $24,200.

Collector Car Market Review: #2 condition: $14,325; #1 condition: $22,000

( Edmunds and KBB price guides do not do classic years ).

This Corvette is priced below these value ratings at $13,500; final price. I will accept Bank / Cashier's check or direct deposit to my bank account. Car will be held until funds are verified.