49,800 original miles. Handsome color combination. Loaded with options. Attractive cloth interior in fantastic condition. Great-running 350 cubic inch V8 with Cross-Fire Injection. Nicely documented. An attention-grabbing Corvette with a very reasonable price!
1982 was the end of the line for the long-running C3 Corvette, but that doesnt mean that GM was just phoning it in. The big news was Cross-Fire Injection on the erstwhile 350 cubic inch V8, which was designed to improve driveability and fuel economy. There was also a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, which greatly improved highway mileage and cruising ability. Styling was still a home-run, and with two-tone paint highlighting the late C3s dramatic lines, this 1982 Corvette is a great-looking car in every way. The Silver over Dark Claret combination is elegant yet sporting and serves to give the Corvette a timeless look, not dated. The car was originally Dark Charcoal, but was repainted a few years ago and remains in fantastic condition, and all the decals were replaced so theyre crisp and well-adhered to the bodywork. Panel gaps are typical C3: pretty good but not perfect, but the doors swing closed with a solid sound that you dont often find in Corvettes of this vintage. Glass T-tops are almost the same color as the bodywork and most of the weatherstripping was replaced when it was repainted, so it seals up rather well. There are no major scratches, chips, or other cosmetic defects aside from a few small nicks on the nose from normal driving. This is a cool-looking car that was obviously loved.
The red cloth interior is a nice change from the usual cracked and faded leather in these cars, and the sport seats are just as supportive and comfortable. The upholstery is in excellent shape, the deep-pile carpets arent faded, and the door panels and dash pad arent cracked, all indications of a car that has been properly maintained. The leather-wrapped wheel is atop a tilt steering column, and all the gauges are operational. Other options include power windows, mirrors, and locks, power drivers seat, an AM/FM stereo that still sounds pretty good, a rear defroster, and factory A/C. The plaque on the center console says theres 200 horsepower and 285 lb-ft. of torque on tap from the L83 V8, respectable numbers for 1982. Theres ample cargo space behind the seats and the T-tops lift off easily and store in their original bags to make this a fun open-air cruiser.
The only engine on the menu was the L83 350 cubic inch V8 with Cross-Fire Injection. This one runs great, with easy starts and a nice idle, and a big hit of low-end torque to make it fun on the street. As far as we can tell, this is the cars original engine, but the numbers are buried under the A/C compressor and smog pump, so its impossible to verify without disassembly. But given the cars condition and low mileage, we have no reason to believe that it has ever been replaced. If you look closely, youll see factory-grade hardware throughout, correct finishes and fittings, and that big wrinkle-finished air cleaner assembly with twin filters inside. Its actually refreshing to see one thats 100% stock, which is how the previous owner (an enthusiastic NCRS member) liked his cars. The 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission was new for 1982 and transforms the cars manners on the highway, making high-speed travel absolutely effortless and pulling down decent fuel economy at the same time. Its assisted by a set of 2.72 gears in the rear end, so this thing just loafs along at crazy speeds. The undercarriage is largely original and in very good condition with zero rust or rot in the critical areas of the birdcage and ahead of the rear tires. A factory-style exhaust features stainless Magnaflow mufflers for a slightly more aggressive sound, and well vouch for the fact that it has a great tone. Power steering, power 4-wheel disc brakes, and a fully independent suspension are all part of the Corvette program, so this car is surprisingly capable when the road starts to twist. Gorgeous machined aluminum wheels always look great and are outfitted with 255/60/15 Goodyear radials of indeterminate age.
Documentation includes an owners manual, build sheet, and a large folder of service receipts.
We like this car a lot more than we expected. The disco-era Corvettes are seeing some strong gains in the market as people realize that theyre great drivers and earn you admission to all the great Corvette events without a huge up-front cost. Add in the cars great looks, comfortable interior, and long list of features, and you get a Corvette thats easy to buy and easy to own. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
