Chevrolet Corvette C3 Targa

About this Collectable

Chevrolet Corvette V8 C3 Targa

Looking for a trailer queen, stop reading. If you are looking for a rare manual Corvette that has been completely technically upgraded, read on!

The Chevrolet Corvette (C3) is the third generation of the Corvette produced from 1967 to 1982. The engines and chassis components were largely carried over from the previous generation, but the bodywork and interior were new. The 1979 model year, would be the second time the Corvette would bear the Stingray name, but only for the 1969-76 model years. 1978 was the 25th anniversary of the Corvette where a new fastback rear window, was the most notable change. This gave new life to the decade-old C3 Corvette bodywork. The fastback with fixed glass, benefited both aerodynamics and usable luggage space behind the seats and improved rearward visibility. A sunshade was installed that could be pulled forward to cover the rear compartment to protect cargo and carpet from the sun. The tachometer and speedometer were redesigned to match the new ‘aircraft-style’ centre console and gauge panel first seen last year. There were also newly designed door panels and a real glove box was added in front of the passenger seat, replacing the map pockets of previous years. The base L-48 engine produced 195 hp (138 kW). The Corvette switched to metric tyres with P225/70R15 as standard. Wider P255/60R15 tyres (like this one) were available as an option and required ex-factory wing modification for clearance. Fuel tank capacity increased for all cars and to make room for the larger tank, a smaller (P195/80D15) space-saving spare wheel was used. Auto journalists praised the car's classic strengths, including the L48/automatic's (for the time) impressive acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds and its top speed of 198 km/h, and noted that the car drove more refined and less rattling. In 1979, the crossed flag emblems on the nose and fuel valve were returned to those of the ‘77 model. Three popular features introduced on the ‘78 pace car replicas went into production this year: the new bucket seats, front and rear spoiler package and glass roof panels. The new lightweight high-back seats became standard equipment. The new seats had better lateral support, offered easier access to rear storage and were a lot lighter. Remarkably, about 82% of cars ordered in 1968 were ordered with a manual gearbox in 1979, less than 20% of cars were delivered with a manual gearbox. 

The C3 we offered was bought by the current owner at an auction where transparency was somewhat lacking shall we say. The car was, to put it mildly, not neatly described. The current owner took the car to a company that builds race cars, among other things, and had the Corvette completely rebuilt technically. Some 20,000 euros were invested in it to make it a good driving car. With the thick sidepipes, this Corvette looks extra cool and apart from the accompanying V8 sound, the car also drives well thanks to a set of new tyres. The targa roof adds an extra dimension by allowing you to drive it open in nice weather!

Our opinion

A Corvette is and remains the ‘American dream’ as a sports car. Affordable, robust and especially its looks make it a true American muscle car. Not as refined as the German competition, but affordable and great fun to drive. There are few true survivors, although quite a few are offered. Almost all of them are projects that still need a lot of heart and soul (and a lot of money) to be put into them to make them usable. Specimens with a manual gearbox are really rare. A Corvette that has been completely technically overhauled is probably even rarer. What you do with the exterior is up to you, but we would leave it as it is. The history drips off it shall we say.

About the seller

The current owner has in his small collection only cars with a manual gearbox, because that is still real driving, especially with a classic. He bought the Corvette at an auction and decided to have the car completely restored technically. Unfortunately, he lacks the time to drive it and decided to auction the Corvette through The Collectables.

Equipment

This Corvette C3 is factory equipped with, among other things:

- Air conditioning (operation not checked due to low outside temperature)
- T-tops 
- Radio cassette recorder
- Powerbrakes 
- Power windows 
- Bucket seats
- 255-60-15 Radial tyres

Modifications

The Corvette features the following modifications:

- Braking system fitted with sports brakes
- 4 in 1 headers with double sidepipes

Remarks

The Corvette is in clean good driving condition. Paintwork is moderate, but the car has no rust and drives fine. It is and remains a 45-year old car, but make no mistake, there are many Corvettes for sale where everything still needs to be done, while this one is just technically fully addressed.

Recent maintenance history

In the photo report you can see what has recently been repaired and replaced.

Included in the sale

Included in the sale of this Corvette are:

- 2 Keys 
- Folder with documentation and pictures of the technical revision
- Invoices, etc. 
- List of replaced parts

Summary

Seller - Bas
Seller type - Private
Location - Arnhem
Registration number - N-203-ZJ
Chassis number - IZ878AS417373
Year of construction/date - 28 February 1980
Mileage - 63,728 miles
Demonstrable - No
Warranty - No
Margin/VAT - Margin car
Bodywork - Coupé
Engine - 5.7 litre V8 with 195 hp
Drive system - Rear-wheel drive
Transmission - Manual
Exterior - Two tone Bordeaux red-silver
Interior - Bordeaux 
Upholstery - Leather/fabric
Smoking car - No
Owners - In USA unknown, 1 in Netherlands
Tyres - Radial GT Galaxy GT 255-60-16 DOT 2020, 8mm profile

The description of this Collectable has been compiled with the utmost care, based on information provided by and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre)selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders should ascertain for themselves the accuracy of the description and can, if they wish, conduct (or have conducted) personal research. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, examination or valuation in advance by buyers, in consultation with the seller, of course. Consult our General Terms and Conditions for more details.

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