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'78 Pace Car for sale with 8700 original miles. Has L82 350 ci engine, automatic transmission and FE7 Gymkhana suspension. My father-in-law was the 2nd owner of this beautiful Corvette. Everything works and this Corvette is a joy to drive. Basic maintenance has been done by Corvette Alley in Anacortes, WA. Asking $19,995. Car is in Mill Creek, WA (near Seattle).
This is a beautiful, very low mileage all original ("numbers" matching) collectable Corvette!!
Somebody stop me, but if there's no interest in the car I might have to swap in an LS1/LS6 with TKO 5-speed! Can anyone recommend a Northwest shop for C3 engine swaps?
This is a beautiful, very low mileage all original ("numbers" matching) collectable Corvette!!
Somebody stop me, but if there's no interest in the car I might have to swap in an LS1/LS6 with TKO 5-speed! Can anyone recommend a Northwest shop for C3 engine swaps?
This is a beautiful Corvette and the price - to me, anyway - does not seem out of line. What has me curious though is if the proposed engine swap, while reasonable - is going to end up costing you more that you think?
It seems to me, from casual observation, that a numbers matching Corvette is worth more than one that isn't original. Secondly, I've never figured out if the Pace Car decals and related trim really add that much to the value. That said, I suspect a numbers matching '78 Pace Car, especially with low mileage and some provenance by way of family history isn;t going to be worth more than on with an engine swap?
To my mind, I'd love the car as-is. Somehow, a low mileage '78 pace car for the price of a new Honda Civic is a no brainer. Sell it for as much as you can gt and then buy an earlier chrome bumper C3 and then, if necessary, make the engine swap.
I've given some thought to coming over to look at the car up close and personal, but I have no room for it.
If you do go ahead with the mods you're considering, at least hold on to the engine and other drive train components.
Does this sound like the right thing to do? I'm not what you'd call a serious Corvette guy, but I do know, with the cars I've been around hat originality counts for everything.
There's just something about this car that screams,"Don't Touch Me"
There's just something about this car that screams,"Don't Touch Me"
I hear you on this one. On the other hand, for around $20k, this C3 is almost new and, therefore, a great starting point for some "upgrades" with no restoration expenses. Like a new LS6 with the TKO 5-speed. I'm not an auto person, and a bit more power with the manual transmission would make the car more fun for me to KEEP and drive. I'm not thinking resto-mod here: just add new brake pads and fluid, add new shock absorbers (I believe the front springs will have to be cut), upgrade wheels/tires (C5 Z06 wheels!) and this will be a really fun C3.
Originally Posted by last901
I've never figured out if the Pace Car decals and related trim really add that much to the value.
I agree; this was my late father in-laws collectable. If I keep the car I'll look into removing the Pace Car decals and probably the bumper-ettes on the front. Without the decals, I'm quite fond of the silver/black paint and the silver interior!
Originally Posted by last901
This is a beautiful Corvette and the price - to me, anyway - does not seem out of line. What has me curious though is if the proposed engine swap, while reasonable - is going to end up costing you more that you think?
I'm currently evaluating the cost of the LS/TKO swap. Meanwhile, this beautiful C3 is FOR SALE!
Originally Posted by last901
If you do go ahead with the mods you're considering, at least hold on to the engine and other drive train components.
If you have decided the heck with the value (or lack thereof) of a low mileage 78 and you want to spend the next 10 years really driving this car .... then you can do that.
As to what the cost of a conversion would be ... certainly call Brads Custom Auto and talk to them. They do a lot of that type of work and will give you straight advice.
They've maintained both of my vettes for more than 10 years. They do good work. They are not inexpensive but you get what you pay for.
02-26-2017, 12:17 AM
For Sale: '78 L82 Pace Car w/8700 Original Miles
