Corvette Silver Anniversary Special Edition a Low-Mileage Rarity

In 1978, Chevy went all out to celebrate Corvette’s 25th birthday with the two-toned and too cool Silver Anniversary Special Edition.

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. Yes, we’re speaking about the 1970s in the American auto industry. The decade turned out some classics that have stood the test of times. It also was the era of the Gremlin, the fuel crisis, and the malaise era. A mixed bag. But one undisputed highlight was the 1978 Corvette Silver Anniversary special edition.

The C3 Corvette came at time when the sports car industry needed a shot of adrenalin. And it delivered with a delicious Corvette that was truly befitting the special edition name.

The 1978 Corvette Silver was exactly what we want in a limited edition. Chevy wisely made a few design changes that made it bold and daring. Most notably, the rear end featured a facelift with a large curved rear window and fastback profile. Not only was this sleek, it improved visibility.

We spotted this cherry 1978 Silver Anniversary Corvette at Mershons. Shockingly, there is only 3,377 miles on the odometer! Who buys a Corvette and doesn’t drive it? Our guess is a collector with Herculean levels of self-control.

Truly, it is hard to find such an impeccable example. Delicious silver and dark silver two-tone paint on the outside nicely complements the clean black interior.

Under the hood, the C3 houses a numbers-matching 350 L82 V8 mated to a 4-speed manual.

Naturally, as a special edition it comes loaded with all the good stuff: power brakes, power steering, A/C. Also, a Gymkhana (FE-7) suspension package was included; heavy-duty front and rear shock absorbers, larger diameter front stabilizer bar, rear stabilizer bar, higher rate front and rear springs. Plus, it also comes with the groovy 1970s features including a CB radio, good buddy.

Period-correct components throughout include air cleaner, intake and exhaust manifolds, emissions air pump, alloy wheels, and working instrumentation.

Over the years, Chevy has rolled out a number of special Corvettes. The 1978 Silver Anniversary Corvette was one of the best. By making the right changes, the 25th Anniversary ‘Vette had a unique pedigree; but never strayed far from the menacing C3 shark that ruled the era.

Photos: Mershons

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Sherry Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.