1979 L82 4 speed
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
1979 L82 4 speed
I have the chance to buy a 1979 Vette with 11,200 original miles. it is a mint one owner 4 speed manual leather a/c black with tan leather. . Is this a rare combo?
how much is this car worth? Like i said its a one owner mint condition
What would you pay for it?
Thanks,
jason
how much is this car worth? Like i said its a one owner mint condition
What would you pay for it?
Thanks,
jason
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Welcome Jason, got any pictures of this 'bad boy'? They made a lot of cars in 1979, and black was the most popular colour, with over 10,000 cars produced. I'd imagine quite a few of them had tan leather interiors.
A lot of very knowledgeable people here that can help; but as they say a picture is worth a thousand words. Also, where you're buying the car can certainly affect the value.
A lot of very knowledgeable people here that can help; but as they say a picture is worth a thousand words. Also, where you're buying the car can certainly affect the value.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Nice, lotta cake for a '79......and I own one, lol. Are you buying as an investment, or to drive and enjoy. At almost 20 grand, you're into chrome bumper territiory, so from an investment point of view, the smart money might be swayed more that way.
As a driver, I personally wouldn't have the heart to put miles on that one. Since you like that style, if you want a driver, you should be able to find a really nice one, and have some cash left for gas.
Your decision, good luck with whatever you decide, and again welcome.
As a driver, I personally wouldn't have the heart to put miles on that one. Since you like that style, if you want a driver, you should be able to find a really nice one, and have some cash left for gas.
Your decision, good luck with whatever you decide, and again welcome.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
I would drive it to shows and a little on the weekend. I just thought there were not too many l82 4 speeds around. Is the price totally out of question for what the car is? Low miles and being a l82 4 speed? Not sure how much it would be worth in say 10 years if it has maybe 20,000 miles and is in the same condition.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,516
Likes: 505
From: Bussey, IA
To me with all the documentation including the gas purchased and price, etc I consider this an unusual vehicle. But then again, I am not deeply knowledgeable about value. Considering what I see other Vettes going for it seems like a decent value considering it's condition. And if you are looking to at it more as investment and low driving then yes in tens years it may be worth more. But part of the joy of having a Vette is to enjoy it and drive it. And the market value can drop. I wouldn't want to be counting on a huge profit on any car for an investment. Plus it will need more money put into it. Cars that just sit still deteriorate. Second law of thermodynamics hasn't been beaten yet. So it will require more inverstment. But all that is your decision. Does seem like an out of the ordinary car though.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 154
they made a little over 53,000 vettes in 1979.That is the most they ever made,10% were 4 speeds,so not too many with manual trans and l-82 engine.I brought one for my wife and she loved it,a great cruising car.I would have a good body man check it out for rust on the frame and birdcage as they're not showing any pics of those areas.The price is a little heavy for a 79 but if it's a quality car it'll save you money and ag in the long term.The brakes will probably have to be changed(calipers and master)as theyare going to start to leak after a little usage(if they're original.Buying a vette in decent condition with a lower sticker price will still cost over $20,000 in short order.It is a nice looking vette though.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Here's my view. In 1993, I picked up a 78 silver anniversary (B2Z) with some 21k miles for $15k...I figured top dollar at the time and even today I may not be able to retrieve that dollar value. But a very original, nice 78 corvette. I drove it around the country, campaigned it through NCRS and awarded a five-star Bowtie, displayed at the 50th Corvette anniversary in Nashville (drove it). Also drove it to St Louis, Hershey, Orlando and I can't recall where else. Today its at 35k miles, still original. It is not a 21k mile vehicle but it drove well, I maintained it and enjoyed the hell out of it.
My point...what is it you would want to do with it? It is a very nice, top dollar 79 that will be a blast to drive and enjoy. Now, do you want to pay $18.9 to do that. Make an offer that puts it where you can enjoy and rock on!
Last edited by hunt4cleanair; Feb 1, 2016 at 06:44 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
As an owner of a black 79 L-82 spd, I'd say that's a very nice car from the pictures. I would definitely offer less if I were serious about the car. One point I'd be curious about is the NCRS top flight. Was it from the last year or so, or was it 10 years ago, and if it's an old award, what might have changed since then? Mine is not a low mileage car and I drive it 2-3000 miles a year and love it. Over all, I agree with the above comments from others. BTW, welcome to the forum! Spend some time here looking around and learning all you can about your possible purchase.
Last edited by C3 4ME; Feb 1, 2016 at 07:04 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 695
Likes: 55
From: Palm Desert California
I think it is a nice car. I had a 78 black/tan car and loved it .It might be my computer screen but the interior looks more like oyster (off white) than cream or maybe that's what they are calling cream. If you get this car at a good price you will love it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 331
From: Clear Lake Shores Texas
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I live about 10 minutes from this dealership. From my experience they are usually not very negotiable. That being said, they primarily deal in late model cars and are not afraid to sit on their inventory for a long time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 667
From: Northeast
There is no combination numbers available although if you are willing to buy copies of the invoices for all L82s (14516 sold that year) ($725,000) then you could.
In 79 there were 12,353 4spds sold & of these 4062 were close ratio. If you have access to documents it will show M21 on the invoice.
Leather oyster was installed in 9316 (trim tag code 122) vehicles but no exterior/interior combination numbers.
Good looking car and a 4spd.
I would not spend that amount because I don't think there will be an interest 10 years from now. Interest is waning now. I would want to drive it.IMHO
In 79 there were 12,353 4spds sold & of these 4062 were close ratio. If you have access to documents it will show M21 on the invoice.
Leather oyster was installed in 9316 (trim tag code 122) vehicles but no exterior/interior combination numbers.
Good looking car and a 4spd.
I would not spend that amount because I don't think there will be an interest 10 years from now. Interest is waning now. I would want to drive it.IMHO
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Yeah, my dad bought a 2006 solstice from them last year, it had like 11k miles on it. Seems like the sell a lot of low mileage modern and classic cars.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 168
Likes: 3
From: Denver Colorado
Looks like a pretty nice car from the pictures...
There is a reason they sold 53k + units...these are great Corvettes however that being said it brings the investment valve down in my oppinion. I purchased a white wiith red leather interior L82 Auto back in 2000, but decided after a year and that I did not like the automatic in a Corvette I needed a different year Corvette with also a optional engine and four speed tranny. I replaced it with a 1973 LS4 with a M20.
Another question comes to my mind....why did the second owner have to sell to a "dealer" if this is such a nice car? Could have been personal issues I don't know.
Price in my opinion is in the high end for a 1979, but if it is the car you want then get it.
Good luck and let us know the outcome of your seach.
There is a reason they sold 53k + units...these are great Corvettes however that being said it brings the investment valve down in my oppinion. I purchased a white wiith red leather interior L82 Auto back in 2000, but decided after a year and that I did not like the automatic in a Corvette I needed a different year Corvette with also a optional engine and four speed tranny. I replaced it with a 1973 LS4 with a M20.
Another question comes to my mind....why did the second owner have to sell to a "dealer" if this is such a nice car? Could have been personal issues I don't know.
Price in my opinion is in the high end for a 1979, but if it is the car you want then get it.
Good luck and let us know the outcome of your seach.
Last edited by Greekmn2; Feb 2, 2016 at 10:00 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 24,592
Likes: 44
From: The Rock Arkansas
Elite Member
Cruise-In III Veteran
76-82 Vettes will never be worth big bucks. They made too many of them and the wow factor is just not there. Is 19k big bucks? That's in the eye of the owner I suppose. If you have always wanted a nice 79 L82 4 speed, they don't get much better than this one... but don't buy it as an investment, buy it to drive it and enjoy it! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 18
From: St. Louis MO
76-82 Vettes will never be worth big bucks. They made too many of them and the wow factor is just not there. Is 19k big bucks? That's in the eye of the owner I suppose. If you have always wanted a nice 79 L82 4 speed, they don't get much better than this one... but don't buy it as an investment, buy it to drive it and enjoy it!
I have a friend that had a all original car and had a nice time with it for a few years. then sold it because he wanted something he could mod and turn into a hot rod. could not do that to the numbers match all original car...
Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 348
Likes: 44
I'm not doubting you, I simply want to understand.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 35
From: LaUgH, mOrE!
I would drive it to shows and a little on the weekend. I just thought there were not too many l82 4 speeds around. Is the price totally out of question for what the car is? Low miles and being a l82 4 speed? Not sure how much it would be worth in say 10 years if it has maybe 20,000 miles and is in the same condition.
I noticed that the enamel on the intake manifold is almost all off, and that there is some rust on both the brake booster and the hood springs. This is not necessarily unusual if garaged, but it means be sure to check the entire car for rust (as always). If just surface rust on the frame, etc., much can be cleaned up and restored. If it's rust that goes deeper, I don't believe one should pay that price.
No matter what, these old cars take a lot of TLC. If you are willing to enjoy it and yet work on it, it'll be worth it to you.
Good luck on the hunt!