Value question for vette gurus
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: austin tx
Value question for vette gurus
My brother found me a '78 anniversay model with the L82 and 4spd. I've never owned a vette but like most always wanted one. After looking around at a few sites including this one I decided to buy it because I thought I was making a good deal. Now that I own it I starting looking further and I'm not sure sure I got a good deal after all. Could the same car with similiar miles but with an automatic be worth considerably less than a 4spd? I see two of them going for $7,500 but again they are automatic.
I can find it now but I swear there was an article that broke down the number of vettes made in 1978 by option and it said there are less than 400 anniversary models with an L82 and 4 spd. Hope I'm right about that.
Thanks in advance for any info.
I can find it now but I swear there was an article that broke down the number of vettes made in 1978 by option and it said there are less than 400 anniversary models with an L82 and 4 spd. Hope I'm right about that.
Thanks in advance for any info.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,799
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: Value question for vette gurus (grp)
I don't know what you paid, but if you're happy with the car for the price you paid, you got a good deal. The L82 + 4 spd is a desireable combo. It's worth more than any other combo that year.
My advice is to quit worrying about what you paid and what you might have paid. There's nothing you can do about it now so just enjoy the Vette.
My advice is to quit worrying about what you paid and what you might have paid. There's nothing you can do about it now so just enjoy the Vette.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
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Re: Value question for vette gurus (grp)
Manual sharks are worth more, but that's where my knowledge ends. :lol: I paid around 6k for my '76 L82 4spd. It runs and drives decently, but the interior needs a lot of work. My advice... don't sweat it. Love your car, drive it, and be happy. Don't cry over spilled milk. :thumbs:
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,799
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: Value question for vette gurus (wombvette)
I dont have the information here at home, but by 78, 4 Spds were much lower production. Something like 5000 or so, total.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
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Re: Value question for vette gurus (CorvetteSS)
I dont have the information here at home, but by 78, 4 Spds were much lower production. Something like 5000 or so, total.
3,385 4 spds produced in 78, out of a total of 46,776 Vettes. Only 7.24% of production.
3,385 4 spds produced in 78, out of a total of 46,776 Vettes. Only 7.24% of production.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: austin tx
Re: Value question for vette gurus (grp)
This forum group is awesome! I didn't expect a reply until tomorrow at the earliest. Looks like the common theme is to just enjoy the car. By the way I paid $8k even for it. The exterior seems to be in good shape but the carpets and other items need help in the interior. Once again thanks for all the feedback.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,799
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: Value question for vette gurus (wcsinx)
I dont have the information here at home, but by 78, 4 Spds were much lower production. Something like 5000 or so, total.
3,385 4 spds produced in 78, out of a total of 46,776 Vettes. Only 7.24% of production.
Not all of those are L82s though. That number is significantly smaller I suspect.
3,385 4 spds produced in 78, out of a total of 46,776 Vettes. Only 7.24% of production.
Not all of those are L82s though. That number is significantly smaller I suspect.
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,799
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: Value question for vette gurus (grp)
This forum group is awesome! I didn't expect a reply until tomorrow at the earliest. Looks like the common theme is to just enjoy the car. By the way I paid $8k even for it. The exterior seems to be in good shape but the carpets and other items need help in the interior. Once again thanks for all the feedback.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 7,154
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From: I blame my Dyslexia MD
Re: Value question for vette gurus (grp)
i have a friend w/ a 78 pace car L82 and close ratio 4speed, he said that there were about 150 of them made that year, i dont rember the exact number but it was within 20 of that, his has about 4000 miles on it, i didnt know he had one until one day went went fishing at his place and his wife mentioned we should take a look at his car, we were stunned with what was in the barn there.
well that shoudl help its about 150 of them out there
MAtt
well that shoudl help its about 150 of them out there
MAtt
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: austin tx
Re: Value question for vette gurus (pillowmeto)
Unfortunately mine is not a Pace car. That is the rarest of all the '78s. Your friend has a real keeper on his hands. If those are true miles then he has a nice little nest egg there. Thanks for the info anyhow.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Ajax Ontario
Re: Value question for vette gurus (grp)
I think you have a very good deal. L82/4spd is the best drivetrain that year. It's true for any of the years....a 4 speed is worth more than an automatic (all other features/condition equal). Likewise a big block is worth more than a small block, a hi po (like L82) small block is worth more than the base engine and convertibles are worth more than coupes. L88's are worth more than some houses!
Enjoy!!
Enjoy!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,330
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From: Long Island NY
Re: Value question for vette gurus (68shark)
I also own a S/A L82 4spd. This is the combo that you want (except for the pace car)! About 400 produced is about right. That is the S/A paint, L82, & 4spd. I tell everybody that wants a "muscle car", to get a factory 4 spd car...you can't go wrong :D