Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter?
 

It seems like a nice C3 to me....I have enjoyed mine for many years. Had reasonable HP for that time; coming back from the mid-1970s doldrums. My L-82 was rated at a modest 225. HP plunged again in 1980. I do not particularly like the add-on Pace Car (RPO D80) spoilers but I live with them. It is the most maligned C3. Production run of 53,807 was high but that surely cannot be the reason.....Is there more?

https://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/paul79//fall_017.jpg

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (paul79)
 

i have wondered the same thing. who knows? i like my car too.

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (paul79)
 

I believe the '79 is a step in the right direction when it comes to spoilers. '80-82 models just seem to have refined them a bit, making them an intergral part of the moldings. Their lines are more consistant, curvy and uninterupted. '79's spoilers have the add on appearance. Along with these reasons and that the '80 model is the last year before computers, the '80 is prefered. Possibly because '78's had a pace car for that year, that draws more attention. '81's where built in a new plant and had attractive two tone paint schemes. '82's had new fuel delivery systems (cross-fire) and was the last of the C3 generation. I would be proud of your '79. It is unique. :cool:

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (Dsmith)
 

Thanks! If I hadn't put my heart, soul, bloodied knuckles and bank account balance into my 1979 I would have gone with a 1980 L-82, four-speed. They are rare and I do like the integrated rather than add-on spoilers. But the stories I could tell about restoring a Corvette.....So many mistakes, so many triumphs. Does anyone just stare at their car in amazement of what they have accomplished? Rear wheel bearings last summer. Nuff said!

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (paul79)
 

My guess is because of the production numbers. Interestingly enough though, I don't see any more of them on the road than any other. In fact, probably less. Maybe that's because people have taken them for granted because of the production numbers and let them rot. Honestly though, I think the 75 is probably THE most maligned. I gauge a cars desirability by the market value. Even though the 79 had high production numbers, is is NOT the lowest value car. And IMHO, I prefer the ad on spoilers over the integrated spoilers of the 80's. To me, the 80's rear bumper still looks like an aftermarket bumper that just doesn't quite fit. But that's just my opinion. They're all cool. :cool:

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (79MakoL82)
 

I saw some 1979s in August at Carlisle that were pretty pricey. I think after 20 years or so the market says condition of engine and body is the key. I have seen the numbers matching NCRS phemonenon creeping into the 1979s?? I agree that the 1975 has a bad label also because of the cat con introduction. But I agree that all C3s are :cool: .

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (paul79)
 

I like my 79 and I like the fact there was so many made,that way there will be parts around for along time.
I also like the room the bigger window makes with the seats.
If somebody wants a vette that they want to modify or just leave stock there is no guilt feelings of ruining one of one sacred cow!!!!!!

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (79MakoL82)
 

Yes, the add-ons are nice but for some reason I like the 1980 look.

https://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/pa...rvette_019.jpg

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (paul79)
 

My first Corvette was a '79 White on Oyster L48 w/ 4 speed. For a while I thought the same thing, but the more I looked around the more I realized that there weren't that many "nice" '79 models around. What I mean by nice is, in good running original shape. My theory was that over the years the '79 had that stigma of being the poor man's Corvette. So prices stayed low. Many were bought and trashed, or modified beyond recognition!! Today, I think people are starting to realize that some of the late '70s Vettes (76-79) can be found in pristine condition and the prices are starting to reflect it! I personally like the body style and wish I still had mine (in addition to my '72 of course!!). Here is a pic (sorry! scanned pic) of my '79:

https://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/qi...9autofair2.jpg

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (QikStik)
 

I have to agree! When I bought mine in 1986 it was all I could afford. Perhaps still ;) . Then it was a just a used car. I sense now it may have some higher value because it has been "kept" and upgraded as kept.

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (paul79)
 

I consider ALL C-3's a thing of beauty if done properly.Meaning not alot of testarossa style add-ons.

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (paul79)
 

I bought my first 79 in 81. White w/red, 11,000 miles on it for $10,500. Sold it about a year later for $11,000 to buy a house. Last year I bought a nearly identical 79 for almost what I sold my original one for. I truly love all Vettes though. Some of my faves:
78 Pace Car
82 CE
Millenium yellow or black C5 vert.

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (squeaky g)
 

I have a 76 (another "high" production year). Even the high production years of Vettes was a drop in the bucket when compared to other GM cars of the time. There were over 300,000 Chevelles made most years of their production (at least in the late 60's and early 70s with something like 350,000 made in 1970). There were even more big block super sports made most years than there were all vettes for the same year. You seldom hear of anyone complaining that high production numbers make a super sport chevelle less desirable...

Jeff

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (jeffnles1)
 

Who said we were the runts?? :D

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (paul79)
 

I originally wanted a 1974 because it is the year I was born. My husband kept telling me with 2 kids I would want one newer than that. When we went looking I realized what he was talking about. NO room whatsoever.
When we found my 1979 i twas the right price at $5500.00 it needed work, but hell a vette is a vette and I had waited a long time. We were to be the 3rd owners :cheers:
My 2 kids are 6 and 8.5 and I'km sure its illegal but we put them in the back and we drive it around town, they love it. We had the back window and t-tops tinted last summer right after my husband fixed the AC.
I know the kids will not be able to fit back there forever, but we have a lot of fun in the bat mobile as they call it :lol:

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (ITZA79)
 

Maybe its that beige color..... ;)

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (SuperFast80)
 

i love mine :D

most that i see around these parts (hahahahaha), are 80-82s, or the 75-78 range

there is 1 69 that i know of, and he doesnt really drive it that much, just in parades and such

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (QuickVet)
 

Beauty and love is in the eye of the beholder, if you like it, who cares what others think, they could be wrong you know. :D

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (LT1driver)
 

79 owners unite..Do not stand still for insults! Everyone run premium until we all bulk up :lol:

Re: Why are 1979s the Runt of the C3 Litter? (paul79)
 

I would never consider a 1979 the runt of the C3. I have a '79. I've had it for about 3 years now and have loved every minute of it. Some times I just sit and stare at it....I am just so happy to have a Vette. My favorates are the C3 but I would take any of them. People who don't own a Vette don't understand the passion one feels just by driving it.
I look at it like this.....they made more '79....the reason being.......they knew that was going to be the number 1 body style of all times. (My opinion of course)
Te®esa ('79 Vette Lover) :seeya