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1979 Chevrolet Corvette
2dr Coupe
8-cyl. 350cid/225hp 4bbl L82
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$18,400*
-5.6%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
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Apr 2025
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1968-1982 Chevrolet Corvette stats
Number produced **
14,516
Highest sale
$3,140,000
Lowest sale
$440
Most recent sale
$16,847
Sales
10000
Photos
50 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.
Past sales
$16,847
1981 Chevrolet Corvette Base
15200 M
Automatic
Europe
Mar 30, 2025Collecting Cars
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$69,300
1969 Chevrolet Corvette Base
79000 M
Standard
North America
Mar 28, 2025Bring a Trailer
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$32,100
1971 Chevrolet Corvette Base
45069 MILES
Standard
North America
Mar 27, 2025Hagerty Marketplace
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$17,325
1977 Chevrolet Corvette Base
74000 M
Standard
North America
Mar 27, 2025Bring a Trailer
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$37,327
1968 Chevrolet Corvette Base
60000 M
Standard
North America
Mar 24, 2025Bring a Trailer
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$86,625
1968 Chevrolet Corvette Base
25000 M
Standard
North America
Mar 21, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
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Model overview
Model description
Chevrolet Corvette production rose again in 1979 to 53,807 coupes despite rising fuel prices. The price of the base L48 model also rose again to $10,220 with a wide-ratio M20 4-speed or a 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission. Base horsepower increased slightly to 195 bhp from the 350 cubic-inch Chevy small-block V-8 engine, but 14,516 buyers spent another $565 for the 225 bhp L82 motor. A better muffler increased horsepower due to freer flow.
The high-back seat from the 1978 Pace Car model became standard equipment and the seats were lightened due to due to plastic frames. Inertia locking kept the backs upright in sudden deceleration, while the seats could slide forward an extra inch. The front and rear spoilers from the 1978 Pace Cars also became standard fitment, decreasing drag by about by about 15 percent, good for half a mile a gallon.
1979 Corvette buyers could still get the close-ratio M21 4-speed gearbox but only 4,062 people did, even though it was a no-cost option. Only 12,321 paid $49 for the FE7 gymkhana suspension, 6,853 paid $265 for front and rear spoilers, 2,164 picked the $33 heavy duty shock absorbers and 425 bought the optional higher or lower rear axle ratio for $19.
Meanwhile, the luxury features abounded. 47,136 buyers paid $635 for air-conditioning, 47,463 bought tilt-telescopic steering column for $190, 48,211 fell for the style of the $45 sport mirrors, 41,530 paid $94 for the ZX2 convenience group of interior lights, floor mats and warning buzzers, and 41,587 shelled out $102 for a rear-window defogger. A further 21,435 bought the AM-FM 8-track stereo for $228 and 35,730 insisted on the $52 power antenna. 34,445 buyers added cruise control.
Among the 10 colors, Black bounced back to the top with 10,465 takers. Classic White followed (8,629) Silver (7,331), Corvette Red (6,707) and Corvette Dark Blue (5,670). Further down the rankings were Corvette Dark Brown (4,053), Corvette Light Blue (3,203) Corvette Light Beige, Corvette Dark Green (2,426) and Corvette Yellow (2,357).
Some cars were unlucky enough to get the 85 mph speedometers designed for the 1980 models, while mirror-tint roof panels developed for the 1978 Pace Car were unexpectedly popular and 14,480 buyers spent an extra $365 to get them.
Vehicle specifications
- Shipping Weight3503 lbs
- Vehicle Length185.2 in
- Wheelbase - Inches98 in
Equipment
- StandardOptional
- Transmission4-Speed Manual TransmissionAutomatic Transmission
- BrakesPower Four-Wheel Disc Brakes—
- Power SteeringYes—
- Tires—White Lettered Tires
- EntertainmentAM/FM—
Equipment
Standard
- Transmission4-Speed Manual Transmission
- BrakesPower Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
- Power SteeringYes
- EntertainmentAM/FM
- Comfort Equipment Heater/Defroster
Optional
- TransmissionAutomatic Transmission
- TiresWhite Lettered Tires
- Air ConditioningYes
- Manual Cruise ControlSpeed Control
- WindowsPower Windows
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Common Questions
The value of a 1979 Chevrolet Corvette can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $16,300 for a 1979 Chevrolet Corvette in good condition with average spec.
The highest selling price of a 1979 Chevrolet Corvette at auction over the last three years was $76,125. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.
The lowest selling price of a 1979 Chevrolet Corvette at auction over the last three years was $8,250. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.
In the last three years there have been 110 1979 Chevrolet Corvettes sold at public auction.
The most recent auction sale of a 1979 Chevrolet Corvette was $15,269 on February 02, 2025 by Car and Classic.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.