The Corvette Story: 1978 Corvette

Corvette: Year by Year

1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965
1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978
1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

1979 Corvette with Silver anniversary paint option

The Corvette was 25 years old in 1978 and the celebration was on. All 1978s featured a commemorative badge (right) on the front nose. A special two tone paint scheme consisting of dark silver on the lower body and light silver above separated by a dark silver stripe was offered. The production quantity was not limited and 15,283 were sold.

Above and below: 1978 Corvette, Official GM Photos.

1978 was a year of significant changes to the C3 Corvette. A new "fastback" design which made for a smoother silhouette and answered criticisms of limited luggage space; owners now had storage similar to the mid-years Corvette coupes. Also like the mid-years coupes, access to the area was through the seats and inconvenient. A hatchback opening would be available in 1982. A retractable cover provided sun protection and security. One drawback to the new design was that the interior would heat up on sunny days, placing increased demands on the air conditioning.

1978 Corvette For Sale
11252030 Price: $11,000 obo Exterior: white Interior: brown Miles: 120,500 Location: nashua nh Click Here for more info
rebuilt l48 350 edlebrock 4bbl,approx 2000 miles on engine,runs great,a must see. (more)

A new temporary space saving spare tire enabled the installation of a new 24 gallon (previously 17 gallon) fuel tank, increasing the driving range between fill-ups, a previous Corvette complaint.

The interior, which was starting to look dated, was upgraded for 1978. The gauges, while still round, were set in a more squared off area. A glove box replaced the map pockets located in front of the passenger. CB (Citizens Band) radios were a booming fad in 1978 and a AM-FM stereo with CB (RPO UP6; $638.00 - ouch!) was available. One antenna was called on to provide for the AM-FM and CB functions, so its performance was compromised.

Next: 1978 Corvette, Part II

1978 Corvette Options

1979 Corvette

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Comments (5)

i know a person who owns one

#1 - randy ebersole - 07/15/2011 - 20:34

Offshore Compliance Inspector

I purchased a worn out 1978 Corvette in 2008 and recently completed a body on restoration / modification project in my garage. I am not a mechanic. As the only son of a USAF career man I first saw a Corvette when I was 15 and vowed to restore an antique Corvette some day. I kept my promise through the inspiration of my late wife. The link above will take you to my on line car club garage. In there are all the step by step photos documenting my restoration project.

Terry A. Orgeron

#2 - Terry A. Orgeron - 10/16/2011 - 21:23

birthday

I recieved a 78 vette for my birthday, from my mom(thanks Mom). It was her show car for 18 years. completly original except a repaint 10 years ago. Blak on black, T-tops, 4speed, L-82

#3 - Ivan Johnston - 04/18/2012 - 02:55

Since she kept it for 18 years it must have meant a lot to her. Have you thought of keeping it for another 18 years. I believe it just might buy you a nice home to retire in by then and even if it doesn't think of how many times your mother will think about it and what a wonderful gift she was able to give you. Probably hours of personal satisfaction for her. If yu get the money it may just go pretty fast and what will you have to show for it? I do realize that you have the choiceof what to do. If you haven't read Rich Dad Poor Dad please do so and then if you do sell it use the money to start a business or invest in some other way. I believe the book is the best I have ever read to tell me how the rich get their money and are able to keep it.

#4 - Dennis Gergen - 09/22/2012 - 22:33

First Corvette

I just picked up a '78 a couple months ago. All numbers matching, non-molested, and ready for a full re-do. I always liked corvettes and have rebuild a number of other cars over the years, but I'm really looking forward to this. It will always "look" stock (L-48), but may just end up with a few drive train surprises. Cant wait!

#5 - Bill Richard - 09/25/2012 - 21:47


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Corvette: Year by Year

1978 Corvette For Sale

Comments (5)