“Classic icon: Chevrolet C3 Targa 1978 25th Anniversary Edition with few owners”

Data sheet
- Year: 1978
- Manufacturer: Chevrolet
- Model: Corvette
- Color: Brown
- Interior color: Beige
- Interior material: Tyg
- Engine displacement: 1.8
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive
- Propulsion: Gasoline
- Steering: LHD
- Transmission: Automatic
- Odometer: 55 532 km
- VIN: 1Z87L8S******info
Basic Information and History
Model year 1978 is one of the more interesting years in the long history of the C3 generation. Corvette turned 25, which was marked with anniversary emblems, and the body received its biggest change since 1968 through the new, strongly curved rear window that replaced the previous tunnel-shaped rear section. This brought a significantly larger cargo area behind the seats, while the classic profile with sculpted sides and removable roof panels was retained. Under the hood sat the small-block 350 cubic inch V8, and 1978 was also the last year before the instrument panel received its revised design with an integrated glovebox.
This example is imported from the USA and has had two owners in total. The odometer reading is 89,500 km, but the seller cannot guarantee this. The car is stated to be in original condition and has, according to the seller, been stored in a garage year-round, including during the summer months. The most recent inspection was carried out in October 2025 and the vehicle is passed and drivable as it stands.
Equipment and Options
- Electric window winders
- Removable T-top roof
- Air conditioning (not functioning)
- Audio and media system
- Disc brakes all around
- The tail lights have been replaced but the originals are also included
The car is presented as original with no real modifications. On a previous occasion, the ball joints have been replaced on both sides. The original joints were riveted from the factory and are now fitted with screw and bolt, which is a common and accepted solution on this generation of Corvette.
Condition
Body and exterior: The body is described as being in good condition by the seller. The paint, however, has some remarks in the form of paint touch-ups in a few places, a paint defect around the fuel filler cap, and remarks on the nose cone. The windows have a minor crack in the left T-top glass.
Interior: The interior and the instrument panel are both stated to be in good condition. The rubber seals around the T-top roof are dried out and should be looked over. All seat belts function, but there is damage to the right-hand belt; the electronics are stated to function, and the instrument panel is free of warning lights. The air conditioning is not functioning, and the cause is not known to the seller.
Tyres and wheels: Tyres and wheels are described as being in good condition. The car currently rides on 255/60/15 all around, i.e. the same size front and rear. The seller notes that the car is affected by poorer road surfaces and assesses that a front-end alignment, or alternatively a switch to a narrower front tyre dimension, could be worthwhile.
Mechanics and function: The engine, gearbox, and brakes are all described as being in good condition; some oil seepage is present at the valve covers, see photo. The engine starts and runs, according to the seller, without fault, the clutch functions, and the gearbox shifts without remark. The brake pads have been checked and are assessed to have good remaining thickness, and the car has disc brakes all around. The seller states that the left rear bushing has a certain amount of play and should preferably be replaced. The rear axle is stated to function without unusual noise, but the oil there has not been changed and is recommended to be looked over. Overall, the seller describes the car, which is soon to be 50 years old, as running well for its age.
Service History
The vehicle is stated to be fully serviced. During the seller's ownership, the engine oil has been changed every autumn, but this year's change has not yet been carried out. There are no receipts or other documentation to support the service history, meaning the information is based on the seller's own statements. The most recent passed inspection took place in October 2025.
Summary
An original 1978 Chevrolet Corvette from the anniversary model year with the characteristic large rear window, removable T-top roof, and electric window winders. The car is imported from the USA, has had two owners, and shows 89,500 km, a figure that cannot be guaranteed. Mechanically it is described as working well with the engine, gearbox, and brakes in good condition, and it has passed inspection and is drivable as it stands.
Known points to address are a non-functioning air conditioning system, a minor crack in the left T-top glass, dried-out rubber seals around the roof panels, play in the left rear bushing, and an overdue oil change in the rear axle. The paint has touch-ups in a few places as well as damage near the fuel filler cap and on the nose cone. This is therefore a drivable and usable C3 with room for those who want to further refine the details.