A driver-ready 1978 Corvette L82 with pace car tribute livery offered without reserve on Hagerty Marketplace.
A well-worn but promising 1978 Chevrolet Corvette L82 coupe is currently up for auction on Hagerty Marketplace, giving enthusiasts a chance to own a significant piece of Corvette history at an attainable price point. Offered without reserve, the car is being sold by Broad Arrow Auctions on behalf of its current owner, who has held the vehicle since 2017.
Marking the Corvette’s 25th anniversary, the 1978 model introduced a refreshed design with a new fastback rear window and the iconic Silver Anniversary and Indianapolis 500 Pace Car editions. While this example is not an original limited-edition pace car, it wears similar graphics and livery likely added after production, contributing to its retro appeal.
This particular car is equipped with the higher-output L82 350-cubic-inch V8 engine, producing 220 horsepower, paired to a three-speed automatic transmission. Factory T-tops provide open-air driving, and the car retains its original black (19L) exterior and Oyster leather interior (122) per the body tag. It also features anniversary badging, 15-inch aluminum wheels, and a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
As a project vehicle, the Corvette is sold as-running but with several known faults, including inoperative gauges, a broken driver’s door pull, non-functional A/C, missing horn button, and absent radio. Window mechanisms are also noted as partially or fully non-operational. Despite these issues, the car presents an opportunity for restoration or enjoyment as-is.
The auction is the vehicle’s second appearance on the platform following a previous high bidder’s failure to complete the purchase. With no reserve and a desirable powertrain, this L82-powered Corvette could appeal to hands-on collectors seeking an entry point into late-C3 ownership with strong historical context. See it here.
