1979 Chevrolet Corvette Custom – 383 Stroker V8

Purists, consider yourselves warned. This 1979 Chevrolet Corvette isn't pretending to be a factory-original C3. It's an unapologetic custom show-and-cruise build featuring a 383 stroker V8, custom blue paint with true-fire flames, vertical doors, L88-style hood, chrome side pipes, Foose wheels, custom interior, and extensive show-car detailing.

The current owner reports being the third owner and has owned the Corvette for approximately 10 years. He purchased it from a friend who had previously used the car as a daily driver. Under current ownership, it has primarily been enjoyed as a Sunday cruiser and car-show vehicle, and the owner reports that it has won awards. He is selling because he has another Corvette currently being restored.

383 Stroker V8

Power comes from a non-original 383ci stroker V8 backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. The owner reports that the replacement engine has fewer than 5,000 miles, with the car primarily driven to shows or trailered during that period.

The engine compartment has been extensively dressed with chrome and custom underhood graphics. Cooling is handled by an aluminum radiator with dual electric fans, while headers feed a set of dramatic chrome side pipes.

The Corvette is equipped with power steering, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, power windows, and power door locks.

Custom Paint & True-Fire Graphics

The custom blue exterior was professionally refinished by Caruso's Customs in Anderson, California. Documentation accompanying the car includes a 2019 work order totaling approximately $8,000 for paint and body work involving multiple exterior panels.

The paint was then taken considerably further with custom blue true-fire flames and airbrushing by Galls Graphics, with a March 2019 receipt documenting $1,000 paid for the graphics.

Custom artwork continues underneath the hood, complementing the chromed and detailed engine compartment.

The exterior finish was subsequently professionally ceramic coated by Vivid Detailz Auto Spa in Redding, California.

L88 Hood, Vertical Doors & Custom Bodywork

An aggressive L88-style hood transforms the profile of the C3, complemented by custom front and rear spoilers and the unmistakable vertical-door conversion.

Documentation includes a February 2023 invoice from Vertical Doors, Inc. for its 1968 – 1982 Chevrolet Corvette C3 vertical-door kit, showing a total purchase price of $1,171.41.

The doors retain conventional outward movement before swinging vertically, making them both a functional modification and one of the car's most distinctive show features.

Foose Wheels & Four-Wheel Disc Brakes

The Corvette rides on 17-inch Foose wheels wrapped in 245/45R17 low-profile tires, which the owner reports are approximately three years old.

Behind them are power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, while power steering makes the customized C3 considerably easier to maneuver than its aggressive appearance might suggest.

Custom Interior

The customization continues inside with a blue-and-black custom interior, which the owner describes as being in excellent condition.

Features include bucket seats, automatic floor shifter, tilt steering wheel, power windows, power door locks, aftermarket audio, custom floor mats, and a customized battery shutoff switch.

The removable T-tops feature a carbon-fiber-style treatment, with T-top retaining belts located behind the seats. A rear tonneau cover is also included.

For nighttime shows and cruise-ins, the Corvette is equipped with a Heise multicolor LED underbody lighting system with remote-controlled color selection.

Mileage & Documentation

The Corvette's five-digit odometer currently displays 23,087 miles. However, total chassis mileage is not represented as actual, and previous documentation also identifies the mileage as exempt.

Accordingly, the Corvette is being offered as:

23,087 miles shown – TMU (True Mileage Unknown).

This should not be confused with the replacement engine mileage. The 383 stroker is separately reported to have fewer than 5,000 miles.

The car comes with documentation supporting portions of its custom build, including receipts and paperwork for the paint/body work, true-fire graphics, and vertical-door conversion.

The owner has disclosed a small oil leak and reports that he is working on having it repaired. Its status can be confirmed prior to sale.

Highlights

1979 Chevrolet Corvette C3 383ci stroker V8 fewer than 5,000 miles reportedly driven on replacement engine three-speed automatic transmission power steering power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes power windows power door locks custom blue paint true-fire airbrushed flames ceramic-coated finish L88-style hood custom underhood graphics extensive underhood chrome Vertical Doors, Inc. conversion custom front and rear spoilers headers chrome side-pipe exhaust aluminum radiator dual electric cooling fans 17-inch Foose wheels 245/45R17 low-profile tires custom blue-and-black interior tilt steering aftermarket audio removable T-tops carbon-fiber-style T-top treatment T-top retaining belts rear tonneau cover battery shutoff switch Heise multicolor LED underglow 23,087 miles shown TMU

This Corvette isn't about matching numbers or factory chalk marks. It's a wild, old-school custom C3 built to make an entrance – true-fire flames, side pipes, vertical doors and a stroker small-block wrapped in one of Chevrolet's most recognizable body designs.