The arrival of the 1978 Chevy Corvette would happen just a few months after the 500,000th model rolled off the St. Louis assembly line (see the “1977 Corvette Overview” for further detail). As significant as that milestone had been as a benchmark of Corvette’s success, the 1978 model would mark a second milestone – Corvette’s Silver Anniversary.
Just as the Corvette had been America’s only true production sports car in 1953, the 1978 Corvette continued to carry that mantle 25 years later, and with similar distinction.
Pricing: $9,351.89 (Coupe), $13, 653.21 (Pace Car Replica)
Engine: 350ci, 185HP Engine (standard), 350ci, 220HP Engine
Transmission: 4-speed manual (standard), 4-speed manual (close ratio), 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic (optional)
Top speed: 123 mph
Units Produced: 46,776
Available Colors: Classic White, Silver, Silver Anniversary, Black, Black/Silver, Corvette Light Blue, Corvette Yellow, Corvette Beige, Corvette Light Beige, Corvette Red, Corvette Mahogany, Corvette Dark Blue, Corvette Dark Brown
Highlights of the year:
To celebrate 25 years, executives within Chevrolet decided that something special had to be done to the current Corvette to commemorate the car’s silver anniversary. The question that followed this decision was this: how could Chevrolet make a notable modification to the current model on a very limited budget? The answer was simple: trim away the old “flying buttress” sail panels and substitute a large, compound curved rear window. In so doing, Chevrolet engineers not only gave the aging third-generation Corvette a new look, but they also brought about the return of the Corvette fastback, which had been notably absent since 1967.
While a lot of discussion had centered around making the rear window a hinged, lift-up hatchback design, Dave McLellan, Chief Engineer of the Corvette, opted not to complicate the design for the 1978 model (though he would later introduce the option as part of the Collector Edition Hatchback model in 1982.)
Though not a hatchback, the addition of a curved window to the C3 not only improved the car’s overall appearance, it enhanced rearward visibility while also providing nearly three times the available luggage room of earlier models and greater ease of access. A retracting cover was also added to the rear compartment to offer added security and protection from the sun
Additionally, the car received a special striping package. Though inexpensive to manufacture, the striping package would be viewed by many consumers as a desirable package and, as such, GM would be able to mark up the package considerably. Ultimately, the “25th Anniversary” paint scheme ended up being two-tone; silver over a gray lower body with a separating pinstripe
To further commemorate Corvette’s 25th anniversary, Chevrolet had negotiated with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to allow a modified Corvette to serve as the pace car for the 1978 running of the Indianapolis 500.
The car, much like the Silver Anniversary Edition, featured a special, two-tone paint scheme, although, for this model, the color choice was black over silver metallic with a bright red pinstripe between the two tones of paint.
Mechanically, the car remained very similar to the 1977 Corvette that had come before it. A few changes were made, including a larger fuel tank, which now held 24 gallons of gas (versus the 17-gallon tank used on the previous year.) To accommodate the larger fuel tank, Corvette introduced a smaller, lighter weight spare tire.
The arrival of the 1978 Corvette was met with a great deal of praise, especially for its more refined ride and appearance, both of which seemed to revitalize the car in the public eye.
In all, the 1978 Corvette saw the resurgence of a car brand that had begun to falter some throughout the previous decade. Between the Silver Anniversary and Pace Car Limited Edition Corvettes, and the overall look and feel of the 1978 model as a whole, there was no doubt that Corvette was moving in a better direction once more.
Photos of the 1978 Corvette:
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