The 1982 Corvette closed out the C3 era and doubled as a test bed for C4 powertrain tech. It introduced Cross-Fire Injection (L83) with Computer Command Control and paired it with a four-speed automatic overdrive. It was the only transmission offered that year. It’s also the year of the Collector Edition, with the first rear-lifting hatchback glass on a production Corvette and unique silver-beige aesthetics.
Corvette 1982

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1982 Corvette Prices & Value

  • Originality and paperwork as always are a big factor. These include matching-numbers L83 Cross-Fire, intact CCC electronics, and docs (tank sticker/POP, service history).
  • Collector Edition (CE) specifics: Correct Silver-Beige finish/striping, turbine wheels, and clean hatch hardware add desirability. CE cars generally sit a notch above base coupes when condition is comparable.
  • Cross-Fire vs. swaps: Sorted, leak-free CFI is viewed positively. Carb conversions can narrow the buyer pool unless executed and documented well.
  • 700R4 health: Crisp shifts and proper TV-cable adjustment is a bonus.
  • Tired interiors, cracked plastics, or water-leaky T-tops push cars down into driver/project money.

1982 Corvettes For Sale

1982 Corvette Quick Facts

Model 1982 Corvette
Generation C3
Body Style Two-door coupe (T-top panels)
Assembly Bowling Green, Kentucky
Engine L83 350 V-8 with Cross-Fire Injection (only engine offered)
Transmission 4-speed automatic overdrive (only transmission offered)
Two-Tone Options Silver/Dark Blue; Silver/Charcoal; Beige/Dark Bronze; Autumn Red/Dark Claret
VIN Range 1G1AY8786C5100001 – 1G1AY87865125408
Base Price $21,800 (Base Coupe)
Units Produced 25,407
Special Model 1982 Collector Edition — first rear-lifting hatchback glass; unique silver-beige theme

Popular 1982 Corvette Colors & Trim Combos

  • Collector Edition Silver-Beige (unique CE theme)
  • Silver / Charcoal two-tone
  • Silver / Dark Blue two-tone
  • Autumn Red / Dark Claret two-tone
  • Beige / Dark Bronze two-tone
  • Dark Blue (solid)
  • Red (solid)
  • White (solid)

1982 Corvette Engines & Mechanics

  • Cross-Fire Injection: twin throttle-body setup feeding opposite banks via a crossover manifold. Integrated with CCC for drivability and emissions.
  • Classic 350 cubic inch V-8. It came as L83 only and automatic only. 1982 shipped with one engine and one transmission.
  • The 1982 Corvette was clocked at 16.1 seconds for a quarter mile, running a speed of 84.5 mph.
Corvette Mechanics 1982

1982 Corvette Aesthetics and Changes

With the C3 generation winding down, the base 1982 coupe saw only subtle cosmetic updates. The most visible addition was the “Cross-Fire Injection” script positioned above the front fender vents, signaling the new L83 fuel-injection system. Popular two-tone paint finishes continued that gave buyers period-correct style choices.

Inside, the cabin was largely unchanged. This was the final year you could order an 8-track player.

White corvette 1982

1982 Commemorative Collector Edition

Marking the end of the C3 era, Chevrolet offered a Collector Edition (CE), built to order. This was a response to the 1978 pace-car “cloning” episode. Many enthusiasts regard the CE as the most desirable C3 configuration, and Chief Engineer David McLellan praised it as “a unique combination of color, equipment and innovation – one of the most comprehensive packages ever offered to the Corvette buyer.”
  • First factory rear-lifting hatchback glass on a Corvette.
  • Exterior: distinctive silver-beige metallic with graduated shadow striping on the hood, fenders, and doors.
    • Bronze-tinted glass T-tops
    • Alloy “turbine” wheels and cloisonné emblems including special front/rear crossed-flags reading “Corvette Collector Edition.”
  • Interior had a coordinated silver-beige leather upholstery and door trim with color-matched, luxury-grade carpeting.
  • Anti-cloning ID: CE coupes carry a special VIN (a 0 in the sixth digit) for quick identification.
  • Price & production: stickered at $22,537.59; Chevrolet sold 6,759 Collector Editions.
Commemorative Collector Edition 1982

1982 Corvette Options (RPO Codes)

CODES DESCRIPTION QUANTITY RETAIL PRICE
1YY87 Base Corvette Sport Coupe 18,648 $18,290.07
1YY07 Corvette Collector Edition Hatchback 6,759 $22,537.59
AG9 Power Driver Seat 22,585 $197.00
AU3 Power Door Locks 23,936 $155.00
CC1 Removable Glass Roof Panels 14,763 $443.00
C49 Rear Window Defogger 16,886 $129.00
DG7 Electric Sport Mirror 20,301 $125.00
D84 Two-Tone Paint 4,871 $428.00
FE7 Gymkhana Suspension 5,457 $61.00
K35 Cruise Control 24,313 $165.00
N90 Aluminum Wheels (4) 16,844 $458.00
QGR White Letter SBR Tires, P225/70R15 5,932 $80.00
QXH White Letter SBR Tires, P255/60R15 19,070 $542.52
UL5 Radio Delete 150 -$124.00
UM4 AM-FM Radio, electronically tuned stereo with 8-track tape 923 $386.22
UM6 AM-FM Radio, electronically tuned stereo with cassette 20,355 $423.00
UN5 AM-FM Radio, electronically tuned stereo with cassette/CB 1,987 $755.00
U58 AM-FM Radio, stereo 1,533 $101.00
U75 Power Antenne 15,557 $60.00
V08 Heavy Duty Cooling 6,006 $57.00
V54 Roof Panel Carrier 1,992 $144.00
YF5 California Emission Certification 4,951 $46.00

1982 Corvette Transmissions & Codes

CODE TRANSMISSION
YA Turbo Hydra-Matic 700-R4 4-Speed Automatic with Overdrive

1982 Corvette Specs and VIN Ranges

MODEL 1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
GENERATION C3
BODY STYLE Two-door coupe, front engine, rear wheel drive
MANUFACTURING LOCATION Bowling Green, Kentucky
ORIGINAL PRICE $21,800.00 (Base Coupe)
UNITE PRODUCED 25,407
TWO TONE OPTIONS Silver/Dark Blue, Silver/Charcoal, Beige/Dark Bronze, Autumn Red/Dark Claret
CONSTRUCTION Frame features a cross-member for transmission (with bolting assembly for transmission). The frame is all welded (full length), ladder constructed. The full frame includes four cross-members and is sealed with a corrosion resistant material. The body is constructed of a corrosion-resistant, steel-reinforced fiberglass. The front bumper features a honeycomb cushion system. The rear energy-absorbing bumper features twin hydraulic shock absorbers. The hood and doors are constructed of fiberglass and feature a double-panel construction method. The roof assembly features two removable roof panels.
VEHICLE NUMBERS (VIN) 1G1AY8786C5100001 – 1G1AY87865125408 1G1AY8764B5100001 – 1G1AY8764B5108995 (Bowling Green)
ENGINE SUFFIX ZBA: 350 CUBIC INCH, 200 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ZBC: 350 CUBIC INCH, 200 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC, CALIF. EMISSIONS, EARLY PRODUCTION ZBN: 350 CUBIC INCH, 200 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER 14010207: ALL
HEAD NUMBER 462624: ALL
TBI NUMBER 17082052: REAR UNIT 17082053: FRONT UNIT
CARBURETOR NUMBERS ROCHESTER Q-jet #17080204: 350 C.I., 190HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ROCHESTER Q-jet #17080207: 350 C.I., 190HP, MANUAL TRANSMISSION ROCHESTER Q-jet #17080228: 350 C.I., 230HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ROCHESTER Q-jet #17080504, 17080517: 305 C.I., 180HP, AUTO. TRANS, CALIF. EMISSIONS
DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER 1103479: ALL
ALTERNATOR NUMBER 1101071, 1101075, 1103091, 1103103
AXLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OJ: 2.87:1 RATIO, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OK: 2.72:1 RATIO, MANUAL TRANSMISSION
PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE OCT., 1981: 100564 FEB., 1982: 107287 JUN., 1982: 117686 OCT., 1982: 125408, NOV., 1981: 100590 MAR., 1982: 110060 JUL., 1982: 120227, DEC., 1981: 102647 APR., 1982: 112598 AUG., 1982: 121889, JAN., 1982: 105004 MAY, 1982: 115020 SEP., 1982: 124433

Frequently Asked Questions about ‘82 Corvettes

What should I check before buying a 1982 Corvette?

  • Paperwork & originality: matching-numbers L83, CCC electronics intact, tank sticker/POP.
  • Cross-Fire health: smooth hot/cold starts and no vacuum leaks.
  • 700R4 shifts: verify crisp 1–2/2–3 and correct TV-cable setup. Misadjustment is a known transmission issue.
  • Structure & seals: frame/birdcage rust and T-top weatherstrips. On Collector Editions, check hatch struts and latch alignment.

How does the 1982 Corvette compare to earlier models?

It’s the final C3 and the only year with L83 Cross-Fire Injection paired to an automatic-overdrive only. It has less raw performance than early high-compression C3s, but better drivability and cruising RPM. The Collector Edition previewed the C4 with its first rear-lifting hatchback glass.

What are the most common issues with 1982 Corvettes?

Expect typical late-C3 items like vacuum headlight leaks, aged wiring/grounds, trailing-arm/rear-suspension wear, and emissions/catalyst heat soak on long-stored cars. For ’82 specifically, watch Cross-Fire vacuum/air leaks and 700R4 TV-cable geometry/adjustment.

Can I find modern upgrades for a 1982 Corvette?

Yes, popular, reversible upgrades include stainless brake hoses, fresh bushings (rubber or poly), a 700R4 shift-kit/TV-cable correction, and discreet audio/lighting updates. Many owners keep Cross-Fire intact for originality. If you do fuel-system work, prioritize sealing vacuum leaks and confirming sensor inputs before considering bigger changes.

What is the typical price range for a 1982 Corvette?

For a presentable driver, guides put Good condition around the high-teens for base cars. Collector Editions commonly sit a bit higher. Keep in mind that miles and documentation affect price heavily.