50 Years of the Chevrolet Corvette

1979

Chevrolet put out a record number of 53,807 Corvettes in 1979. It was the highest number of units the company manufactured in the vehicle’s 26-year run. Most 1979, Corvettes included telescopic steering columns, power windows, and air conditioning for their base models, and by the end of the year, it had become the standard. As a result, the cost went well past $10,000 near the end production. Also introduced this year were tungsten-halogen headlights and a new “open flow” muffler design,” which increased all engines horsepower by 5. Additionally, Chevrolet brought over features from the 1978 Pace Car replica, most notably the “high back” seat style, which became a standard for the car.