Mike Sherman, of Syracuse, is like so many people who've longed for a Corvette. Most people never realize that dream, but Mike did. He bought his first Corvette in 2014, a 1978 finished in Corvette Red.
Before we go on, you might guess that red was or always is the most popular color for a Corvette. It isn't now and wasn't then, in fact, in 1978, Corvette Red was the eighth most popular color out of 12 choices, being beat out by the likes of Corvette Mahogany and Corvette Dark Blue, among others.
But in those first 25 years of Corvette history, the '78 car became so popular that it was outsold only by the 1977 car, and then by only 2,431 cars.
Mike, said he had a thing for the '78 Corvette for a long time because of the Mako Shark sculpture and design of the body, that inspired generations of Corvettes well into the future.
The Mako Shark II concept began in 1965 when the car, built in a design shop headed by Bill Mitchell, was made public and set a Corvette design standard for the next 18 years. Features such as a one-piece front end that opened forward for access to the engine, a removable hardtop, and knock-off wheels, became standards throughout the Corvette line, and continue today.
For 1978 Corvette took a big chance because the car carried the weight of being the silver anniversary car forever more. Because Chevrolet didn't want to spend an extraordinary amount of money on the car, designers gave the car a large rear window, at once bringing back the fastback design that bowed out at the end of 1966, but giving the slightly altered car a more modern look. The rear window turned out to be a hit because it not only improved visibility for the driver, but it added luggage space.
Another first for the anniversary car was glass T-tops, equipment that remains today. Other changes to the car were notable, such as a 24-gallon gas tank, replacing the 17-gallon tank on the year-earlier car.
One issue that didn't sit well with buyers was the lack of big power for the Corvette, because Chevrolet, like all manufacturers, was searching for ways to deal with new federal emissions standards, and imposition of the federal governments Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) ratings. The result was two versions of Chevy's 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine, available for Corvette buyers, one developing 185 horsepower and the other with 220 horsepower.
All of these things were fodder for debate among Corvette buyers in 1978, but today they're looked upon as important historic benchmarks. Mike Sherman, said his main concern was to find the right 1978 car for him.
"I looked at over 100 cars online, but I liked this one," he said. The former owner made a few insignificant mechanical changes to the car, but it was the overall condition that drew him to his final decision.
"The color, the extent of the restoration, the condition, all of these things entered in to my decision," he said.
When Mike took possession of the car he immediately began making changes. His wife, Wendy, bought him aftermarket seat covers, that you'd swear came from the factory. Otherwise, the all-red interior didn't need much work. For 1978 Corvette designers developed new door panels, and a single-piece padded dashboard.
The major focus was on the mechanical side and a few driveability issues. To solve those issues Mike took the car to Walt's Automotive, in Syracuse, where problems were diagnosed and solutions were suggested. Ultimately the car was straightened out, and put back into Mike's hands.
Mike said he enjoys everything about the car as do passersby, he's noticed, who never fail to give him admiring looks and signals of appreciation.
* Cost new: $9,351.89
* Color: Corvette Red
* Length: 185.2 inches
* Weight: 3,572 pounds
* Height: 48 inches
* Significant year for Corvette: 25th anniversary
* To celebrate: Corvette was pace car for 1978 Indy 500
* To commemorate: Chevrolet produced Corvette pace car replicas
* 1978 Corvette production: 46,776, including 6,502 Pace cars
* Changes for 1978: Most extensive redesign since 1968, with new fastback rear end styling with a large rear window, but not a hatchback. Interior extensively redesigned with new instrument panel, new door panels, and the addition of a glove box.
Kenn Peters writes about Classic Cars. Suggest a car to Kenn at kpeters@twcny.rr.com. Previously from Kenn: The one-owner 1970 Chevelle SS bought new by Juan Vazquez when he was 17.
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