What is a 1979 Corvette VIN Decoder?

A 1979 Corvette VIN Decoder helps you unlock key details about your Chevrolet Corvette C3, including the model year, engine specifications, body style, production plant, and original color options.

How do I decode a 1979 Corvette VIN?

You can decode your 1979 Corvette's VIN using our free VIN Decoder tool, which provides factory details, engine specs, and other key information about your Corvette.

Why is decoding a 1979 Corvette VIN important?

Decoding the VIN is essential for verifying your Corvette's authenticity, checking for matching numbers, and learning more about the vehicle's history, specifications, and original colors.

Where do 1979 Corvette specs come from?

The specifications and VIN decoding information are sourced from the official GM 1979 Corvette Vehicle Information Kit, ensuring accuracy and authenticity.

1979 Corvette VIN Decoder & Specs

Corvette C3 Year-by-Year Changes and Spotter's Guide: Corvette C3 Years

Corvette C3 Specs by year:

How to Decode Your 1979 Corvette VIN – Full Breakdown & Guide

Use this 1979 Corvette VIN decoder to check your VIN and trim tag information. Enter your VIN to reveal detailed specifications, including engine type, body style, transmission, and factory options. This VIN decoder helps verify the authenticity, production data, and key details of your classic 1979 Corvette. The trim tag information provides original interior and exterior colors, along with the exact body build date, ensuring accuracy for restoration and historical reference.

Automated Corvette 1979 VIN Decoder – Enter Your VIN Below

VIN
Trim tag

If you're having trouble decoding, please leave feedback so I can help resolve the issue.

1979 VIN range

1Z8789S400001 – 1Z8789S453807

1979 Corvette GM advertisement showcasing the iconic design and features of the 1979 Corvette model — 1979 Corvette Advertisement – Showcasing the Classic Design

In 1979, a total of 53,807 Corvettes were manufactured, each assigned a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Corvette 1979 VIN

While the decoder at the top of the page offers the simplest way to understand a Corvette C3 VIN, you can also decode it yourself using the details below.

Position	Description	Possible Values
1	Make	1 = Chevrolet
2	Series	Z = Corvette
3-4	Body Style	87 = Coupe
5	Engine	8 = L48 Engine, 4 = L82 Engine
6	Model Year	9 = 1979
7	Assembly plant	S = St. Louis
8-13	Unit Number	400001 - 453807

Use the Corvette C3 Decoder to decode various 1979 Corvette codes and explore comprehensive charts in the Corvette C3 chart article for further details. All specifications and VIN decoding details are based on official Chevrolet data from GM’s 1979 Corvette Vehicle Information Kit .

1979 Corvette Specifications

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the available exterior and interior colors for the 1979 Corvette, along with their corresponding color codes and visual samples. This guide is helpful for verifying the original factory color of your classic 1979 Corvette model.

Exterior Colors

Code	Color	Color sample
10	Classic White
13	Silver
19	Black
28	Light Blue
52	Bright Yellow
58	Dark Green
59	Light Beige
72	Red
82	Dark Brown
83	Dark Blue

Interior Colors

The 1979 Corvette offered buyers a choice of either leather or cloth interior upholstery. Color options varied slightly depending on the chosen material.

Code	Color	Color sample
192	Black Leather
722	Medium Red Leather
59C	Light Doeskin Cloth
592	Light Doeskin Leather
12C	Oyster White Cloth
122	Oyster White Leather
29C	Dark Blue Cloth
292	Dark Blue Leather
49C	Dark Green Cloth
492	Dark Green Leather

Color combinations

For the 1979 Corvette, Chevrolet offered a range of interior color options, allowing customers to create personalized combinations. While certain pairings were suggested, buyers could choose from a variety of leather and cloth options to match their preferred exterior color.

Exterior	Quantity	Interior
Classic White	8,629 (16.04%)	Black / Dark Blue / Dark Green / Light Beige / Oyster / Red
Silver	7,331 (13.62%)	Black / Dark Blue / Dark Green / Oyster / Red
Black	10,465 (19.45%)	Black / Light Beige / Oyster / Red
Light Blue	3,203 (5.95%)	Black / Dark Blue / Oyster
Yellow	2,357 (4.38%)	Black / Light Beige / Oyster
Dark Green	2,426 (4.51%)	Black / Dark Green / Light Beige / Oyster
Light Beige	2,951 (5.48%)	Black / Dark Blue / Dark Green / Light Beige / Red
Red	6,707 (12.46%)	Black / Light Beige / Oyster / Red
Dark Brown	4,053 (7.53%)	Black / Light Beige / Oyster
Dark Blue	5,670 (10.54%)	Black / Dark Blue / Light Beige / Oyster / Red

Chassis

Wheelbase	Length	Width	Weight
98 in	185.2 in	69.0 in	Curb: 3,503 lb; Shipping: 3,374 lb

Curb weight: Weight of the empty vehicle ready to drive. Shipping weight plus the weight of gasoline and water.

Shipping weight: Weight of the basic vehicle with regular equipment, grease, and oil. Weight of gasoline and water not included.

1979 Corvettes were outfitted with P225/70R15 radial tires. Learn more about the tires used on Corvettes in the article Corvette C3 RPM Calculator.

Engines

Engine Code	Order Code	CI	HP	Equipment
ZAA	L48(Federal)	350	195	4-Speed
ZAB	L48(Federal)	350	195	TH350
ZAC	L48(California)	350	195	TH350
ZAD	L48(High Altitude)	350	195	TH350
ZAF	L48(Federal)	350	195	4-Speed
ZAH	L48(Federal)	350	195	TH350
ZAJ	L48(California)	350	195	TH350
ZBA	L82(Federal)	350	225	4-Speed
ZBB	L82(Federal)	350	225	TH350

You can read more from the Corvette C3 Engines article.

Transmissions

Code	Type	Transmission
UH	Manual	Warner 4-Speed, Wide-Ratio
UK	Manual	Warner 4-Speed, Close-Ratio
TB	Automatic	Turbo Hydra-Matic 350
WB	Automatic	Turbo Hydra-Matic 350

You can read more from the Corvette C3 Transmissions article.

1979 Corvette RPO

Chevrolet offered a number of options to allow buyers to customize their Corvette to their exact specifications.

Code	Option	Total
1YZ87	Corvette sport coupe	53,807
A31	Power windows	20,631
AU3	Power door locks	9,054
CC1	Removable glass roof panels	14,480
C49	Electro-clear rear defroster	41,587
C60	Air conditioning	47,136
D35	Sport mirrors	48,211
D80	Front and rear spoilers	6,853
F51	Heavy-duty shock absorbers	2,164
FE7	Gymkhana suspension	12,321
G95	Rear axle ratio selection	428
K30	Cruise-master speed control	34,445
L48	350 195 hp engine	39,291
L82	350 225 hp engine	14,516
M20	4-speed standard manual transmission	8,291
M21	4-speed close-ratio manual transmission	4,062
M38	Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission	41,454
NA6	High-altitude emissions	-
N37	Tilt and telescopic steering column	47,463
N90	Aluminum wheels	33,741
QBS	P255/60R15 white letter radial tires	17,920
QGQ	P225/70R15 blackwall radial tires	6,284
QGR	P255/70R15 white letter radial tires	29,603
U58	AM-FM stereo radio	9,256
U69	AM-FM radio	6,523
U75	Power antenna	35,730
U81	Dual rear speakers	37,754
UA1	Heavy-duty battery	3,405
UP6	AM-FM stereo radio with CB	4,483
UM2	AM-FM stereo radio with 8-track	21,435
UN3	AM-FM stereo radio with cassette	12,110
YF5	California emissions	-
ZN1	Trailer package	1,001
ZX2	Convenience package	41,530
ZQ2	Power windows & door locks	28,465

Have insights to share? We welcome your expert feedback, technical discussions, and Corvette-related stories. Your contributions help keep this Corvette community thriving! Join the conversation below.