1978

Original 1978 Corvette promos were manufactured by MPC (Model Products Corporation). The notable body changes from 1977 to 1978 include: the rear window area was changed from a recessed vertical glass flanked by long sail panels to a large curved rear window, the "crossed flags" emblems on the nose and fuel door were changed to round 25th Anniversary emblems, the alarm keyhole on the left front fender was removed, "crossed flag" emblems were added to both front fenders and all four side marker lights were redesigned. All of the 1978 Corvette promos were coupes but there were two different types. One type was made for the two-tone anniversary cars. This type body had a line molded around the car (including both bumpers) where it would be two-toned. These bodies also had similar lines molded into the hood (but there would be no two-tone on the hood). The other type of body had no lines for two-toning (the sides, hood and bumpers were all smooth). Both body types were only molded in gray plastic and had a separate front bumper. Most of the cars with the body line received the two-tone 25th Anniversary paint scheme of "Silver Metallic/Dark Gray Metallic". All of the cars without the body line were painted "Silver Metallic". There were also some cars with the body line that were not two-toned. These cars were painted "Silver Metallic" and did not have the body line on the front bumper. The notable interior changes from 1977 to 1978 include: the seats were redesigned with vertical pleats, the interior tub was redesigned with different door panels and console, the dash was redesigned with a glove compartment and the steering wheel was changed to a three spoke design. The interior tub, seats, dash and steering wheel were all separate pieces and not painted. These interior parts and a chrome shifter were glued together to make the interior assembly. The interior assembly and clear plastic windows were inserted underneath the body over 2 plastic pins. These plastic pins were then melted to hold the interior and windows in place. Only the shifter and wheels were chrome plated. The tail lights were translucent red plastic. The front grilles were molded in black plastic. The rear license plate was molded into the body and it read "1978". The front license plate was molded into the front bumper and it also read "1978". The wheels resembled polished alloy wheels with center caps. The blackwall tires had "GOODYEAR" "CUSTOM WIDE TREAD POLYGLAS" molded into the sidewall (all 1975-1988 Corvette promos had the same style tire). The chassis was like the 1975-1977s and attached to the body with 4 bright plated straight head screws with spiral threads.

Boxes: All 1978 Corvette promos came in plain white boxes. The anniversary cars had "1978" "CORVETTE" "TWO TONE" stamped on the end of their boxes. These anniversary cars were shipped 12 per case. The non two-tone cars had "1978" "CORVETTE" "SILVER" stamped on the end of their boxes. These non two-tone cars were only shipped in assortment cases that included 3 Corvettes, 2 Chevettes, 4 Monzas and 3 Monte Carlos.

1978-01

1978-02

1978-03

Note: There are additional 1978 Corvette promos located in the "Test Shots" section of this website.