1982 Phillips Corvette Berlina, Factory Built, Less Than 100 Made, Only 15,627 M

Description

1982 Chevrolet Corvette Berlina By Phillips Motor Car Corporation
Factory Built Car Utilizing The C3 Corvette Chassis & Drivetrain.
Less Than 100 Ever Made. Approx. Only 15 In This Color Combintation.
Fully Documented Car Back To The Original Owner With Extensive Paperwork.
Only 15,627 Actual Original Miles. Unbelievable Condition Even Underneath!
Nicest Berlina In The Country! You Will Not See A Better One Period!
Feature Car In Vette Vues Magazine May 2013 Issue 9-Page Spread!
Questions call (417)-773-0318 or (417)-425-9629
What a unique and rare automobile. This 1982 Phillips Berlina is truly a one-of-a-kind car. Most people are not familiar or were completely unaware that a car like this exists and could have been purchased new right at a GM Dealership back in the early 80's from approx. late 1979 through 1983. This was a factory built car and not a "Kit" car like most of these types of cars you will see. This car has an actual Corvette VIN # and is titled as a "Berlina". The VIN # is 17 digits and a CarFax Vehicle History Report can be run on this car. I did and do have one that goes with it that is clean in everyway. There were originally going to be 500 of these cars built, however right after they developed and started building these cars, the C3 Generation ended and the C4 Generation started and this complete design was based on the C3 Corvettes so the concept was scrapped when the 1984 model Corvettes were released in late 1983. With that said less than 100 of these cars were ever built and with this unique color combination and the optional side mount exhaust (Non-Functional) made this one car approx. one of 15 ever built. Extremely rare and there is not another one you will find with more documentation, nor the quality inside, outside, and underneath. You really cannot appreciate this car until you view it on a lift underneath. Very impressive and several nice touches that we did that I will go into later.
This writeup will be lengthy, but I believe everything needs to be addressed and mentioned as this is one impressive type of rare piece of History.
HISTORY BEHIND THE PHILLIPS CORVETTE BERLINA:CHARLES W. PHILLIPS:"After 25 years of designing and manufacturing; I was watching the "Jet Age" slowly take over the true love affair of the automobile. After a long hard look I decided to bring back that love affair of yesteryear when the automobile was a true treasure to behold."The world renown designer, Charles W. Phillips has captured the romanticism of the 1930's in the image of the legendary 540K Mercedes.This Limited Edition automobile was created for the individual who has ... ARRIVED. This modern road car, elegant in detail and unmatched in style, is capable of portraying an image of the "Golden Age" of motoring for TODAY'S driver who aspires after the romantic dignity and prestige of those yesteryears.PHILLIPS MOTOR CAR with its meticulous attention to detail has created an automobile, with its long rakish hood, flair to its coachwork, luxurious interiors, and safety and emissions approval in all fifty states (Back Then In 1982), that provides the knowledgeable buyer with a definite investment for the future.The appointments, in combination with the superiority of the G.M. engine and chassis, contribute a final touch of Elegance to this Classic.Born out of a dream of perfection and introduced as an original design, not a mere replica, the BERLINA LEGEND has begun.
These "Berlina Coupes" were built and assembled in Pompano Beach, Florida By Phillips Motor Car Company and then sold through a GM or Cadillac Dealerships back then. The cost new was a whopping $80,000! That would equal in today's market and money of approx. $200,000! Very expensive even today, just imagine back then.These cars came in to Phillips Motor Car Company from the St. Louis Corvette Plant with no main body pieces and then the transformation began to the Berlina with many added touches done.The cars had their frames stretched 22" to accommodate the long front fender and body. There was also a special rivoted "Phillips Motor Car Company" plaque placed on the driver's side door with the build date and detail of the car.This particular Berlina we have for sale is considered the "SE" model for "Side Exhaust" that was only available for the 1982 model year. This actual car still has the carburetor and engine much like the 1981 Corvette models had. This actual Berlina was built in February of 1982 in Florida. The actual address for the company back then was 2640 N. Powerline Road Pompano Beach, Florida 33060.The Berlina Coupe had all of the features and components of the Corvette that year from all power equipment and to the drivetrain as well. This car can be worked on by most any shops as it utilizes all of the GM engine, drivetrain, and components. Brakes, fuel tank, instruments, smog equipment, etc. The radiator was custom made by Phillips along with the steering column that had to be stretched as well as hoses such as power steering ones.The entire body structure is made of fiberglass with metal reinforcements along with double walled inner linings of smooth fiberglass underneath the front fenders so any debris that might kick up from the tires will not crack the glass through and spider web crack the top sides of the finish. Most and all of your "kit" types of cars will not have this double walled reinforcement protection. That is just another reason why these cars were so expensive back then. They were built to perfection for that period of time and better than most for today's standards.
DIMENSIONS:Overall Length 185 InchesOverall Height 50 InchesWheelbase 120 InchesWidth 72 InchesCurb Weight 3,540 Pounds (Approx.)Track FT/RR 58.7/59.5 Inches
APPOINTMENTS:Factory Air ConditioningPower Steering, Power WindowsPower 4-Wheel Disc BrakesDual Chrome Plated HornsTwin Side Mounted Spare Tires (This One Is The SE Model)Five Mile Per Hour Impact Bumpers Front & Rear (Chrome Plated)Classic True Spoke Chrome Wire WheelsRemovable -Top Roof PanelsDual Side View Mirrors And Running LightsAM/FM Stereo Radio With Digital Clock & Cassette PlayerDual Rear SpeakersTilt/Telescopic Steering ColumnBuilt-In Anti-Theft Audio Alarm SystemFactory Tinted GlassTachometer/Trip OdometerDistinctive Grill W/Berlina OrnamentDistinctive Gas Door Lid W/Berlina LogoLocking Fuel Gas CapBack Up LampsFog Lamps
CONVENIENCE GROUP:Time Delay Dome and Courtesy LightsHead Lamp Warning BuzzerLow Fuel Warning LightIntermittent Windshield WipersPassenger Side Illuminated Visor Mirror
SPECIFICATIONS:L-81 350 C.I. V8 G.M. Stock Engine W/4-BBL Carburetor350 Turbo 3-Speed Automatic TransmissionIndependent Four-Wheel SuspensionLimited Slip Rear AxleGoodYear Super Cushion Radial Wide White Wall Tires (New in 2012)Size All Four Tires P225/75R-15 (Purchased New At Kelsey Tire Camdenton, Missouri)
This Berlina does have the optional 4-way Driver Side Power Seat, leather seating surfaces,Cruise Control W/Resume, Power Door Lock System, Power Antenna, and the optionalcassette stereo radio.
These cars back in the day did come with a warranty and could be taken to any G.M. Dealers.This was on the engine, Drive Train and Equipment Supplied By General Motors.
There were 11 different colors available on this car along with 6 different interior color combinatations.
This color combination in Black Exterior with Dark Red Interior is one of rarest choices on this carand in my opinion one of the most Elegant.
Our Dealership purchased this Berlina back in September of 2012 with the miles at that time of 14,674.The first of many things we did was remove the older tires and replace them with these New GoodyearWide Whitewall Radial Ones which make for a much more enjoyment to drive. The chrome wire wheelsare the original ones that came on this car and we spent approx. two days polishing every spoke andinch of these wheels. They are still in excellent shape and the chrome is still very nice. I was amazedthat they were not all rusted and dirty. The car was kept inside in a climate controlled environment formuch of its life is to why the car looks as good as it does.From what we have gathered this Berlina has had about three owners since new. It was originally purchasedat Bob Moore Cadillac Inc. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 21st, 1982. This miles on the car was 1,727so obviously the Dealership drove this car a few miles for exposure and to draw customers into their dealershipI would assume. The original owner was Wayne Savard of Joplin Missouri and sadly passed away in 2011 fromwhat I have gathered. The car ended up at a classic car business and museum in St. James Missouri for manyyears until October of 2004 where then the car went to the St. Louis area of Chesterfield, Missouri until we purchasedthe car in August of 2012. From what I was told the car had about 11,000 miles in 2004 and had 14,674 in 2012 whenwe purchased it. The car currently has 15,627 actual as of March 2018. Me and my father actually looked at this carback in the early 2000's when the car was in the museum in St. James. My father wanted the car at that time but couldnever strike a deal. After a year or so we went back to find out the car had sold and lost track of it at that time. So for about10 years I kept a look out for this car and never could find it until I came across in 2011 some photos on the internet ofa Easter Day Car Show in the St. Louis area and there were pictures of this actual Berlina. I knew right away that this wasthe same car that we had seen several years back in that car museum. Amazingly there was a small For Sale By Ownersign on the front windshield that I could zoom in on the photo and read out a phone number! From then we pursued thiscar and eventually bought it in 2012. No where ever was this car advertised or put into a magazine for sale. The owner simplyattended a car show and put his information hand written out in the window so people could see at the show. Fortunatelysomeone took photos and posted them online otherwise we would not have ended up with this car today. So some 6 yearslater this is the first time we have offered this Berlina for sale as my father has decided to pursue other interests and letsomeone else enjoy it like he has for the past 6 years at many local car shows, cruise-nights and events. Let me say it getsnothing but overwhelming attention and compliments from young to old. It is something that no one else will have at anyof your car events or shows. Winner every time and truly a show stopper!
We have an extensive amount of paperwork and documentation that all comes in a three ring binder with several brochuresand advertisment from back in the day. I have the original dealer warranty book with the original owners information and the Berlina Logo on that actual book, original pre-delivery inspection sheet with the Berlina logo, original small folder with the Berlina logo,sales brochures, original owners manual and Delco radio manual, copies of original pages of the assembly manual, patent thatPhillips had to build these cars, several pages of the story of the Berlina, original consumer information brochure, original tirebrochure, original warranty registration from Phillips Berlina that has never been filled out, original 1981 GM general maintenance brochure, original sales brochure from 1981 Corvette, original build sheet, window sticker, invoice, both sets of keys, CarFax History Report, t-top storage bags, original jack and lug wrench, huge bag that both t-tops can be stored in, two small signs for car show events displaying the information about this car, inspection slip from previous owner, purchase information from the previous owner, and the list goes on. This car is very well documented and more than any other Berlina you will find!We also have several receipts on what we have spent on this car ourselves over the past 6 years.We also have and will include a couple copies of the VETTE VUES Magazine May 2013 issue with a complete article about thisBerlina. A total of 9 color pages of this actual car was detailed in this issue!
The paint on this Berlina is exceptional. From the best of my knowledge it is mostly original. The car does have a nice show finish and no swirl marks on the black. The door jambs shine just as nice as the fenders and hood. The fit and overall finish is excellent.We have buffed and polished the car and always have had it covered and stored in a climate controlled environment when not driven. We do start the car up ever so often and drive the car to exercise it. There is only a few small nicks on the front fenders that have been touched up but not obvious and you really have to get down to see them. Overall the paint is a strong 8 out of 10.
The interior for the most part is all original and untouched in "like New" condition. The carpeting, door panels, and dash assembly is all original including the instruments where you can see the "Berlina" logo. The car has no odor nor has ever been smoked in. We did remove the original seats and installed these newer C5 model seats from a 1999 model. They were already finished in the Firethorn Dark Red color that was used from 1997-1999. The color matched almost perfectly but we did give these seats a nice fresh re-coat of dark red dye. The do look very nice. The seats have little to minimal wear. We did have the driver's side power seat fixed up like the original one that simply unplugs if you need for any reason to remove the seat. These seats are easier for entry and exit and much more comfortable and somewhat wider than the originals. We bought the seat bracket attachments from Mid-America Motor Works so these seats fit in like factory. They do have the nice Corvette logo in them and were the optional Sport seats from the 1999 model year. We also installed the nice wood steering wheel and the engine turn aluminum dash trim accents on console,speedometer and tachometer bezel, glovebox door and around the center gauge cluster. This really gives it that 1930's era look as the original trim accents were of wood-grained accents. We do however have those original wood-grained accent trim pieces along with the original leather wrapped steering wheel. The original horn button is still on the car and works well with the wood wheel. It does have the nice Berlina logo as well. The rear carpeting is excellent and as new. On the center console there are two covers that run along that back to the emergency brake console that originally were finished in matching carpet. We did save thoseput had all leather ones made up to match that dark red that really finish the interior off. We also chrome plated the striker latches on the door jambs and bought new chrome door sill plates. We also have those clear covers that protect the carpet when entry and exit from scuff marks and dyed them in the dark red on the bottom side so they will never scratch. Just several of many nice accents that we did to make this Berlina that much better that if anything will add value to it.The glass on this car is all original and in excellent shape as well. No discoloration of the glass on any of it. All of the gauges are nice and crisp with no fading or discoloration. Well kept and inside for much of its entire life.
We did remove the spare tire and wheel for more of a view when shown of the underneath of the car and rear end. We do have those parts and are included with the sale. I also saved several of the pieces that were removed from this car such as the oil pan and transmission pan, tie rod ends, strut rods, etc. I also have the original painted black t-top roof panels that originally came on the carbut did update the Berlina with brand new smoked glass t-top roof panels. These fit excellent and look just like they are painted, but once inside the car it does give you a more open feel. You have best of both worlds with two sets of removable t-tops. The originals are in the new boxes that the glass ones came in and all go with the sale of this vehicle.
Now for the upgrades and the finishing touches. When we purchased this car it really needed nothing but the tires replaced and the fluids changed. We have done all of that but decided to take this car to the next level as shown in the photos. This car had never been driven in the rain or inclimate weather and all of the chassis and bushings looked great, but due to the age we completely disassembled the chassis and spent close to $15,000 plus just to get into the level it is today. Most all of this was completed in late 2013. We did remove the radiator and had it cleaned and refreshed. All new radiator hoses in the billet style that you see on street rods and such. The engine was basically left untouched as it did not need anything but has had spark plugs and plug wires, new distributor cap, oil pan removed and replaced with the all aluminum fully polished one with fins and new gaskets, repainted the engine block in black and gave the engine compartment a nice cosmetic detail. All original smog equipment, air cleaner, aluminum intake manifold, original finned valve covers are all original and stock corvette. The actual top air cleaner assembly that stretches from the top of the radiator into the air cleaner was nicely refinished in gloss black. We did remove the fan blade, crank shaft pulley and all of the hardware professionally rechromed to show condition. All of the hood latches, hood catches and springs, master cylinder air compressor cover are all chromed to a show finish. Chrome power steering pump, chrome alternator and brackets. All of the nuts, bolts and hardware have been chromed as well. The power brake booster is a stainless steel one polished out as well. We tried not to overkill the engine bay, but with many of the components all black we felt this car needed and deserved some chrome and bling. We also removed the upper and lower control arms and had them semi-gloss powdercoated and installed new polyurethane bushings on them and throughout the chassis as this makes for a much more smoother and enjoyable ride. We also removed the from coil springs and took one inch out of them to lower the car at a much better stance as if you see one not done it just sits up alittle too high in the front. We did have those coil springs chromed as well. The half shafts and the driveshaft have had all new u-joints and were "Jet" coated like what you would see on headers. The front spindles were also done in this coating. This coating looks nice and we thought was a neat contrast with the chrome and other accents. Even the front brackets that hold the brake calipers on were chrome plated. The rear leaf spring is the fiberglass-reinforced monoleaf like what came on the 1981 Corvettes however, we did have it professionally painted in high-gloss black and a special paint application was applied so it will not flake off or crack when it ever flexes. Hardware was chromed as well. The front and rear bumpers were removed and refinished on the back with new chrome hardware. On the front bumper extensions were a leather wrapped cover that simply velcros on and those are still there and in near perfect condition! I have seen a few Berlina's and none of any I had seen still had those covers on them. The underside of this car was cleaned and refinished. The frame is excellent with no surface rust whatsoever and no corrosion or pitting. We did repaint the frame and touched up areas as needed. The transmission pan was removed and replaced with the nice polished finned aluminum one to match the oil pan. All fluids changed and Lucas products used. The exhaust system was replaced and that is a complete stainless steel setup with a catalytic converter and the mufflers are built into the two pipes out back. That exhaust system came from Allen's Exhaust. It does sound great and looks amazing. Not too loud but just enough sound that it needs. The front tie rod ends are all new with chrome sleeves, all brake rotors replaced with new cross-drilled ones, new brake calipers and those painted red, all suspension removed and rebuilt but did not need it, front and rear backing plates for the brakes all chromed finish, chrome plated adjustable rear strut rods, the complete third member on this car was removed and since it is all aluminum we had it completely sanded down smooth and polished, that alone was a $500 plus job and the guy that did it said he would not do another one as the painstaking time that went into that was unreal, Gas tank cleaned and refinished, new Bilstein chrome plated shocks, rear trailing arms removed and rebuilt, wheel bearings repacked, emergency brake cables replaced, literally nothing overlooked and no expense spared to get this car in this condition. Again none of these mechanical things needed to be done with this low of miles however, when we disassembled these parts we could not just put it back together without checking and replacing needed things and for safety reasons as well. Rear end grease changed, all brake fluids, transmission fluids, etc. We just changed the oil again recently as well. The car starts and runs smooth, carburetor choke still works, and the car has plenty of power when going down the road. With everything that we did the car does drive like a new one and I would not be afraid to take a trip in it if desired. With all of the power features and air conditioning this car can be driven most anytime. I am sure I have forgot to mention some of the details on this car but will be glad to answer any questions you may have regarding this Berlina and the details that we did to it. We do have receipts and photos of the process of the detailing of this car on a disc that goes with the portfolio and with the sale of this vehicle.No details overlooked. Another thing we did was remove the rear inner fender lining and had that truck bed coating applied to those pieces so no chips or debris would damage those areas when driven on the road. We left the exterior mostly all original but we did change the exterior door mirrors as the original ones were square and not as nostalgic as they could have been. We purchased new Thunderbird mirrors that were on the 1956 models as these mirrors make the look of the exterior. We also added some chrome trim around the rear fender wells but that can be removed if desired. The tail lights do have LED bulbs in them for better lighting. The supercharged emblems are only for looks and the car is not supercharged. The license plate is a novelty one and the car was not from Nevada.
As far as I know everything works on this car including the lights, wipers, turn signals gauges, heater, defroster, radio, etc. The air conditioning is still working but does need recharging but will charge the system and get it working well before the car will be shipped out. With winter still around we were waiting until Spring to do that but if sold we will get that corrected right away. The power antenna works up and down as it should, we did have the radio rebuilt and the digital clock works well, cassette player even still works, temperature gauge never runs hot, you can let the car idle in a parking lot long periods of time and will never overheat even in parades, just like I said before this is the nicest most unique Berlina you will ever find on the market or even in a private collection.
We are so confident in the condition of this car that we offer a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE on this vehicle! This simply meaning that if purchasing sight unseen and not 100% fully satisfied with the purchase of this vehicle when received, we will refund your purchase price no questions asked. The buyer will be responsible for the freight charges to them and returned to our facility. We will write up a Buyer's Agreement and state that on the contract. Once payment is received, we will arrange for the vehicle to be picked up and delivered to you on an enclosed transport. Payment of shipping is COD. (Cash On Delivery). If not fully satisfied upon inspection of this vehicle simply return it on the same transport truck and we will refund your money. The buyer will be responsible for the incurred costs of getting the vehicle to them and sent back to us. We have several references that we can give you to verify our business and past sales. We started buying and selling classic corvettes and special interest vehicles since 1988.
Be sure to check out our Feedback on Ebay as it is 100% Positive.
WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO END LISTING EARLY AS THIS VEHICLE IS FOR SALE LOCALLY!
We welcome any inspections done at our facility. We do have a drive on lift so that the vehicle can also be inspected underneath.
I do not believe anyone will be disappointed in this car!
Pictures do not do it justice at all! Must see to really appreciate the details.
I do have several additional photos, over 100, that I can send anyone if serious about this vehicle. I have many morechassis, engine, interior and overall pictures of this vehicle.
I do have a clear Missouri title in hands with no liens or issues.
Previous owner information and phone numbers also available.
Payment methods on this vehicle must be either by bank wire transfer, cash in hands, or acertified cashier's check. Please note that if payment is made by a check the funds mustclear our bank account before any release of the vehicle and or title. No exceptions.
We do not require an immediate deposit upon purchase, however we would like the transactionto be paid in full within (3) to (5) business days. However if more time is needed contact us andwe will gladly work with you in a reasonable time amount if serious about this automobile.
Transportation costs are not included in the price however, we have several sources that we haveused and will gladly give you those contact names and numbers if need be.We are located in Southwest Missouri in Nixa, Missouri 65714 just minutes from the Springfield area andonly 30 miles from the Branson, Missouri area. Approx. 200 miles from the St. Louis region.
We also can accommodate you for pickup at out local airport in Springfield, Missouri if you wantedto fly and and get a look at this automobile.
If you should have any questions regarding this amazing vehicle you can contact us at either:(417)-773-0318 or (417)-425-9629
CHECK OUT MY OTHER ITEM LISTED