1981 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
How many cars can you name at a single glance? That should tell you something about the continuing uniqueness of the Corvette. It could very well be the most recognizable car on the road today. It has a host of imitators, but none of them strike your eye with such striking authority. Because the Corvette remains what they can only aspire to be... a legend. Still the only true American sports car.
For consignment, a night out for this version of the 1981 C3 Corvette bathed in Beige A correct 350ci L81 V8 and 3-speed automatic proving the go factor and lots of factory options on the inside. We certainly cannot omit the 33,693 title verified actual miles, the sleek and snake-like chrome show tube side pipes, nor the new battery, alternator and new glass T-tops. It's all dressed up and awaiting your turn of her key which will provide you with excitement!
NOTE: Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public highways in your area.
Exterior
For 1981, after several years of progressively gaining weight, this year it went on a diet and has lost some weight. A thinner hood and outer doors, lower density roof panels, and making use of aluminum for the differential housing and crossmember help with this effort. Some front and back bumper "caps" are gone for this year, and this redesign decreased the overall drag coefficient. We can see the use of crossed flag badges, a black rocker that follows the coke bottle design on either side, now with chrome side pipes for extra dress up and extra V8 music, and a new tinted T tops with removable panels. The fiberglass is in overall good condition and we see some cracking of the paint on the one headlight door along with some scuffs, and deformation of the neoprene on the pointed nose. All glass, including the greenhouse rear window, which forms itself nearly to the rear spoiler has a fairly substantial storage area underneath remains in good condition. The Corvette cove in the front fender remains, round headlights survive another year under the flip open doors, and now shiny 15-inch slotted wheels are on all 4 corners. All bathed in a nice coating of Beige. I'm ready to go!
Interior
In a wonderful 1980's style, the overstuffed padded bolster Camel leather seats with deep inserts and high backs provide the seating for this A ticket ride. A few age wrinkles and tears are noted in the driver's bolster. These are floating in a sea of Camel tan carpeting which is all nice and clean. A Camel dash can be seen upfront, and while the raked angle remains for the dash, gauges are now behind a flat piece of clear plastic with some mid point warning lights stacked next to these gauges. In the center the cluster of 5 gauges remains and just below is the factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo neatly inserted. Temp wheels of the past are now sliders and on the center of the console is a chrome ball level shifter. The side door panels are nicely preserved, as is the rear carpeted storage area under the green house glass. May I hold the door for you?!
Drivetrain
Now down to the nitty gritty, and to get there we lift the forward hinged hood and shake hands with a 350ci V8 L81 which is capable of 190hp. A single 4-barrel carburetor is atop and ribbed valve covers and a shiny air cleaner cover can be seen. Some patina and slight corrosion and surface rust is noted within this engine bay. There is a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission bolted to the back of the engine with a 2.87 limited slip rear axle in the back.
Undercarriage
Very nicely preserved with some patina on the black paint of the undercoating, but all else is unremarkable and structurally sound. For the front suspension we note an independent SLA type which features coil springs, mounted shock absorbers, and spherical joint steering knock pivots. In back is an independent SLA forged aluminum upper and lower control arms and steering knuckle, transverse mono leaf springs, a steel stabilizer bar, and spindle offset. Power disc brakes are on all 4 corners and true dual exhaust with headers and side pipes is seen, but is sans catalytic converters.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up and our date with the test track began. Here we performed our first test, the brakes and we are happy to report this car came to a stop on a dime and pick it up deceleration. That being said, our test drive was a pleasant one with smooth acceleration, great handling thanks to all the above geometry, and bias free braking. The leather overstuffed styled seats were nice and comfy, and I found the AC to not be operational and a few exhaust leaks were heard. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
A lighter, longer hood, a better airflow fiberglass sculpted body with the powerful 350ci L81 engine. Nicely aged Camel leather interior, and a few faults in the paint, grab her hand and walk her up to the test track, and you'll fall in love...hopelessly...awwwww.
1G1AY8769B5106306
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
A-Manual Belts
Y-Corvette
87-Coupe
6-350 ci V8 4bbl
9-Check Digit
B-1981
5-Bowling Green, KY Assy Plant
106306-Sequential Unit Number
08D-4th Week August
64I-Camel Leather
50L 50U-Beige
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
