Vehicle Description
There can't be many car guys who haven't lusted for a black
Corvette at some point in their lives. This great-looking 1980
example is a fantastic way to break into the Corvette hobby for not
a lot of money, and you'll probably discover that it's a lot of
high-performance fun for your dollar.
You simply can't go wrong with slick black on your fantastic
fiberglass. This one still wears its original color combo, recently
refreshed and showing extremely well today. Although finished to a
higher level, it's not a trailer queen and can be enjoyed without
having to worry about rain or bugs on the finish. By 1980, build
quality had improved by leaps and bounds, so you'll find good gaps,
neat-fitting bumper caps and headlight buckets, and T-tops that
seal up well. T-Tops, simply a great way to further "sport-up" a
C3. With an update in 1978, the fastback profile with aggressive
front and rear spoilers is as good as the C3 got, and it's
instantly recognizable today. Unlike a lot of Corvettes of this
period, this one hasn't been dressed up with aftermarket add-ons,
pinstripes, or other nonsense that purists reject; it's just a very
clean, original 'Vette.
The beautiful code 722 red leather interior is pure 1980s cool and
we like the contrast a lot more than plain old black or bland
oyster. With a comfortable look that's quite inviting, it's hard to
resist sliding into those deep buckets and looking out over that
long, dramatic hood. The seats show slight wear that's frankly so
minor that it's not commensurate with the car's age and mileage,
while the rest of the interior is very well preserved with only
minimal signs of use. And take a look at that rare wood grain on
the center console; makes you want to read a leather-bound book and
enjoy a single-malt after your trip, no? Corvettes were loaded with
standard equipment in 1980, including A/C, power windows and locks,
tilt wheel, and a complete array of gauges that are highly visible
and easy to read. An AM/FM/CD/iPod compatible head unit is neatly
fitted in the center stack, so make a few trips to garage sales and
see if you can outfit it with some kicking '80s sounds! The A/C has
been upgraded to R134a refrigerant (needs to be serviced), but
that's really the only other major deviation from original
spec.
Dual snorkels on the air cleaner suggest that this is an L48
engine, and it is indeed this car's original, numbers-matching
powerplant. With 190 horsepower, it was a fairly stout performer in
1980, and even today the solid whack of torque will get your heart
racing on the street. It starts quickly and idles easily thanks to
careful maintenance and conscientious ownership throughout the
years, keeping it in top mechanical condition. It's topped by a
Rochester 4-barrel carb, stock exhaust and intake manifolds, and
has been upgraded to an HEI ignition system. The engine bay is
clean and well-maintained, and items like the air cleaner lid and
valve covers remain in excellent shape. The TH350 3-speed automatic
transmission shifts crisply and the power 4-wheel disc brakes and
power steering contribute to a fantastic driving experience. The
original slotted alloy wheels look great and wear fat 255/60/15
Firestone Firehawk performance radials.
This car represents a great opportunity to get into the Corvette
hobby at an awesome price. Numbers matching, a slick black paint
job, and an awesome performer, this C3 won't last long. Call
today!