Vehicle Description
Featuring an outstanding exterior color and powered by its original
engine, this 1981 Chevrolet Corvette represents the latter stages
of the model's third generation and has benefitted from all the
aesthetic and technological advances that came before it. It's had
the good fortune to have retained its slick, thoroughly authentic
appearance while being meticulously restored - you'll find a
collection of build receipts on board to document the time and
expense that have gone into bringing it to its current form.
The charcoal gray exterior shade it wears will likely have you
doing a double take - it may seem thoroughly distinctive yet
slightly familiar at the same time: it was a factory offering
during this era but not many buyers had a chance to opt for it, as
it covered only a little more than 1% of the Corvettes that rolled
out the year this '81 debuted. It's in fine form here, having
benefitted from a skillful respray only a little while back and
showing a deep shine while accentuating all the futuristic appeal
the model offered. The Targa top configuration is an outstanding
plus - affording you the open air driving experience of a
convertible, with a more sheltered environment only a couple of
steps away, and the panels included here are in good shape and seal
nicely. Hidden headlights were a defining feature during this era
and the pair this '81 carries are in great shape, sitting flush in
their lowered position and raising into position without issue.
Inside, the black leather interior also retains its stock
configuration, with high backed bucket seats that offer a strong
combination of support and comfort straddling a clean enter console
whose slight incline puts the manual shifter within easy reach.
Chevy equipped its prized model with quite a collection of gauges
and the ones on display here are still clear and functional as they
extend from the instrument panel to the center of the dash, with an
added Alpine AM/FM/CD player in place just below. A layer of carpet
covers the dash to shield it from UV exposure and it's performed
its protective duties well - the pad below is in fine shape.
There's a nice collection of comfort features on board, including
power windows and door locks, power seats and a tilt column, and
some well-focused attention will have the factory air conditioning
back online in short order as well. While this classic isn't likely
to be relegated to grocery-getter duties, with its rear interior
panels folded down it does offer some welcome storage space behind
the buckets.
This Chevy's running condition will compare favorably to any
classic it's pitted against. The numbers matching 350 cubic inch V8
below its lengthy hood is fed by a 4-barrel carb, starts up quickly
and pulls with vigor, sending a deep, rich note out of its
aftermarket MagnaFlow exhaust. The engine sits in a well-maintained
compartment, crowned by a chrome, factory style air cleaner. The
model's low-slung, road hugging stance combines with smooth power
steering to make it a lot of fun to drive, while power disc brakes
at all four corners will bring it to a stop just as quickly as
needed as it cruises on its set of 15" stock wheels outfitted with
Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires. After nearly 40 years of service,
the undercarriage remains in very solid shape.
An outstanding presentation of one of America's most beloved models
in its endlessly stylish, third generation form, this 1981
Chevrolet Corvette is as road-ready as can be and stands ready to
create plenty of future memories for its next lucky owner. Call
today!
