Vehicle Description
1980 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 Corvette remains what they can only
aspire to be...a legend. Still the only true American sports
car.
Prior to going out on a big night, a woman likes to go all out
sometimes on the presentation, and part of that mystique is the use
of lipstick. Red signifies sexuality, an allure, and power. For
consignment, a night out for this version of the 1980 C3 Corvette
bathed in red. A 350ci L48 V8 and more contrasting white leather
inside. It's all dressed up and awaiting your turn of her key which
will provide you with excitement, (I told you the red would
work!).
Exterior
For 1980 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" have been added this year,
(removed on this car), and this redesign decreased the overall drag
coefficient. We can see the use of crossed flag badges: a sexy
curved red rocker fairing that follows the coke bottle design on
either side, and a T top with mirrored glass removable panels. The
fiberglass is in overall good condition. All glass, including the
greenhouse rear window, which forms itself nearly to the rear
spoiler has a fairly substantial storage area underneath. The
Corvette cove in the front fender remains, round headlights survive
another year, and now shiny 15-inch Centerline wheels are on all 4
corners. All bathed in a nice coating of red. A few minor scratches
mostly contained to the bottom end where a previous battle with a
curb may have been fought and lost! Honey!!! I'm ready to go!
Interior
In a wonderful 1980's style the Oyster leather overstuffed padded
bolster seats with deep inserts and high backs provide the seating
for this A ticket ride. These are floating in a sea of neutral gray
carpeting which is all nice and clean, and the seats showing a
little smudging but overall nicely preserved. An Oyster molded
vinyl dash can be seen upfront, and while the raked angle remains
for the dash, analog gauges are now behind a flat piece of clear
plastic with some midpoint warning lights stacked next to these
gauges. These all float within a wood burl lacquered panel behind
the glass. Fronting these instruments is a Grant wood rimmed
steering wheel. In the center the cluster of 5 gauges remains also
within the lacquered burl, and just below is an aftermarket stereo
neatly inserted which sports AM/FM/Cassette capabilities. Climate
control wheels of the past are now sliders and on the center of the
console is a ball topped Corvette shifter. All this within more
lacquered wood burl in good condition. Side door panels are nicely
preserved, as is the rear carpeted storage area under the green
house glass. This area shows some fading mostly near the seat back
area and the hidden storage panel doors. May I hold the door for
you?!
Drivetrain
With all this red let's consider the red line, that being of the
tachometer and to get there, we need to look under the hood where
there is a 350ci V8 L48 which is capable of screaming acceleration.
A single 4-barrel carburetor is atop and shiny valve covers and an
air cleaner cover can be seen. Some patina and slight corrosion and
surface rust are noted within this engine bay. There is a 3-speed
automatic transmission, (TH350), bolted to the back of the engine
with a 3.07 rear axle in the back. Stainless steel braided hoses
abound and Sportsman 2 polished valve coverings are seen. Consigner
states there is also an additional NOS bottle available for when
you need just a bit of a harder punch, but he has stated it has
never been used.
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.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up and our date with the test track began. Here it
behaved very well with smooth nearly unending acceleration, great
handling thanks to all the above geometry, and bias free panic
stopping. The leather over-stuffed styled seats were nice and
comfy, and I tried to take advantage of this car but then I decided
against it. So, the test drive ended with smiles for all involved.
We did note that the power locks, wipers and horn were non
functional during our drive.
A lighter, longer hood, better airflow fiberglass sculpted body
with the powerful 350ci L48 engine. Nicely aged Oyster off white
leather interior, and just a few faults in the paint, grab her hand
and walk her up to the test track, and you'll fall in
love...hopelessly...happily ever after...
TRIM TAG
K11-June 11th Build
TRIM 122-Oyster Leather
PAINT 28L-Dark Blue
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
