Vehicle Description
Get into the Corvette hobby for less than the price of a used Chevy
sedan with this 'Lil Red 1981 coupe. With a bright finish, loads of
options, low miles, and T-tops for the open air experience make
this a great-looking summertime cruiser that you'll enjoy far more
than the reasonable price would suggest.
That red paint isn't original, in fact this car was born silver,
but it was applied so long ago the car has a very 'survivor-grade'
look and feel to it. And who doesn't love a 'Lil Red Corvette?
Prince practically launched his career singing about one, and the
timeless look will never go out of style, accenting the C3's
dramatic styling perfectly. Although 1981 was nearing the end of
the line for the C3, it didn't diminish the iconic looks one bit,
and even today these are some of the most distinctive Corvettes
ever built. Everyone loves them. And when the curb appeal is this
nice, falling in love is easy. Gaps are good and the doors shut
flush, putting to bed the idea that these were not well-built cars,
and the vintage enamel that was applied several years ago still has
a decent surface with only some minor age cracks, chips, and
scratches (mostly concentrated at the front end of the car, where
you'd expect) and there are no waves or ripples in the fiberglass
to be concerned about. The hatchback profile greatly improved
Corvette aerodynamics as well as the car's overall look, and it's
enhanced by the modest ducktail spoiler that debuted in 1978. Clean
and honest, this solid driver 'Vette is ready to have some fun.
Based on the condition of the interior, this car could easily claim
to be a decade or two younger than it is. Originally equipped with
cloth buckets, the interior was upgraded several years back with
factory-correct vinyl upholstery that's a perfect complement to the
red exterior, showing no major damage and only slight wear-and-tear
in the high-traffic areas. The door panels and carpets are likely
original and show signs of sun-kissed patina, but nothing that
needs immediate replacement, and the expansive dash is free of
cracks or ripples - a rather rare sight if you're familiar with GM
interior materials from the early '80s. With the T-tops off, you'll
appreciate the light color, and it works very well to hide dirt, so
it always looks great when it's flying past you on the highway.
Corvettes typically came loaded with options, and this one is no
exception, carrying things like power brakes, power steering, power
windows, power locks, power mirrors, a tilt/telescopic wheel,
cruise control, A/C, power driver's seat, and a rear defroster. The
original 3-spoke steering wheel is still in place and anchors the
sporty cabin, and the only non-stock item inside is the upgraded
Sony AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit that was mounted inside the stock
center stack.
The 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood is believed to be the original
engine, and in 1981 the L81 was the only choice. Totally stock and
dressed up with its stock chrome air cleaner lid, the engine bay is
nicely detailed, showing only light wear and no glaring issues.
It's quite stock, with only signs of regular maintenance
throughout, so you know it's been owned by responsible owners all
along. An upgraded dual exhaust system was added underneath,
deleting the constrictive catalytic convertor and other factory
emissions equipment, so this Corvette gets a slight bump in
horsepower along with an improved, throaty soundtrack. The TH350
3-speed automatic transmission snaps off shifts smoothly, and 1981
was also the first year for the fiberglass monoleaf spring, which
not only improved chassis response, but shaved a considerable
amount of weight. Four-wheel discs have been standard equipment
since 1965, and the C3s featured some of the most powerful binders
of the era. Slotted aluminum wheels are just the right compliment
to the red paint, and wear 235/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A white-letter
radials that finish off the look perfectly.
With only 67K believed actual miles, and documents including a
reproduction window sticker and reproduction build sheet, this
Corvette has plenty of vintage pedigree on its side. And at this
price, it makes for a great way to get into the game without
spending a fortune. Call today!
