Vehicle Description
59,984 original miles. Matching-numbers L81 with correct ZDD suffix
code. Correct two tone paint with beautiful leather interior.
Loaded with options including A/C, power windows, cruise, and more.
An affordable C3 'Vette with a lot of appeal!Corvettes have always
been special and represent something for everyone-from six-figure
show cars to affordable, fun cars like this 1981 Corvette, they're
an important part of the old car hobby. With about 60,000 miles on
the clock, this handsome two-tone 'Vette represents the waning
years of the C3 body style. But that doesn't mean they weren't
popular, with more than 40,000 built that year. The code 33/39
Silver and Charcoal paint scheme, this one has a period perfect
look that isn't dated, and it's in fantastic condition. We believe
that's original paint, complete with factory-installed tape
stripes, and it looks great in person. The styling was the same as
1980, with the built-in front and rear spoilers, and the result is
a clean, sleek car befitting the name 'Corvette.' The finish
remains in very good condition, with a great shine and only a few
signs of use and age, again proving that Corvette fans are some of
the best caretakers of old cars. Fit and finish are pretty good for
1980s General Motors, with even gaps and nice shut lines
throughout. We really like the way this car looks.The charcoal
leather interior is likewise nicely preserved. The seats are as
comfortable as the look and represent some of the best chairs in a
C3 Corvette-supportive without being confining. Experts might spot
that the left and right seats have been swapped in an attempt to
even the scuffs on the outer bolster-the former driver's side has
some wear in the usual spot. However, the deep pile carpets are
excellent, the door panels are unmarked, and even the dash pad
hasn't been cooked by the sun. Features include factory A/C (still
R12 and in need of a charge), power windows, tilt steering column,
cruise control, and a decent-sounding digital AM/FM/cassette radio.
All the gauges work properly, the windows zip up and down, and for
open-air motoring, the T-tops are easy to remove and stow in the
rear compartment. The Corvette remains a comfortable place to spend
some time and it eats up long stretches of pavement like few other
cars of the era.The only engine available in 1981 was the L81 350
cubic inch V8, rated at 190 horsepower. This one carries a correct
ZDD suffix code and matching VIN, and there's no reason to believe
it has been swapped. It the original electronically-controlled
carburetor is gone, so it's a bit stronger than stock and a little
less finicky, and should you want to reinstall the factory
hardware, all the connections are still in place. It's correctly
detailed and looks almost entirely stock, complete with the dual
snorkel air cleaner and magnesium valve covers that were standard
equipment. It runs great, as a small block Chevy should, and has
the kind of low-end torque that makes these cars so much fun. The
TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is a willing and able partner,
clicking off unobtrusive shifts when you're going gently and
dropping down a gear when prodded. And with 3.08 gears out back,
it's obviously a fantastic highway car. The exhaust system appears
to be almost entirely original, including the catalytic converter,
bolstering the car's mileage claims, and it has a great V8 sound
that's subdued and easy to live with. Automatic-equipped 1981
Corvettes were the first to receive the fiberglass rear leaf
spring, which saved more than 35 pounds, and as a result this one
still handles properly. The brakes have also been recently serviced
and it sits on shiny 15-inch aluminum wheels and fat 255/60/15
BFGoodrich T/A radials all around.Show car? No. Affordable fun car
that you can get in and enjoy immediately? Absolutely! Corvettes
still command a lot of respect and if you're looking for a way to
break into the Corvette hobby, this is a great choice. Comfortable,
stylish, and always the center of attention, this car definitely
delivers the Corvette experience. Call today!Harwood Motors always
recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any
vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
