Vehicle Description
1980 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
The C3 Corvette, built between 1968 and 1982, was the third
generation of Chevrolet's venerable Corvette sports car.
Occasionally seen as polarizing, the C3 garnered both praise and
criticism for its radical design, purpose and driving dynamics.
Expectations were huge when the model launched. Zora Arkus-Duntov
and Billy Mitchell, the second generation C2 Corvette designers,
had just built the hugely successful, powerful, and respected Sting
Ray Corvette. Even today, the Sting Ray is widely regarded as one
of the best Corvette models ever made.
Classic Auto Mall is proud to present this 1980 Corvette. Turning
the spotlight on we are met with a beautifully designed and bathed
in black body, color matching leather interior, and clean chrome
side pipes. We do have to note this car carries a title brand of
Reconstructed but we do not have any history as to why.
Exterior
From the swooping front long racing style hood, to the simple 4
round lighted rear with just a touch of spoiler, this car presents
in a respray of the original black all day long. Showing some
chips, scratches, and wear in the form of unfinished color sanding
and inclusions in the paint, it is not perfect, but still
beautifully designed. Hidden headlights up front give it an
aerodynamic feel, the chrome side pipes compliment this body style
nicely, and for some sun, you can pop off the body-colored panels
of the roof. A long and curved greenhouse rear glass covers a large
storage area in the rear. Original polished slot style wheels adorn
the corners and are wrapped in Cooper raised white letter
rubber.
Interior
In wonderful 1980's style the overstuffed padded bolster seats with
deep inserts and high backs provide the seating for this ride. Some
age-based wear and folds are present in the leather of these seats
and tears on both upper outboard bolsters have been covered with
black tape, some of which is coming loose. These are floating in a
sea of black carpeting which has some wear and soiling. A black
dash can be seen upfront, and while the raked angle remains for the
dash, gauges are now behind a flat piece of clear plastic with some
midpoint warning lights stacked next to these gauges. In the center
the cluster of 5 gauges remains and just below is an aftermarket
stereo neatly inserted which is now digital AM/FM/Cassette
capabilities. Temp wheels of the past are now sliders and on the
center of the console is a black ball topped chrome shifter and
power window controls. A red replacement upper rear section of the
console has been installed and seems slightly out of place with all
the black. Side door panels are nicely preserved, the rear carpeted
storage area under the greenhouse glass shows some sun
bleaching
Drivetrain
With all this black let's consider the red line that is on the
tachometer and to get there under the hood is a 350ci V8 circa 1973
according to the stamping codes. This mill is capable of 145hp
based on that stamping, however our consignor states the engine
makes 300hp. A single 4-barrel Holley carburetor is atop an
Edelbrock intake manifold and shiny valve covers and an air cleaner
cover can be seen. Some patina and slight corrosion and surface
rust is noted within this engine bay. There is a TH350 3-speed
manual transmission bolted to the back of the engine with a 3.07
rear axle in the back.
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 as is power
steering.
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 overstuffed styled seats were nice and comfy.
The headlights turned on but did roll up, the power windows didn't
work, the power locks were in-operable. Also, during our tour of
the engine bay, we noticed that parts of the AC system are missing
and the heater core is bypassed.
A lighter, longer hood, better airflow fiberglass sculpted body
with the 350ci V8 engine its 1980 in every way. An aged black
leather interior, and a few faults in the paint, some mechanical
frowns, and a Reconstructed brand on the title make for a great
driver quality car that you can still enjoy while you turn a few
wrenches.
VIN DECODE
1Z876AS440511
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
87-2 Door Coupe
6-350ci V8 L82
A-1980
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
440511-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
K21-June 21st Build
TRIM 192-Black Leather
PAINT 19L-Black
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
