Vehicle Description
1981 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 the Corvette remains what they can only
aspire to be... a legend. Still the only true American sports
car.
For consignment, a night out for this version of the 1981 C3
Corvette bathed in Beige A correct 350ci L81 V8 and 3-speed
automatic proving the go factor and lots of factory options on the
inside. We certainly cannot omit the 33,693 title verified actual
miles, the sleek and snake-like chrome show tube side pipes, nor
the new battery, alternator and new glass T-tops. It's all dressed
up and awaiting your turn of her key which will provide you with
excitement!
NOTE: Due to modifications of the emissions control devices
installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and
federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on
public highways in your area.
Exterior
For 1981, 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" are gone for this year, and this
redesign decreased the overall drag coefficient. We can see the use
of crossed flag badges, a black rocker that follows the coke bottle
design on either side, now with chrome side pipes for extra dress
up and extra V8 music, and a new tinted T tops with removable
panels. The fiberglass is in overall good condition and we see some
cracking of the paint on the one headlight door along with some
scuffs, and deformation of the neoprene on the pointed nose. All
glass, including the greenhouse rear window, which forms itself
nearly to the rear spoiler has a fairly substantial storage area
underneath remains in good condition. The Corvette cove in the
front fender remains, round headlights survive another year under
the flip open doors, and now shiny 15-inch slotted wheels are on
all 4 corners. All bathed in a nice coating of Beige. I'm ready to
go!
Interior
In a wonderful 1980's style, the overstuffed padded bolster Camel
leather seats with deep inserts and high backs provide the seating
for this A ticket ride. A few age wrinkles and tears are noted in
the driver's bolster. These are floating in a sea of Camel tan
carpeting which is all nice and clean. A Camel 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 mid point
warning lights stacked next to these gauges. In the center the
cluster of 5 gauges remains and just below is the factory
AM/FM/Cassette stereo neatly inserted. Temp wheels of the past are
now sliders and on the center of the console is a chrome ball level
shifter. The side door panels are nicely preserved, as is the rear
carpeted storage area under the green house glass. May I hold the
door for you?!
Drivetrain
Now down to the nitty gritty, and to get there we lift the forward
hinged hood and shake hands with a 350ci V8 L81 which is capable of
190hp. A single 4-barrel carburetor is atop and ribbed valve covers
and a shiny 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 automatic transmission bolted to the back of the
engine with a 2.87 limited slip 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 and true dual
exhaust with headers and side pipes is seen, but is sans catalytic
converters.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up and our date with the test track began. Here we
performed our first test, the brakes and we are happy to report
this car came to a stop on a dime and pick it up deceleration. That
being said, ourtest drive was a pleasant one with smooth
acceleration, great handling thanks to all the above geometry, and
bias free braking. The leather overstuffed styled seats were nice
and comfy, and I found the AC to not be operational and a few
exhaust leaks were heard. While Classic Auto Mall represents that
these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we
cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of
your purchase.
A lighter, longer hood, a better airflow fiberglass sculpted body
with the powerful 350ci L81 engine. Nicely aged Camel leather
interior, and a few faults in the paint, grab her hand and walk her
up to the test track, and you'll fall in
love...hopelessly...awwwww.
1G1AY8769B5106306
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
A-Manual Belts
Y-Corvette
87-Coupe
6-350 ci V8 4bbl
9-Check Digit
B-1981
5-Bowling Green, KY Assy Plant
106306-Sequential Unit Number
08D-4th Week August
64I-Camel Leather
50L 50U-Beige
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
