Newbie needs opinions...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,838
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NoCar
National Champs Gators 4 St. Jude '09
St. Jude Donor '10-'11
Newbie needs opinions...
Hey all, I'm a new member and long-time Corvette lover. I have been presented with what I think is a great opportunity to own my first Vette, but since I am a little new to this, I thought maybe you could weigh in with your thoughts...
I have the chance to buy a 1981 Stingray with a 350, AT, T-top, in Midnight Blue. The car is completely restored and is in show condition. The guy who owns it has had it for 12 years and kept it garaged in Florida...he's won several trophies locally with it. There are only 53,000 original miles! The asking price is $10,000. I know the guy pretty well and I believe him to be honest and up front about everything. I think it's a pretty darn good deal, but I also REALLY want the car so I'm a little biased. What do y'all think? Please weigh in!
I have the chance to buy a 1981 Stingray with a 350, AT, T-top, in Midnight Blue. The car is completely restored and is in show condition. The guy who owns it has had it for 12 years and kept it garaged in Florida...he's won several trophies locally with it. There are only 53,000 original miles! The asking price is $10,000. I know the guy pretty well and I believe him to be honest and up front about everything. I think it's a pretty darn good deal, but I also REALLY want the car so I'm a little biased. What do y'all think? Please weigh in!
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Provo Utah
If im not mistaken an 81' in show condition would bring about $15,000? (correct me if im wrong) I can tell you what most of the guys here will tell you...Check for rust and post pics. 
The 81' is also a hard year to find some parts for because it has many parts that were only made for that year...something else to maybe consider. Good luck and welcome to the forums.
The 81' is also a hard year to find some parts for because it has many parts that were only made for that year...something else to maybe consider. Good luck and welcome to the forums.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,009
Likes: 11
From: Philadelphia, sub burbs Wynnewood, PA
How much is he asking?
Can you take some pictures of the car and post them so we have a better idea of the condition
Get everything you can interior, under the hood, exterior, and under carriage if your can…
Either way good luck finding a ride and welcome to the forum 
Can you take some pictures of the car and post them so we have a better idea of the condition
Get everything you can interior, under the hood, exterior, and under carriage if your can…
Either way good luck finding a ride and welcome to the forum
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,838
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NoCar
National Champs Gators 4 St. Jude '09
St. Jude Donor '10-'11
Wow, you guys are fast! He's asking $10,000. I'm hopefully going to see the car tomorrow or Friday after work and I plan to take tons of pics...will post... Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 22
From: Yooperville MI
It could be a good buy and like the others said, take a very good look at it especially for rust (it could have come from the rust belt).
You used the term "restored" which is sometimes used loosely when selling or describing a car. I would expect a restored car to be brought back to original condition both mechanically and appearance and possibly some minor mods. It's important to know the restoration date and the extent of the restoration. Restoration means more than just a shiney paint job and new brakes and tires. A restored car would give you several years of reliable service with just routine maintenance. I guessing many '81s have been dressed up or "restified" by now but few have actually been body off restored. So when a seller uses the term, ask about it. Good luck!
You used the term "restored" which is sometimes used loosely when selling or describing a car. I would expect a restored car to be brought back to original condition both mechanically and appearance and possibly some minor mods. It's important to know the restoration date and the extent of the restoration. Restoration means more than just a shiney paint job and new brakes and tires. A restored car would give you several years of reliable service with just routine maintenance. I guessing many '81s have been dressed up or "restified" by now but few have actually been body off restored. So when a seller uses the term, ask about it. Good luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you don't have a friend that KNOWS Corvettes [not just drives one], call a local Corvette car club in the area (maybe one you would consider joining when you buy your) and see if someone in the club would assist you in checking the car out. Someone with a little knowledge is pretty good insurance against getting "surprised". Personally, I hope it turns out to be the right one for you.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,798
Likes: 25
From: Pine Bluff Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21
If you don't have a friend that KNOWS Corvettes [not just drives one], call a local Corvette car club in the area (maybe one you would consider joining when you buy your) and see if someone in the club would assist you in checking the car out. Someone with a little knowledge is pretty good insurance against getting "surprised". Personally, I hope it turns out to be the right one for you.
This is a good way to go.Larry
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,838
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NoCar
National Champs Gators 4 St. Jude '09
St. Jude Donor '10-'11
Thanks for all the words of wisdom...but I've decided to go a different direction. I bought a 2000 C5 Coupe 
I look forward to being a long-time Corvette owner!
I look forward to being a long-time Corvette owner!
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
[QUOTE=I have the chance to buy a 1981 Stingray[/QUOTE]
Hi Dave,
Welcome to the forum! $10k for great condition and low miles sounds fair to me. Buy it and post some pics.
(and, just so you know, if it's an '80 it's not a Stingray. It's a Corvette)
Hi Dave,
Welcome to the forum! $10k for great condition and low miles sounds fair to me. Buy it and post some pics.
(and, just so you know, if it's an '80 it's not a Stingray. It's a Corvette)