81 question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 22
From: Portland OR
81 question
I have had a brief opportunity to look ata 1981 corvette sport coupe in a barn on the oregon coast.I believe it is one of the last production cars made in St. Louis.It's
got around 50k on it and is still owned by the original owner.One of the T tops has been cracked by a rock and overall the vette is in fair shape.The owner is asking $10.00.Personally I think it is way too much.My question is, does anyone think it has more value as a last built corvette in ST.Louis.Not the last one built but the last year.The only other info that I have is that it has a automatic trans.I have a 2001 C5 vert. and I know nothing about the C3s.I am hoping someone can give me a ballpark figure on the $$$ value of this vette.
Thank you
Fred
C5 Forum Member
got around 50k on it and is still owned by the original owner.One of the T tops has been cracked by a rock and overall the vette is in fair shape.The owner is asking $10.00.Personally I think it is way too much.My question is, does anyone think it has more value as a last built corvette in ST.Louis.Not the last one built but the last year.The only other info that I have is that it has a automatic trans.I have a 2001 C5 vert. and I know nothing about the C3s.I am hoping someone can give me a ballpark figure on the $$$ value of this vette.
Thank you
Fred
C5 Forum Member
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,640
Likes: 3,103
From: Shamong, NJ
I have had a brief opportunity to look ata 1981 corvette sport coupe in a barn on the oregon coast.
It's got around 50k on it and is still owned by the original owner.One of the T tops has been cracked by a rock and overall the vette is in fair shape.
My question is, does anyone think it has more value as a last built corvette in ST.Louis.Not the last one built but the last year.
It's got around 50k on it and is still owned by the original owner.One of the T tops has been cracked by a rock and overall the vette is in fair shape.
My question is, does anyone think it has more value as a last built corvette in ST.Louis.Not the last one built but the last year.
In the early 80's, when these cars were still used as daily drivers, the Bowling Green cars commanded a slight premium over 81 St. Louis cars. The price difference had nothing to do with the "rarity" of the cars though, but was a result of the better build quality of the Bowling Green ones.
I am hoping someone can give me a ballpark figure on the $$$ value of this vette.
Thank you
Fred
C5 Forum Member
Thank you
Fred
C5 Forum Member
What do you mean when you say the condition is "fair"? Is it original or has it been modified, what options are on it, what color is it and what kind of shape is the paint in, is there any rust in the floors birdcage or frame, all of this will effect it's value.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
The VIN will tell you when the car was produced. Consecutive unit number will fall in July, 1981. Owning a car built in the final week of production at St. Louis or, better, the last day of full production might be of personal interest to an owner/buyer. That distinction might add a bit of value to an asking price but it would be a personal matter.
The actual last St. Louis built Corvette exists and has been wll documented.
The actual last St. Louis built Corvette exists and has been wll documented.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Sep 24, 2011 at 10:41 AM.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
When you say it is in a barn.. In another month mine will be in a barn for the winter - but it will not be a 'barn car'. It will just winter in a barn. Is this a car in a barn, or a barn car that has been sitting idle for years? If it has been idle, for how long?
Driving a car into a barn does not change it's value, but having a car sit idle for several years can lower the value a great deal, as the mechanics of the car fall more and more in question over time.
Driving a car into a barn does not change it's value, but having a car sit idle for several years can lower the value a great deal, as the mechanics of the car fall more and more in question over time.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Onoway Alberta
Just bought a 1980 L82 with 24000k from original owner. The car is in awesome shape. Original paint, original everything. Paid $9800. I think I got a good deal. Just thought id give you that as a reference.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Lake Forest CA
Corvette Costs
I bought my 1981 about 2 years ago, paint in very good shape, runs great, only things I have had to do so far is
Change Valve cover gaskets
Replace Roof and Door weatherstrips
Replace Rear tail light assemblies ( updated with LED's)
Rebuild carbuerator
Replace Plugs, wires and all fluids.
Replace Catalytic Converter ( pretty much plugged up whenI purchased the car)
I paid $6,000.00 for the car and it only had 74K on it.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 22
From: Portland OR
Like I said I am a vette owner and I understand some of the positives and negatives about buying these cars.I was trying to get information about an older vette that i know little about.I have recieved some good information and i am very thankful to all of you.Just a few facts.the vette is kept in a barn and has been there it's whole life but it has not been driven for several years.The condition overall I would have to give it a 6-7 out of ten.It is totally stock, is white.I thought this might be a vette to buy to make a few bucks on but i have ruled this out.
Thank You All
Fred
Thank You All
Fred
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 511
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Fred,
If it has sat for several years then the mechanics of the car start to fall into question. Also - mice in barns may nest in the car an start to chew up the interior - not necessarily where you can see it. The brake calipers may be frozen too. Don't grade it too high without doing a very thorough inspection.
There is also of course a chance that it's in just as good of shape as the day it was parked.
If it has sat for several years then the mechanics of the car start to fall into question. Also - mice in barns may nest in the car an start to chew up the interior - not necessarily where you can see it. The brake calipers may be frozen too. Don't grade it too high without doing a very thorough inspection.
There is also of course a chance that it's in just as good of shape as the day it was parked.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,663
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
that is a good deal.10 k maybe a little high 6-8 is the average.
