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1981 Corvette, the last year of the carburetor, 4 speed manual which makes it a blast to drive especially with the T tops off. Been to many car meets and killed many a summer night just talking with other vette owners or other classic car lovers. Not to mis-lead anyone this is not a show car, but an awfully fun car. I have had this car for about 10 years and during that time it has been garage kept, with me putting about 900 miles on it. Never seen snow while I was owner, Title in hand, Upgraded sound system. Although fun to drive any time of the year, the warmer weather is prime, which is right around the corner.
Read this first , most c3 corvettes look good from the outside. That car could be rusty as all underneath, especially as the seller says it never saw snow while HE has it.
Last edited by bazza77; Jul 13, 2018 at 12:30 AM.
Reason: Spelling
Good looking car but that Jersey plate would make me wary of rust in the cage/frame. A good inspection of these areas before you buy could save you a lot of grief down the road.
Good luck either way. Welcome to the forum and keep us posted
Greg
It always blows my mind how often people treat what amounts to a common, well used car that is not worth a lot of money and treat it like a 2 million dollar Bugatti (Shelter from the elements, drive only to show off and polish until the paint is thin)
Whatever the asking price I’ll bet anything it’s much more than the current owner paid. - so negotiate hard if you want it.
This was an expensive ‘vette back then, it’s fully loaded! The 4 speed, Black leather inside a Claret exterior is a pretty ‘vette, the 4 speed saves the fact that the engine is a dog.
If you get it, get it for the right price and used it like it was free and it’s life is on a timer!
He's asking $9000. Which is reasonable. But i emailed him and his responses tho my questions didn't thrill me. I asked if he'd take more pictures of the inside, engine compartment and underside. He said the pictures are on autotrader and he doesn't have a lift. I asked if there was any rust on the car. He said, since it's fiberglass, no. I asked if it had been in an accident or flood. He said not since he's owned it. He did just email me and said he'd work on getting some more pictures. We'll see, although I'm not that hopeful.
1981 was the first year for a computer so that can be an inconvenience if you plan to modify.
Like others said check the birdcage and frame for rust.
Good luck
thanks. Yea, I know 81 was the first year of computers. Im leary of that because usually first year things aren't so good. Also the modifying thing you mentioned. But I'm partial to 81 because thats the year i graduated high school (now you know how old i am). But, I've been looking for an 80 also. It depends on what i stumble across that's worth buying. Thanks for all your input guys. I really appreciate it.
The birdcage needs to be checked. I suspect the owner has never seen it, or knows where to look. If it is solid enough you could consider making an offer. That looks to me to be in the area of an 8k car in todays market.
I ended up taking a pass on this car . I love the color combo, but i felt the s seller was trying to hide something. I just didn't get a good feeling from it. Plus when I asked for pictures of specific places I got vague pictures. So, on to the next. Thanks for all your input.
shopping for a Vette. craigslist your area. go look at the $3000 :POS cars you wouldnt buy on a bet. also the 23k cars you cant afford without renting your wife out. (Dont tell the guy you cant afford it!) now you have a real-world baseline for the diff between a nice car and beat junk. so when looking at 8-10k real world cars you have an idea which end of the spectrum they are closer to. it is also fun shopping for vettes. why tunnel-vision on one that is a long way away?
I don't have tunnel vision, i just want a 80/81 4 speed with black interior. That car fit the bill. I've been looking for quite a while. I know i have to be patient and have a bit of luck. What i don't understand is, if someone lists a car for sale, and someone showed interest in it, why wouldn't you be a little more accommodating and send pictures of known trouble spots. Pictures, i would think, you've already taken. Do you want to sell your car or not?
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