Value on a 1981 Vette?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,712
Likes: 299
From: Concord VA, U.S.A.
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
From: Elizabeth New Jersey
The car is worth what the buyer is willing to pay. If you got a NCRS type buyer, the mroe mods the less money you'll get. And if you got a Hot rod type buyer or just a guy looking for a fast ride, the more mods the better but you never make money on addings mods.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 511
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix AZ
It also depends on the area you're in. If you're selling a rust free arizona car in the north it'll go for a bit more. On the other hand a rusted out birdcage (internal metal structure) down here would be a hard sell (to the educated vette person).
Also consider the time of year. In general Sports cars sell for more money in the spring. November in Michigan is not a good time to get the most out of your vette (if selling). But that doesn't apply as much in the southern states.
Also consider the time of year. In general Sports cars sell for more money in the spring. November in Michigan is not a good time to get the most out of your vette (if selling). But that doesn't apply as much in the southern states.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 70
Likes: 7
From: St. Louis MO
I have an 81 so I keep an eye on the asking prices in the local papers around St. Louis the last few years it seems that the fast back years 78-82 have all been going up in price and their seems to be fewer and fewer for sale asking prices right now seem to be 8-16K depending on condition. I looked at a black 81 with a salvage title from Texas and in need if lot of TLC and the dealer would not budge off of 12K the paint on this car was worse than bad look like one of those Earl Sheib jobs gone bad real thick and flaking off. The guy said the 80-82s were the next big thing in Vettes. I do not no if he sold it but when I got mine four years ago 81s like that could be picked up all week long for $4,500
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: West Seneca New York
I purchased my '81 4spd for $5500 6 yrs ago. 98K.
It looked good from about a 20ft away. Needed a lot of TLC. Car was made in BG, car #3975. Was silver/charcoal. I have since invested around $13-14K into it, making it the way I want it. I know I'll never get 18K out of it. But I don't ever intend to sell it. Maybe give it to my daughter when she graduates from college (in 2027 AD). lol.
Darryl
It looked good from about a 20ft away. Needed a lot of TLC. Car was made in BG, car #3975. Was silver/charcoal. I have since invested around $13-14K into it, making it the way I want it. I know I'll never get 18K out of it. But I don't ever intend to sell it. Maybe give it to my daughter when she graduates from college (in 2027 AD). lol.
Darryl
