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My dad purchased the car in 1993 at ~47k miles and has owned it ever since. It was driven regularly for many years, and has seen very limited use since around 2021. Always garage kept.
I have a large stack of service records from 1993 to present that I’ve digitized. Happy to share those with anyone seriously interested.
The reconstructed title is due to a theft/fire incident prior to my dad’s ownership. From the documentation we have, the damage was primarily to the interior and cosmetic areas, and the car was rebuilt by a Corvette shop before he purchased it. There is also paperwork explaining the title history.
The current condition of the car is best described as a driver-quality C3 that will need some recommissioning.
Last started and driven in summer 2024 (a few miles, ran fine once started)
Interior: dash has typical cracking, seats and carpet show wear
Exterior: presents well, minor blemish on front right
Passenger window needs a little help staying aligned when going up
Clock not working
Headlights currently down, have not verified operation recently
Starter replaced in 2017
Tires replaced in 2020 (very low miles since)
Regular maintenance throughout its life
Overall this isn’t a perfect car, but it is a well-documented C3 with a manual transmission and long ownership. Would make a good driver or light project for someone who wants a solid starting point.
Service history and additional photos available on request. Happy to answer questions.
Asking $6,500 OBO
Last edited by seathree; May 13, 2026 at 09:09 AM.
Reason: Price drop
Any rust? Any serious accidents? Red is factory color?
Zero rust on the frame rails or body. There is some minor surface corrosion underneath consistent with the age of the car, but nothing structural or concerning. I included a few underbody photos in the original post and can take additional pictures of specific areas if you'd like.
The car has never been in a collision/accident. The reason for the R-title is that prior to my dad’s ownership, the car was stolen and later suffered an interior/cosmetic fire. It was then rebuilt by a shop that specialized in Corvettes before being sold to my dad in 1993. From the documentation we have, the damage was primarily to the center/interior section of the car and not major mechanical components.
As far as I know, the red is the factory color. I haven’t found any documentation showing a color change or repaint. The only paintwork I’m aware of is a touch-up/blend on the front right nose area from a garage scrape years ago, which is shown in close up photos below.
wow, a four speed '81. not that common I suspect. GLWS
Thank you! From what I found, only 5,757 out of 40,606 Corvettes produced in 1981 were ordered with the 4-speed, and of course 1981 was the last year a manual was offered in the C3.
I think it would make a great car for someone who loves the late C3 body style, wants a manual, and doesn’t mind putting a little time into sorting out a solid driver-quality car.
I also have a 1981 Corvette Shop Manual that will be included with the car, along with a large stack of service records/documentation.
Last edited by seathree; May 15, 2026 at 05:04 PM.
I recommend you call Hobby Corvettes located in PA. They have a decent size following on Insta and good reviews. Since I'm selling my 1978 Vette (Houston, TX), I talked to the Hobby Corvettes owner. He's a nice guy. However, he was looking for Vette's near his location, so that he can pick them up. Here's the website: https://www.hobbycarcorvettes.net/ Good luck!
I recommend you call Hobby Corvettes located in PA. They have a decent size following on Insta and good reviews. Since I'm selling my 1978 Vette (Houston, TX), I talked to the Hobby Corvettes owner. He's a nice guy. However, he was looking for Vette's near his location, so that he can pick them up. Here's the website: https://www.hobbycarcorvettes.net/ Good luck!
Thank you for the recommendation! I'll give them a call this week.
1981 Corvette (C3) – 4-speed manual
