With third-generation Chevrolet Corvette production having such a long lifespan, beginning at a period when performance was king, the later C3 cars aren’t as desirable as the sixties and early seventies examples. The last factory big block disappeared after 1974, with the final droptop produced in 1975, and by 1980, the speedometer topped out at 85 MPH. However, the C3s consistently scored high in terms of appearance, with this 1980 Corvette project here on Craigslist in Tabernacle, New Jersey, also getting extra points for what’s now under the hood. This one needs some attention, but it seems to be at a decent point for someone else to take over. I can think of far worse ways to spend $9,999, which is what the owner is aiming for.
Our first thank you goes to reader Mitchell G., who was kind enough to send us the fun tip here, followed by another to the seller, who points out that the photos make the Corvette look better than it presently does. This one’s been sitting, with the red paint described as rough, but time is a lot easier on fiberglass than metal. Hopefully, the body is still structurally sound, and if you’re a fan of aftermarket components, the hood and custom headlights might be welcomed additions. This C3 has also been turned into a convertible, and while a hardtop is included, it doesn’t line up with the windows, so I’m not sure how much use that will be. Maybe after a respray, this car will look great again outside.
Buyers had a choice of two 350 engines in ‘80, including those of the L48 and L82 variety, although California residents had to settle for the 305 cubic-inch LG4. At some point, it was decided that no small block would do here, and a 454 crate motor was installed instead. Specifics are sparse, but the seller says it runs well, plus the car hasn’t been driven much since the swap, so the powerplant doesn’t have very many miles on it. Few details are provided about the transmission either, besides being an automatic.
Other than the seats, the interior appears fairly stock for the most part, and seems to remain in reasonably good condition. I kept zooming in on the dash, and it looks like there may be a crack in the pad, but that shouldn’t be too hard to replace. Purists probably won’t like the exterior mods, but for a 1980 model, it’s hard not to appreciate a nice big block under the hood. What are your interpretations on this one? Is ten grand a reasonable price to pay here?
Myself I am no purist, I believe modified cars tell their history. The headlights are a personal thing on the C3. Now the elephant in the room is that hood! Pretty sure with right intake manifold and maybe something is going on with the motor mounts. Just the extra clearance just doesn’t seem needed if there was a little planning. Heck just put a blower on it and cut a hole in the hood and look around that. Needs someone to take it home and not that bad a deal, but give it a thorough look before you pull the trigger and finish the this car! It’s all about smiles per mile!
This looks as if it was operated on by an unlicensed plastic surgeon.
Wild luggage 🧳 racked Vette.
A sidepiped C3 convertible is a beautiful thing. Luggage rack too. However.
Wow I like this Vette. Reminds me of the wild custom Vettes you used to see at car shows in the 70’s and 80’s with the wild metal flake paint. If it was mine I would have to figure out how to lower the hood scoop for better visibility. The other thing I would do is make removable covers for the headlights to smooth the hood out. These were great driving and handling cars. At $9,999. This should sell quickly think about it a Vette with a 454 V8 under the hood here’s to endless possibilities and endless summer’s. GLWTS
Don’t you mean CORVETTE SUMMERS 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤪
With a color change and some wild pinstriping/decals, you too could be living a Corvette Summer!
The Corvette Summer Corvette was changed to right hand drive. For no apparent reason
The AMG Mercedes was the warm-up act for this.
When too much is not enough…
You got to love the surprise of finding a big old rat living where a mouse should be!
I think that the sound of the exhaust right beside your ears would become very tiresome after a while; not to mention deafening!!
I like the factory look much more. I can’t see myself driving around in a cartoon.
You can do just about anything with 5 or 6 cases of beer and a 3 day weekend.
Turning this into a convertible is a more custom touch than a bigger engine and a hood treatment. I would like to know how they did it – it isn’t just the T-Top chopped off – it has the 68 – 75 rear deck compartment that hides the top when it’s down and attaches the back of the top when it is up.
The easier way this is done is usually the mid section of a 68 – 75 convertible is used and the front and rear of a later C3 is added.
More times than not, your vision of custom is junk in most peoples eyes. You will have to find another pair of crossed eyes to find a home for this.
Depending on what motor that is, the drive train is worth the asking price alone. I am a Vette guy and own a 68 restomod, don’t care for the look on this one, but know what that drive train costs and you could not build it for that.
GLWTS.
I would drive the wheels off it ! wash the windows with the tears of the purist .