By the time 1981 dawned, the C3 Corvette had become a more refined package offering a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. While early examples were uncompromising high-performance vehicles, the 1981 Corvette could serve admirably as a daily driver. This ‘Vette is not merely incredibly tidy but has a genuine 46,035 miles on its odometer. It has no needs beyond a new owner. If you wish to become that person, the Corvette is listed exclusively at Barn Finds Auctions.
During most model years, Chevrolet offered Corvette buyers ten paint shades, but it pushed out the boat in 1981 by providing a staggering twenty-three single and two-tone combinations. This car is 1-of-3,842 ordered in Code 59 Beige. That represents a take-up rate of just over 9%, making it one of the rarer colors. It is a subtle and restrained shade, with this car presenting exceptionally well following a previous repaint. It exhibits an impressive depth of color and shine, with no visible flaws or defects. There are no signs of fiberglass cracking or fatigue, with the plastic showing no evidence of deterioration or physical damage. The original owner ordered the Corvette with a glass T-Top, and not only is its condition excellent, but the factory T-Top covers are intact and in good order. The tinted glass and exterior trim are spotless, while the factory 15″ aluminum wheels are free from stains and physical damage. The overall presentation means this classic would not look out of place displayed in a Chevrolet showroom today.
If potential buyers seek a classic with sporting pretensions and a relaxed driving experience, this Corvette delivers. Its engine bay houses its numbers-matching 350ci V8 that sends 190hp to the limited-slip rear end via a three-speed automatic transmission. Power steering and power four-wheel disc brakes should tick the boxes for those wishing to minimize physical effort. The mechanical combination is as bulletproof as they come, meaning that with a genuine 46,035 miles showing on its odometer, this ‘Vette should offer decades of reliable and enjoyable motoring for its next owner. The Corvette is in excellent mechanical health, with the owner indicating it features new brakes, including calipers, on all corners. For those who find documentation reassuring, the car has its original Owner’s Manual, Warranty Book, Window Sticker, some service records, dealer and factory documentation, and three sets of original GM keys. It has just recently received a full service and tune-up, so this is a turnkey gem ready to make the most of the upcoming warmer weather.
You only need to glance at this Corvette’s interior to confirm it offers much to a potential buyer seeking a comfortable ownership experience. The seats wear supple Camel leather upholstery, with the driver’s seat featuring six-way power adjustment. Air conditioning keeps occupants cool if they choose not to remove the T-Top, while power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a rear window defogger, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/CD player guarantee total comfort. The interior presentation is all you should expect from a low-mileage classic. There is no evidence of wear or physical damage and no crumbling plastic. The prone center console is excellent, and color-keyed mats protect the carpet. The interior would not cause its new owner embarrassment if they landed at a show or a Cars & Coffee.
The C3 Corvette is one of the most instantly recognizable American classics globally, and they have become more desirable today than they were when new. This 1981 model is a spotless example that would suit a discerning buyer. Whether they use it for weekend adventures or as a daily driver, it would effortlessly fulfill both roles. Finding one as tidy as this with a low odometer reading is a rare treat, so if you are tempted by a turnkey classic, submitting a bid could be the perfect way to turn that dream into a reality.
- Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Mileage: 46,035 miles
- Engine: 350ci V8
- Transmission: Automatic
- VIN: 1G1AY8763BS413729
- Title Status: Clean
- Dealer Processing Fee: $395
Bid On This Auction
Tanker one bid $15,800.00 2023-03-20 13:39:58
2manyvettes bid $15,550.00 2023-03-20 13:24:40- Tanker one bid $15,250.00 2023-03-20 12:56:16
- 2manyvettes bid $15,000.00 2023-03-20 12:50:52
- Tanker one bid $14,750.00 2023-03-20 10:34:34
- 2manyvettes bid $14,500.00 2023-03-20 10:20:28
- Tanker one bid $14,250.00 2023-03-20 08:15:42
- 2manyvettes bid $13,750.00 2023-03-19 11:34:04
Tanker one bid $13,500.00 2023-03-14 13:10:15
Paul Rolando bid $13,000.00 2023-03-13 15:44:18- Tanker one bid $12,600.00 2023-03-13 06:47:09
AUTOMANRUSS bid $12,000.00 2023-03-12 14:28:38- Tanker one bid $10,600.00 2023-03-12 14:06:11
- AUTOMANRUSS bid $10,000.00 2023-03-12 14:04:15
Bondojohn bid $9,750.00 2023-03-12 13:07:12
Lfranquiz bid $9,500.00 2023-03-12 12:21:10- Bondojohn bid $9,250.00 2023-03-12 12:13:36
- Lfranquiz bid $9,000.00 2023-03-12 12:05:09
- AUTOMANRUSS bid $8,500.00 2023-03-12 10:09:10
- Lfranquiz bid $6,500.00 2023-03-12 10:03:56
Darrell bid $6,250.00 2023-03-12 09:59:07- Lfranquiz bid $6,000.00 2023-03-12 09:49:09
- Paul Rolando bid $5,750.00 2023-03-12 08:27:00
- Bondojohn bid $5,500.00 2023-03-11 14:42:51
mgrimes bid $5,000.00 2023-03-11 14:42:08- Bondojohn bid $2,000.00 2023-03-11 11:10:07
Vince bid $1,000.00 2023-03-11 09:47:57
Check the date codes on the tires before doing any driving.
St Louis Missouri made 81 vette..solid color.paint..decent car..motors are not.the best thing bout 81 vettes..the electric carb.was just.junk..but this car is not been tampered..maybe it will stay together.
What a lucious piece of fiberglass. Small problems can be fixed. Priced right!
I’m searching for a GTO but this really stops my search for a bit. Good to new owner!
Nothing luscious about a piece of fiberglass. Or even a pile of fiberglass.
So…. much…. beige….. eyes….. melting….
I like it, my favorite Vette colors are white and yellow. For the experts, does this have T-tops, and what would be the motor of choice? Also, how difficult to replace the motor and add a manual. Thank you in advance.
They all have T-Tops.
Did this car ever belong to a smoker. is there any trace of odor or damage to the interior due to smoking of any kind, Thanks Ken
Hi Ken, great to see you on the boards, you surely must be the legend we all know and love!
Your tuning work on Corvette’s is second to none, and this C3 appears for all intents, to be a truly fantastic investment grade late C3.
I love this example, and will bid this one…..truly a unicorn.
👍🤓
OMG! Did somebody smoke in there?
Probably cost you more to replace the engine and trans than you’ll pay for the car itself.
Looks sharp – drive it as is and enjoy it.
Not a bad looking Vette but during this time frame it was a good daily driver certainly not high performance in any way!
My first corvette was a 1981? White with Red Interior. This is a beauty of a car but that fiberglass on the passenger side has me worried. Has it even been in a accident??
Please explain bad fiberglass on passenger side. I see nothing.
Looking at the pics of the driver side and passenger side showing the doors open, it appears as some repair has been made to the area of the body! I see wavy fiberglass.
YBlocker – get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? I take it you never had a dream that you knew you would never be able to afford. Tis a pity.
Sure I have, but a corvetty isn’t one of’em
Dealer Processing Fee: $395 = LOL
Too bad this is in a dealer’s hands. True it’s a nice C3, but it’s still a C3. Not yet a $25k car, the market has spoken.
Corvette mag 2023 price guide, 22000 show quality price