Hiding in this shed is a classic that shows a lot of promise. It is a 1980 Chevrolet Corvette, and what makes it special is that it is one of the last produced with the desirable L82 version of the company’s sweet 350ci V8. It needs work before it can return to its rightful place on our roads, but coming from a dry location, it should be a rock-solid project candidate. The seller has listed the Corvette here on eBay in Houston, Texas. They set their BIN at $9,950 with the option to make an offer.
The 1980 model year brought the last significant cosmetic changes to the venerable C3 Corvette. It received new bumper covers, and spoilers were standard equipment. The company tweaked the hood and changed the style and location of some badges. Code 10 White was comfortably the most popular shade, selected by 7,780 buyers. That represents a take-up rate of over 19%, with Code 19 Black second at 17.9%. The history of our featured car is unclear, although it appears to have spent its life in Texas. As a result, it may have avoided rust issues in the frame or birdcage, which is good news for those seeking a straightforward restoration candidate. Of course, nothing is a “given” in the classic world, and performing an in-person inspection would be wise. The paint shows a few imperfections, but since the panels look okay, polishing the exterior might bring it to an acceptable level for a survivor-grade classic. The first owner wasn’t afraid to spend extra for a few desirable factory options, investing $407 for aluminum wheels and $391 for the optional removable glass roof panels.
The first owner’s interior trim choice makes this Corvette relatively rare from a “big-picture” perspective. Only 3,636 buyers chose Claret leather, representing 9% of total 1980 Corvette sales. They also equipped the car with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and a tilt/telescopic wheel. The wheel has slight damage in one spot, but the seats and remaining upholstered surfaces look surprisingly good. The same is true of the dash, pad, and plastic components. As with the exterior, I believe that a deep clean is all that stands between this interior and life as a survivor with very acceptable presentation.
Tilting the hood reveals this Corvette’s party piece. Chevrolet decided that 1980 would be the final year for the L82 version of the 350ci V8, marking the end of an era for those seeking a C3 with performance credentials. The small-block produced a factory-claimed 230hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque, which fed to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. The car also has power steering and power brakes, as both had been standard fare since 1977. It may have been the end of the line for the L82, but surprisingly few buyers were willing to spend the additional $595 above the sticker price for one. Only 5,069 customers chose it, representing 12.5% of total sales. The indications are that this Corvette isn’t roadworthy. The seller supplies an embedded video in their listing, and the small-block sounds sweet. However, they say it puffs smoke on start-up and has a power steering leak. That means the buyer will need to do some mechanical massaging before this classic returns to its rightful place on our roads.
This 1980 Corvette is a bit of an unknown quantity. It shows promise, but the seller’s limited photos would prompt me to accept their invitation to inspect it in person. The C3 enjoyed a banner decade in the 1970s, although sales fell for the first time in 1980. Later examples spent years in the classic wilderness, but those featuring an L82 under the hood have “grown legs” in the classic market. This ‘Vette has generated moderate interest since hitting the market, but do you believe the seller will achieve their asking price? It will be fascinating to monitor the listing to discover the outcome.
I wouldn’t want to venture a guess as to how much this C3 is worth, or how much, if any the L82 ads to the value of a project like this. All of the downside risk is on the potential buyers. Nice late-70’s and early-80’s C3’s tend not to sell for a lot of money.
The car looks like it was parked someplace damp.
Steve R
Steve, the L82 is the one number here that isn’t a guess. In 1980 it was rated 230 hp and 275 lb-ft against 190 for the base 350, and 1980 is the last year it made that number. But in a project the L82 premium is a few hundred dollars, not thousands, and only with the block stamp and the paperwork to prove it. Without paper it’s a 350 with a story. The damp part is what would worry me: the body is fiberglass, so nothing up top tells you what the birdcage is doing. On a C3 the rot hides in the windshield frame and A-pillars behind the trim, the frame kick-ups ahead of the rear wheels, and the body mounts under the doors. If those are soft, the L82 question stops mattering.
The power steering leak is from that antiquated ram assist setup dating beck to 1963. I replaced mine with a power rack and pinion, but in hindsight the better option is to replace all that stuff with a Saginaw P/S box. The rest of the entire chassis is virtually the same as a 1963.
I bought a new 80 and the speedometer only went to 85mph. Took the spirit out of driving with that speedometer staring you in the face.
I think it’s a perfect entry level Vette for a good price. Minor effort to get it up to snuff.
My bet on smoke is that the valve seal(s) needs replacing by removing the valve cover and doing work in place. One can look up on Youtube to show how one can use air from a compressor or pull the spark plug(s) and use a tool to stop the valve from dropping all the way after removing the spring(s) and putting a new rubber valve seal and putting the spring back. I have done these successfully on a 1974 Vette that sat for a while and had this issue. Many others have done this simple process to remedy the smoke.
That is if the smoke the person saw was the fuel being too rich and burning off on its own.
This is definitely a nice starter Vette for cars and coffee that one can enjoy.
I did a friend’s valve seals on his ’64 Impala with the air hold in high-school. Probably in 1968. Easy to do. BUT, tap the spring retainers with a deepwell socket first to make sure the keepers and retainers are not stuck together.
As usual, cheap GM refused to certify the L82 to have a four speed manual for its final year in 1980. That empty engine pulley indicates smog pump missing. Redline on this engine is 6000. I am looking at an 80 4 speed close to home, original owner, 50K miles. Asking 15K. I have had 2 C3s. I like the 1980, always did.
The 800 lb gorilla I dont see is the Crossfire Injection L83 200 hp
is MIA .
The Crossfire came out in 1982.
Steve R
In 2017 Hurricane Harvey hit Houston causing major flooding . I think sometimes we think of Texas as hot and dry .anyway food for thought
Houston has more humidity than places like Chicago. Very humid there.
I’m a little surprised nobody’s mentioned the wiring harness near the firewall, and why it’s like that. Looks like they had a nightmare going on.