I have always found the history of the C3 Corvette fascinating. It emerged in 1968 as a genuine sports car that the buyer could transform into a fire-breathing monster if they ticked the right boxes on the Order Form. By 1981, it had become a more sedate and “softer” vehicle, but that didn’t prevent it from selling in impressive numbers. Our feature car is from that model year and appears to be an original and unmolested survivor. With the owner listing it for sale with No Reserve, it could represent the chance for someone to score a C3 at an affordable price. Located in Miami, Florida, the owner has listed the ‘Vette for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $8,900, and with No Reserve in play, a new home for this classic is days away.
While 1981 may not have marked a year of record sales for the Corvette, it was one where the company offered more color choices than any other during the C3’s production life. Buyers could select from an incredible eighteen individual paint shades, along with a further four two-tone combinations. The latter must have struck a chord with the buying public because more than 13% of Corvette buyers stumped up the additional $399 for that option. Our feature car wears its original combination of Beige and Dark Bronze, presenting well for a vehicle with more than four decades under its belt. It isn’t perfect, with a close inspection revealing a collection of smaller chips and marks consistent with a survivor-grade vehicle. It still holds a good shine and appears to have no immediate needs. The panels are free from obvious flaws. There’s no evidence of prior repairs or accident damage, and while the owner provides no information about rust in the frame or birdcage, the lack of visible corrosion across other areas provides some cause for cautious optimism. The alloy wheels would benefit from a polish, but there is no evidence of physical damage or curb strike. The glass, including the removable roof panels, looks excellent for a classic of this vintage.
By 1981, Chevrolet was more focused on comfort than performance with the C3 Corvette. This becomes apparent when we consider this classic’s interior features. The Corvette’s new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player. The interior presents well, with no significant issues or problems. There are a few minor marks on the driver’s seat, but the upholstery remains remarkably clean when considering how pale and prone Camel cloth can be. There is no wear on the outer seat edges, while the carpet and dash look great. The original radio/8-track player is out of alignment, but some minor tweaking should fix that problem. Otherwise, this interior appears to need nothing.
By the dawn of the 1980s, the cost and effort required to comply with tightening emission regulations meant that Corvette buyers were faced with a solitary engine to power their new toy. This V8 was the venerable 350ci small-block, pumping out 190hp. Buyers could choose whether to bolt a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic to the back of the motor, with this car’s original owner selecting the latter. If the owner pointed this classic at a ¼ mile, the journey would take 16.7 seconds. The glory days of 14-second ETs must have seemed a world away for the driver, but it marked an improvement over some previous models. If a buyer purchased a Corvette in 1978, the base 350 would deliver 175hp and a ¼-mile time of 17.2 seconds. This Corvette is in sound mechanical health. The seller recently installed new brake calipers and indicates that the car runs and drives well. He further claims that it has 61,000 genuine miles on the clock but fails to mention supporting evidence.
While the 1981 model year was not marked by record sales for the C3 Corvette, Chevrolet managed to find 40,606 buyers willing to hand over their hard-earned cash to park one in their driveway. That figure remains higher than any in which the company produced the ultra-desirable chrome-bumper models, indicating the buying public maintained an ongoing love affair with this American classic. If you crave a C3 Corvette but prefer a softer and more refined classic motoring experience, cars like our feature ‘Vette deserve a closer look. While the later C3s have their critics, this has not negatively impacted potential values. They have continued to rise well beyond the market average, and it may not be long before they soar beyond the reach of the average enthusiast. If you find that a genuine fear and have the funds available, maybe this Corvette could be the classic you’ve been searching for.
i am a big corvette fan. That is a unique color combo… I don’t think i could live with it, or imagine someone ordering that on purpose.
Beige over Dark Bronze was the most popular two-tone color combination offered on the Corvette in 81. The first Corvette built at the new Bowling Green plant on June 1, 1981, was painted that combination, and was featured in many magazines at the time.
I had a two-tone charcoal gray and silver gray. I also had five other Corvettes over the years. The worst two were my 1975 and 1981. No power and too much plastic. T-tops on the 81 were stolen twice. They broke the passenger side window and the glass was embedded in the leather seats.
My 75 no power and the floor around the transmission was always hot. the silver leather seats peeled within a year. The fight was on with GM Service Rep. One excuse to another!
To each his own. I might not buy it but I do remember one showing up at Corvette shows here in the south back in the mid to late ‘80’s. This one has definitely been cared for through the years.
this is a very uber impressive vehicle for a very uber impressive owner.
There were 13 different colors offered in 81, not 18, but no more than 10 were available at one time.
Chevrolet opened the new Bowling Green Corvette plant in 81, and closed St. Louis. St Louis Corvettes were available in 10 different colors, all lacquer. An eleventh color announced, Bright Blue Metallic, but it was cancelled before production began.
Bowling Green opened in June 81, and all new orders went there. Bowling Green Corvettes were available in seven colors. Four were carried over from St Louis (Beige, Charcoal, Silver & Dk Blue), three new colors were added, and six St Louis colors were dropped. Bowling Green also switched from lacquer to two stage enamel, requiring new paint codes for the four carried over colors. Two-tone was only available on Bowling Green cars, and four two-tones were offered, made up from the seven colors available.
Ten colors were offered on St Louis Corvettes, seven at Bowling Green, four which were used at both plants, for a total of 13 different colors. Because the two-tone was new, Chevrolet pushed it, so over 5300 of the 8900 Bowling Green cars were two-tone. Bowling Green production ran into November 81, which is partly why almost 41000 81’s were built.
I’m the original owner of an 81 built at Bowling Green in early October 81. My car is Charcoal gray with about 44000 miles on it. I was part of the team that created the 80-82 Judging Manual for the NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society), and have spent many hours researching things like 81 colors and options.
Thanks for all the 81 information most of which I was not aware. Mine is a BG car silver over blue with dark blue leather. 4 speed. It has 57000 miles and I just replaced the cam due to #3 exhaust lobe disappearing. Not a powerful car but still a blast to drive.
I like it, I have never owned or even ridden in a one. I can get a flight for around $200 bucks and driving it the 3000 miles home would run around $500 bucks in fuel to ship it would be $2500-$3500 now the question is do I take the time off work and pull that trigger or let someone else have the fun
Well???
Troy, Do it, if you dont you will always regret not doing it. Hopefully it is roadworthy and needs nothing for a 3000 mile trip, but get the A/C looked at before you start otherwise you will sweat. Nice car but dont expect too much performance wise. Just the fact it’s a Corvette and rides fairly good and handles a step above normal cars is enough to put a smile on your face. I’d do it if my situation were different,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, fundzalo & MS has taken my legs away.
Go for it…. pack a light bag.
Silly question! Of course you take time off work, schedule a bird, fly to Miami, buy the Vette and have a blast driving it home. Drive it to work and show it off to your colleagues!!!
@Troy – If you buy it, at least plan a day to pop off those T-tops and cruise around Miami beach. I would, but first I’d hit ebay and find an 8-Track cartridge of the “Miami Vice” soundtrack album. I’d probably have to find a white linen suit that I can roll up the sleeves on, and a proper pair of wayfarers to complete the perfect 80’s vibe…
I love everything about this car, especially the period correct color combo. And I’m not even a ‘vette guy. I just think its super cool!
Do it!!
I would buy if my wife would green light the deal, Loved my 79 in beige, not the fastest but a very cool car. wish I had kept it!
You mean mommy?
Thats got to be the worst color combo ever…yuck… that seller sells a lot of Corvettes, many of which have issues.
That’s really not fair. After reading your comment just for kicks I checked that seller’s feedback, which is overwhelmingly very good, with only a couple of complainers, one of whom is clearly a nut job. So I wouldn’t characterize the seller as sketchy on that basis.
I get your point but, it’s a different seller name but the same shop and location that I recognize from other Corvette listings in the past that had a LOT of negative feedback about lack of transparency with vehicle issues on the Vettes they market. Sharper eyes than mine on this thread have seen a lot more issues on this one than I have as well.
Only 7 hours to go, not crazy over those wheels.
The plastic ducting for the air cleaner intakes is missing leaving a big gap at top of radiator which might cause cooling issues. Belt for AC compressor looks fried so compressor might be locked up. Missing A.I.R. pump and tubing leaving the tubes on the exhaust manifolds open. Passenger side valve cover is on upside down. All of these things can be taken care of but makes one think that some real shade tree work has been done. It will sell cheap enough to make up for the issues.
Extremely clean for an ‘81. But if all mechanical components are slapped together as haphazardly as the A.I.R. System, air cleaner/intake assembly and valve cover I’d want to go over and under everything on and in this vehicle in person.
Of special note…
Either the tach is stuck on 800 RPM with the engine off or there’s zero oil pressure at 800 RPM. Or the gauges weren’t properly connected…
Which makes me wonder if the engine has been out for a poorly executed shade tree repair…
Being a Chevy though, parts are cheap and plentiful…
I’ve bought and shipped a few cars, trucks and motorcycles bought on eBay without a physical inspection but there were problems with only the first few as I defaulted to thorough documentation prior to bidding.
The Tach will go to zero when the key is turned to on & once started should register true R.P.M.’s
Worst car ever to handel the winding road to Big Bear and back at speed of 55MPH.
Sold, $8,700.
Did many later ’70s vettes get velour seats?
Seems like a much more comfortable & durable alternative to leather.