This must be one of the lowest-mile 1980 Chevy Corvettes left on the planet. It has just 15,000 clicks on the odometer (not 115,000), with most of it accumulated before 1990. It’s not a perfect time capsule piece but in good overall condition for sitting as long as 34 years. Wearing its original tires (!), this ‘Vette is in Northridge, California, and is available here on eBay where something north of $5,800 might reach the seller’s reserve.
The third generation of the Corvette was nearing the end of its run in 1980. What began as an inspiration from the Mako Shark would be built between 1968 and 1982. It was much tamer than earlier editions, with California models getting a 305 cubic engine V8 as standard equipment. Elsewhere, a 350 was the order of the day. The VIN provided by the seller – and the car’s supposed origination on the Left Coast – suggests it was one of only 3,221 to have the rather mundane, 180 hp LG4 305 under the hood. Overall, Corvette sales were just over 40,600, down 20% from the year prior. The country was experiencing a high inflation rate at the time and Corvette prices rose four times that year.
For reasons not specified, this Corvette was treated like a collectible from the beginning. We’re told it was only driven 1,500 miles a year in its first 10 seasons. After that, it hung out in a garage until recently, perhaps not seeing the light of day during those 34 years. It looks good overall, but close inspection does show some nicks and chips in the black paint, mostly in the nose area. The interior is good, too, but the driver’s side door panel handle needs attention as does the emergency brake release. And the carpeting seems a bit faded.
When the Chevy emerged from storage, all the seller did was change all the fluids and it cranked right up. It runs okay, but a tune-up would be in order. But I’d make sure everything perishable after 44 years (like the tires) gets changed out, too. Technically a one owner survivor, this Corvette has T-Tops and the original storage bags they came with. Since the auto was last registered in 1990, you’ll have to work with the DMV regarding title status and any unpaid fees (if the car remains in California). The seller bought it with a lien which we’re told has been satisfied. A video of the sports car having been revived is provided.
Yeah uh having a hard time believing there’s only 15 K on the clock judging from how poorly maintained the interior of this car is. I can never understand why people don’t detail or at the very least clean up the car before selling it. The engine bay could use a little house keeping too. Original tires as a selling point? No thanks. Right away need 4 new tires knock $600 off the bid
Nice 20-footer Vette, trouble is that it’s a late C3 that’s not a special edition of any kind. And for 15k miles that interior looks a little shabby. And the cherry on the sundae is that it’s a CA car with the less desirable 305. I’ll be surprised if this draws 5 figures.
305 is a pitiful excuse for an engine in any vehicle…JMO
In 2020 I bought a 1979 at auction in Indiana with 9000 actual miles. It had been in storage in Kentucky. Tied up in an estate. One owner came with all maintenance records. Last ones were in 1996. The interior was spotless. We did have to replace tires, making the ones we bought the 3rd set, all belts and hoses, battery, brakes, added motors to flip up head lights after working on the vacuum system and replacing actuator s. Heater needed repair, AC still needs repaired. Speakers ar no good altho radio and cassette player works. So a lot of work because it had been garaged for so long, but a great car and since mileage was documented on every service ticket there is no question on accuracy.
Those are NOT the original tires on car . Original tires are either 225/70/15 Goodyear polysteel radials or 255/60/15 Eagle GT
IF this car is a 15k mile example, it’s still nothing collectable. Put a 383 in it and drive it cross country.
Buy it for under $10k and promptly swap in a crate motor to make it run like a Corvette should, new tires and then enjoy it.
You are assuming someone is taking the car out of California. No mods, except for an exact long block, can be swapped out. Given the work this one needs, I would hesitate to pay more than the current $5800 bid.
I never met a 305 that didn’t smoke,they’re all smokers….Even though this one is in a Corvette is probably no exemption from that.Put a 350 in there.A 305,how pitiful :(
A 305 wheezer in a Vette. Oh, the humanity.
In no way, shape or form is this a 15,000 mile vehicle. More like 115,000.
Like it for sure.
Meh
No way there is only 15,000 miles on that Corvette. An interior doesn’t wear down like that with that little bit of miles on it. Plus the engine is filthy for just 15,000 miles. Was it driven without the hood on it?
Loving all the hatred because of it not being 10 years older with the LS5. Lots of Barrett Jackson type “real car guys” around here.
The funny thing is the owner is sitting back laughing at all the guys slamming his 305, he’s got 37 bidders offering 13k, sounds like 37 people don’t mind the 305.
Color me surprised!
Those aren’t original tires, they didn’t come with those tires. The inside is beat up the carpeting is frayed there’s no way that’s 15,000 original miles. It’s a beater. I have a $25k, mile car that looks like brand new. Everything is way too rough.
As an additional point, the tires aren’t original but they ARE old; I believe the Eagle ST white letter has been out of production for 20-ish years.
I have heard of that too about those tires not being made for a long time.
It’s still a sweet car,
They all don’t have to be race cars,
I have 305 Chevrolet engine in my 1978 Cutlass that I purchased brand new ans still have. It has around 110K miles and does not smoke. It has been the most reliable car. I don’t understand why people complain about that engine. Maybe it is not that powerful like many other engines but it has enough power and lots of torque. It has taken me all over North America and no smoke at all.
I had a Red ’65, 327, 4-sp, White top convert. No big block, no hard top came with, in 1987. I paid 11,4 and put 5g’s into it. Sold it for 17,5 2 years later. Every time I took it out, people would give me the thumbs up. IMO, a Corvette is a Corvette is a Corvette. Despite the granny grocery getter engine, that 6500 price isn’t out of line.
I bought a 1979 Corvette with 46,000 miles on it to honor a nice fellow skydiver lady here on Signal Mountain. I shouldn’t have bothered, considering she was dead. So was the car. I bought it for $8,500, put a few months of work in it, and about $3,000.
Luckily, when I sold it, I had only lost about $3,500, not counting the insurance.
It had a 350 and ran very well. The brakes were a joke, as well as the suspension.
But it was a fun car.
I was pulled over twice by the local gestapo, who just wanted to see the car.
I was also very popular at the local Walmart.
I guess I got my money’s worth.