1981 Chevrolet Corvette Reviews, Pricing & Specs

First of all I love the looks of my car. I haven't gone on any log trips yet ( more than 3 hours) ,but with the power seat it adjust so that I have never found it to be uncomfortable. I have had 3 classic cars (Cord, Porsche, Corvette) and this is the easiest and least expensive to maintain. As far as performance ,braking and handling, there are newer cars that do it better. But I stopped driving cars to the edge in my thirties. Being a older car I have gone through it completely to stop leaks, rattles and to be sure its safe in every possible way .. That costs, but it also removes almost all doubt of disappointment. When I go to my toy after its sat for 5 days or 5 months (winter) . I`m good to go . Lastly ,every person who enjoys cars should own something they wished they could have had when they were younger. House payments , wife , kids came first . Now its my turn. I have had this itch since I saw the 1958 corvette , then it was the 63 through 67 and the 1978 thought 1982. Cost factored into the purchase. A wise man told me " Buy what you can afford ... then multiply that by at least two ". Boy was he right on . So in closing , I would say put a list together of your top five choices. Check your funds to spend. Give yourself at least five years if its even slightly a project. Then enjoy talking with people about your car .Going different places for both the drive and the destination. And hearing some weird comments.Mar 02, 2014

The last time I owned a C3 was 1985. It was a Red on Oyster 4 speed. I was 27 and had owned the car since new but thought it was a good idea to trade it for the new fuel injected 1985 Corvette. Bad idea. Like all 85 Vettes, it was terrible. So recently I got the fever and decided to get a 3rd Generation one more time before I die. So I started searching until I found one at a reasonable price in decent condition. And I did luck out. 81 one is the Penultimate Shark, and in my opinion the last year of the C3 to buy. 82 with the "Cease Fire Injection" system should be avoided unless a previous owner has replaced the engine. 81 has only the ignition timing controlled by a computer system. It's still a Carb system so you can replace the Rochester with a Holley or other choice. Nothing looks like the C3. The best looking car in American history I say. The 3rd gens ride isn't for anyone who is opposed to feeling every pebble on the road. The interior isn't the quietest either. And the interior is also pretty cheap material, although I do love the deep dish seats. And in 81 the driver's seat was power adjustable! The car while a VERY thirsty beast is very reliable. The engine if you change the oil regularly and do all the other normal maintenance will run forever. Chevy small block 350's are that good. The Transmissions on the Vettes of this era(say 78-81) are also durable and reliable. Mine is a automatic. Sticks are a tough find since of the 40 plus thousand made only one in about 8 in 81 were manuals. Only one in 10 of the nearly 42 thousand in 1980. It is listed at 190HP, but it seems to have much more. I had a Grand Prix GTP previous and it's 230HP was not nearly this quick or fast. It's pure FUN and even the most jaded ass wipes in their BMWs and Benz will stare at you with envious eyes. In this you are not a Sheep in the flock or just another Lemming packed into a shinny metal box. No way. You is wrapped in fiberglass!! Parts are easy to find and reasonable in price(although these days what is reasonable can be debated). So if you want to have fun driving again. Reconnect with your lost youth. Feed your mid life crisis. Or just want to dare to be different, find ye an 81, or a 1980, 79 even. The Sharks from 79-81 were the best. and from 80 - 81 the "Coke Bottle" Vette as they became known have it all. I would not lie to you. May tease you from time to time but I try not to lie on such serious Corvette matters.Sep 27, 2013