Used 1981 Chevrolet Corvette for Sale near Washington, DC
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Overview
Afraid of making the wrong decision in an engine? If so, 1981 was the year for you to buy a Corvette. Only one engine was available on the 1981 model, a small-block 350-ci V8 rated at 190 horsepower. Your only decision would be manual vs. automatic transmission. You might have wanted to go with the manual transmission, as it would be the last available until the end of 1984.
Perhaps Chevy only had one engine so as not to confuse the two different plants that were building it. For the only year in its history, the Corvette was built simultaneously at two different places: St. Louis, MO and Bowling Green, KY. The major difference between cars built at the two locations was in the exterior, as St. Louis used lacquer paints and Bowling Green applied enamel paint with a clear top coat.
Chevrolet introduced the CCC Computer Command Control for the 1981 Corvette. The system used multiple inputs to monitor fuel and air mixtures along with spark and timing to reduce emissions, and to meet the CAFE mileage requirements.
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David H
Reviewed a 1981 Chevrolet Corvette on Sep 25, 2013
I bought this car for $4,000 a couple of years ago. It had been in a minor accident and needed a little body work up front, needed paint, and the automatic transmission was slipping. But under the hood was a very strong 383 stroker motor with Elderbrock intake, Holley 750 carb, and long tube headers. I spent a couple of weekends fixing the body work - using fiberglass body filler bought at Wal-Mart. Had the car painted at Econo-Bake for $500 and it looks darn good for what I've got in it. I bought a rebuilt TH350 transmission out of a wrecked Malibu for $125 and installed myself. I added a B&M shift improver kit ($30) to the transmission, bought the side pipes for $200 from Summit Racing and the car is perfect for me. She will smoke the tires as long as you hold the gas pedal down, looks great, and gets compliments everywhere. I absolutely love my Corvette but a car like this is not for everyone. You need the time, place, and tools to tinker and tune on this car.
Anonymous
Reviewed a 1981 Chevrolet Coupe RWD on Nov 29, 2007
I have had mine for 10 years and when I turn it on it still turns me on!
Anonymous
Reviewed a 1981 Chevrolet Corvette on Feb 27, 2009
Sharks are the BEST! Cost of ownership is low, these cars are reliable...and every single nut and bolt is available Fun factor is off the charts, you get more stares and longling glances is a Shark...that you will ever get in 99% of the cars out there. Quality of the car itself matters...anything between $17000- 25000 these cars wont let you down...buy a $4000 beater...well its gonna be expensive, but gorgeous when you restore it. Performance...stock not so great....good news...its a chevy small block.....it's cheap and easy to make it stupid fast. Also, the chassis and engine bay was designed for a big block...yeah you can go that route too! A multitude of performance parts are available, race tuned suspensions, upgrade brakes, everything. The only cars with more tuning stuff available (and then its a tie) are Camaros and Mustangs.
Anonymous
Reviewed a 1981 Chevrolet Coupe RWD on Sep 27, 2013
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.
1981 Chevrolet Corvette Trims
| Trim type | MSRP |
|---|---|
| Coupe RWD | $16,720 |
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