1981 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

The 1981 Chevrolet Corvette marked a transitional year for America’s iconic sports car. It was the final model year of the C3 generation to be built at the St. Louis, Missouri plant, while production also began at the new Bowling Green, Kentucky facility, which would become the Corvette’s permanent home. 

Stylistically, the 1981 Corvette retained the familiar curves and aggressive stance of the C3, offered exclusively as a T-top coupe. A key innovation was the introduction of Computer Command Control (CCC) — a precursor to modern engine management systems — used to regulate fuel mixture and emissions. This was part of Chevrolet’s effort to meet tightening federal regulations without sacrificing performance. 

Under the hood, all 1981 Corvettes came with a 350 cubic-inch (5.7L) V8, but buyers could choose between two versions. The L81, rated at 190 horsepower, was the only engine offered nationwide, while California buyers received a modified version with a Cross-Fire Injection system.  

This 1981 Corvette was among the last to be produced at the St. Louis plant. It was refinished in green metallic paint about 30 years ago and was recently reupholstered in Camel leather, along with receiving additional upgrades and replacements. 

Highlights 

• Powered by an L81 350 cu-in V8 engine with Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor rated at 190 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque 

• Three-speed automatic transmission 

• Upgrades/replacements under current ownership includes: 

  • Engine and transmission rebuilt in 2011 (driven just over 300 miles since) 

  • Refinished in dark green metallic paint in 1994 

  • Seats recently reupholstered in Camel leather 

  • Carpet replaced 

  • New steering wheel 

  • New door and T-top seals 

  • Radiator replaced  

  • New exhaust and mufflers 

  • New master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, and front brake rotors 

  • New u-joints, ball joints, bushings, shocks, and power steering cylinder 

  • New leaf spring 

  • New wheel bearings all around 

  • New vacuum lines 

Features 

• Removeable T-top roof panels 

• Pop-up headlights 

• Power steering, windows, and locks 

• Air conditioning 

• Cruise control 

• Sony stereo with AUX 

• 85 mph speedometer and 7,000 rpm tachometer 

• Goodyear Eagle GT II P255/60R15 white-letter tires 

• Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes 

• Independent front and rear suspension 

Known Imperfections 

• CARFAX reports on 6 July 1994: “Damage Report Accident, damage to front” 

• Multiple paint imperfections 

• Hood and top of front bumper have stress cracks and some paint bubbling 

• Driver’s side T-top has crack (but does not leak) 

• Vacuum headlights are very slow (need new actuators) 

• Tires are like new but are dated 1610 (produced 16th week of 2010) 

• A/C, cruise control, and tachometer do not function 

• Imperfections on center console, shifter, and inside glove box cover 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Owner’s manual 

• New front exhaust y-pipes (in box) 

Ownership History 

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this 1981 Chevrolet Corvette in South Carolina and North Carolina. The abbreviated report begins on 5 November 1991 in Chapin, South Carolina, with 44,737 miles showing. It has been with its current owner since 1993. The seller says, “The car has been garage kept. It was show quality at the time of the repaint, but it is showing its age.”

This Corvette is offered with a clean North Carolina title in the seller's name.