400 SBC SWAP, AUTO, DUALS W/ CAT, ORIGINAL PAINT/INTERIOR, RUNS & DRIVES GREAT!!

Description

You might glance at this 1981 Chevrolet Corvette and figure that it's been repainted, but I assure you that it's wearing factory-correct paint. The next thing you need to know is that it packs a stout 400 cubic inch small block that delivers a very non-1981 punch of horsepower. Add in some luxury features and you get a 'Vette that has great moves and doesn't break the bank.
That's right, the earth-tone colors that were all the rage in the early '80s but red never goes out of style. Second only to Black and White that year, it speaks to the era in which it was built and if you like your Corvettes to get noticed, this is a great choice. I suppose that high-visibility color is why it has enjoyed such an easy life and why its previous owners have maintained it to such a high level, because it was never anything but a fair weather toy. It sure looks like every square inch is still the paint applied at the factory (both St. Louis and Bowling Green were building Corvettes in 1981). It isn't perfect, of course, and shows plenty of patina, but it's nice to see that nobody felt the need to change the color to suite personal tastes. Corvette fans will spot the fact that the nose and tail are a slightly different shade, more evidence that this is factory paint. There are modest signs of use, but certainly nothing requiring attention; just keep it clean and shiny and enter it in some survivor-class judging and you'll be pleased with the results.
The beautiful red leather interior is extremely clean, with just enough character to make it inviting. The seats are still comfortable and supportive, and wear newer seat covers so you can enjoy it without a second thought. The A/C is nice and cold thanks to R134a refrigerant inside and in 1981 the flagship Corvette included just about every power accessory you could want, including power windows and locks, power seat, and a tilt/telescope column with a leather-wrapped wheel. The T-tops seal up well and include locks and fit neatly under the hatch. That is an aftermarket AM/FM/CD stereo in the dash, which means you can enjoy modern music in your vintage 'Vette. The cargo bay is beautifully fitted with red carpets and a cargo cover to keep your stuff out of sight.
Corvettes were making just 190 horsepower in 1981, but at some point, this one received a heart transplant in the form of a 1972-vintage 400 cubic inch small block. With a stock aluminum intake, Rochester 4-barrel carburetor, and HEI ignition, it looks pretty much like the factory intended, but the idle suggests a bit of an upgraded cam living inside. It starts quickly and easily, runs beautifully, and has a fantastic V8 exhaust note that makes every drive an exciting one. It's pretty correct under the hood, save for a few bright red trim pieces and those bright yellow plug wires, and it remains virtually bulletproof. It's backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission with a lockup torque converter for improved efficiency the exhaust system still uses a catalytic converter, keeping it legal. Original chassis don't come much cleaner than this, and even the bright polished alloys show zero curb rash and wear 255/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials that fit right.
For the Corvette fan who cherishes affordability and performance, this C3 has a lot to offer that's beyond the run-of-the-mill 'Vette. Call today!