1981 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Coupe

The Chevrolet Corvette was introduced to the world in 1953. It was a sports car that, throughout the years, would evolve into a truly refined automobile. The third generation was patterned after Chevrolet's 'Mako Shark II' which had been designed by Larry Shinoda. This third series version would remain in production from 1968 through 1982.

For 1969, GM enlarged their small block again to 350 cubic-inches and in 1970, the 427 big block was enlarged to 454 cubic-inches. Power continued to rise for 1970 and 1971, with the LT-1 small block offering a massive 370 horsepower. The 1971 454 big block produced 425 horsepower. As the 1970s progressed, safety concerns, government regulations, and an impending oil embargo had the horsepower and engine sizes moving in the opposite direction. By 1975, it had reached it bottom for the Corvette; the base ZQ3 engine offered 165 horsepower and the optional L82 unit produced 205 horsepower. The remainder of the series would follow similar suite.

This particular Corvette is powered by a 5.7-liter Chevy V8 with around 190 horsepower. It has a standard four-speed automatic gearbox. Both the engine and transmission are original to the car. It is painted in uncommon factory two-tone paint of beige/dark bonze. Around 5,000 examples wear this color scheme. It is a well-optioned example with AM/FM stereo with cassette deck, and factory air conditioning.

In 2008, this Corvette coupe was offered for sale at the Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. It had an estimated value of $14,000 - $18,000. As the gavel fell for the third and final time, bidding had failed to satisfy the reserve. The lot was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2008