1980 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

The C3 Corvette, built between 1968 and 1982, was the third generation of Chevrolet's venerable Corvette sports car. Occasionally seen as polarizing, the C3 garnered both praise and criticism for its radical design, purpose and driving dynamics. Expectations were huge when the model launched. Zora Arkus-Duntov and Billy Mitchell, the second generation C2 Corvette designers, had just built the hugely successful, powerful, and respected Sting Ray Corvette. Even today, the Sting Ray is widely regarded as one of the best Corvette models ever made.

For consignment, a very nice, very well maintained C3 Corvette from 1980. As the consignor states, it is a very original car with just a new set of wheels and tires. Our example shows in white fiberglass which has a more rounded design with larger flares at the rockers where they meet the wheel wells. A lack of chrome bumpers was to be the normal from this point forward, as well as the rounded tail where the back red lights are in their circular form.

Exterior
A nice looking white bathes the exterior fiberglass is in very good condition. Save for just a few scratches all is looking fab as to the overall paint. A shark-like body with hidden headlights, integrated neoprene bumpers, front quarter “gills” and extreme coke bottle side design for the flared out rockers is seen on this version. With correct badging, and a small spoiler flair on the rear it frames the otherwise rounded rear with iconic circular inset taillights. Polished American racing 17-inch Torque Thrust Special Edition wheels are wrapped with Nitto Extreme tires which are like new. Two white fiberglass “T” top panels are up top which are removable. Storage is provided for these under the curved sharp angled rear greenhouse glass perched just before the rear spoiler.

Interior
Climbing inside we are met with beautiful Claret (maroon) padded and stitched leather door panels with red carpet lowers. The buckets use the Claret leather too and are in excellent condition. These buckets flank a center console which houses the handbrake, power window toggles, and special cup holders. It then races forward toward the dash past the shifter, where it gently rolls up into the middle of the dash, to reveal climate controls and a Sony AM/FM/cassette player that are installed well within reach. Climbing up the dash this center panel houses 5 analog gauges with some warning lights and resembles a simplified airplane cockpit. Sitting behind the original steering wheel are the analog tach and speedo. Maroon carpet in very good condition with just slight fade in the back covers the floors and the rear cargo area. Way in the back, curving with the cargo area just below the greenhouse glass, is a Corvette sounder with woofers and tweeters to blow sound forward to your heart's content.

Drivetrain
A powerful 350ci V8 L48 mill, which is fed by a single 4-barrel carburetor and is backed by 3-speed TH350 automatic transmission sits snugly within the engine bay. This engine bay presents in overall clean condition, and shows with slight patina and what appears to be a new ignition distributor. Power surges rearward to the 3.07 rear axle.

Undercarriage
Very typical of a well kept/garaged car from 1980 with slight surface rust on framing parts and some suspension components. It appears to have all the original C3 equipment suspension wise, power steering, and 4-wheel power disc brakes. Lastly, a Flowmaster exhaust system is now on for just a bit of an easier exhale for the 350 cubes.

Drive-Ability
You cannot help being transported back in time sitting in this wonderful clean interior that is comfortable and affords plenty of room. The car started right up, idled smoothly, and took off with snappy acceleration. Shifting is smooth, and all controls including A/C work flawlessly. It rides like it's on rails. I noticed the headlights were being disputatious as to flipping around, and the radio is not currently working.

A nice original example with some new snappy American Racing Wheels and Nitto rubber. Removable white fiberglass T tops and small spoiler give this rounded long hood coke bottle design version a racy stance and look. Nice smooth power and handling like a road racer, this is a nice collector car.

VIN DECODE
1Z878AS401272
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
87-Coupe
8-350ci V8 L48 190hp
A-1980
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
401272-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
A10-October 10th Build
TRIM 792-Claret Leather
PAINT 10L-Classic White

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.