Chevrolet - Corvette C3 - 1981

Starting bid
€ 1

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Nicolas Olszowski
Expert
Estimate  € 12,000 - € 14,000
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Description from the seller

Body and paint

A 1981 Chevrolet Corvette C3 in an exceptionally original condition, preserved without full restoration and rebuilding. This is a car for those who value authenticity, because most examples currently on the market have already been restored to a greater or lesser extent.

The body is straight, with no signs of serious post-accident repairs. The car retains its original color and looks very good. Before being put up for sale, it was professionally polished to highlight the condition of the preserved paint.

During my ownership, the car has not been repainted or subjected to sheet-metal and paint repairs. Only a professional paint correction, polishing, and detailing were performed before the car was offered for sale.

The only element requiring attention is the front hood, where the paint lifts locally. Photos of this area are in the gallery. Aside from that, the car presents very well and makes an excellent impression both up close and from a distance.

Seals, glass, lighting, and trim are in good condition. The front windshield was replaced in the past due to the original glass cracking. The car does not require bodywork.

Technical condition

The mileage is approximately 97,000 miles.

The engine runs flawlessly, starts easily whether cold or warm. There are no concerning noises, knocks, or excessive exhaust. The engine bay has retained a very original appearance.

The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and without jerks. The steering, suspension, and brakes operate correctly. The car handles confidently, stably, and in keeping with the character of the Corvette C3 model.

The vehicle is fully mechanically sound and ready to drive. During my ownership, only essential servicing and replacement of wear parts were performed.

Interior condition

The interior has kept its original character and has never undergone a full restoration. Before sale, a professional cleaning and interior care were performed.

During my ownership, the front seat upholstery and the set of floor coverings were replaced, so the interior looks very tidy and well-kept. Other interior features retain their original character.

The dashboard is original and has never been renewed. It has a few cracks due to age, which are visible in the photos shown in the gallery.

All gauges, switches, and electrical equipment work correctly. The only exception is the factory clock, which currently does not work.

Documentation

According to the documents, the car had only one owner before me. I have the registration documents and abundant photographic documentation showing the current state of the vehicle.

The VIN number, vehicle designation, and equipment match the factory specification. The car also retains the proper factory paint code, in line with the manufacturer’s identification plate.

This is a very honest and exceptionally original Corvette C3. The car has never undergone a full restoration or redesign, which is why it retains characteristics that are increasingly hard to find in today’s examples. It’s an excellent option for a collector or an American motoring enthusiast seeking an authentic Corvette ready to drive and use.

Equipped with the factory Chevrolet L81 5.7 V8 engine rated at 190 HP (142 kW), compliant with VIN number 1Z87HAS416689

Body and paint

A 1981 Chevrolet Corvette C3 in an exceptionally original condition, preserved without full restoration and rebuilding. This is a car for those who value authenticity, because most examples currently on the market have already been restored to a greater or lesser extent.

The body is straight, with no signs of serious post-accident repairs. The car retains its original color and looks very good. Before being put up for sale, it was professionally polished to highlight the condition of the preserved paint.

During my ownership, the car has not been repainted or subjected to sheet-metal and paint repairs. Only a professional paint correction, polishing, and detailing were performed before the car was offered for sale.

The only element requiring attention is the front hood, where the paint lifts locally. Photos of this area are in the gallery. Aside from that, the car presents very well and makes an excellent impression both up close and from a distance.

Seals, glass, lighting, and trim are in good condition. The front windshield was replaced in the past due to the original glass cracking. The car does not require bodywork.

Technical condition

The mileage is approximately 97,000 miles.

The engine runs flawlessly, starts easily whether cold or warm. There are no concerning noises, knocks, or excessive exhaust. The engine bay has retained a very original appearance.

The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and without jerks. The steering, suspension, and brakes operate correctly. The car handles confidently, stably, and in keeping with the character of the Corvette C3 model.

The vehicle is fully mechanically sound and ready to drive. During my ownership, only essential servicing and replacement of wear parts were performed.

Interior condition

The interior has kept its original character and has never undergone a full restoration. Before sale, a professional cleaning and interior care were performed.

During my ownership, the front seat upholstery and the set of floor coverings were replaced, so the interior looks very tidy and well-kept. Other interior features retain their original character.

The dashboard is original and has never been renewed. It has a few cracks due to age, which are visible in the photos shown in the gallery.

All gauges, switches, and electrical equipment work correctly. The only exception is the factory clock, which currently does not work.

Documentation

According to the documents, the car had only one owner before me. I have the registration documents and abundant photographic documentation showing the current state of the vehicle.

The VIN number, vehicle designation, and equipment match the factory specification. The car also retains the proper factory paint code, in line with the manufacturer’s identification plate.

This is a very honest and exceptionally original Corvette C3. The car has never undergone a full restoration or redesign, which is why it retains characteristics that are increasingly hard to find in today’s examples. It’s an excellent option for a collector or an American motoring enthusiast seeking an authentic Corvette ready to drive and use.

Equipped with the factory Chevrolet L81 5.7 V8 engine rated at 190 HP (142 kW), compliant with VIN number 1Z87HAS416689

Details

Brand
Chevrolet
Model type
Corvette C3
Year
1981
Located in
Lithuania
Mileage reading
97930 mi
Registration papers
with American registration
Transmission
Automatic
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Red
Horse power
142
Cubic capacity
5700
Matching numbers
No
Matching colours
Yes
Service book/history
No
Valid MOT
No
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Certificate available
No
Chassis number
1Z87HAS416689
Condition (Paint & body)
Very Good: minor chips or scratches, minor conventional body and paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Very Good: clean, showing minimal wear. May require replacement of minor missing or broken parts
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Very Good: frame/structure is in a well preserved condition, minor signs of usage/wear
Condition (Mechanical)
Very Good: mechanically sound, may require minor service
Condition (Overall)
Very good condition: minimal signs of wear

Vehicle registration

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LithuaniaVerified
3
Objects sold
Private

Disclaimer

Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.

Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.

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