Corvette - C3 Targa - 1981
13
days
02
hours
58
minutes
56
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Franco Vigorito
Seasoned classic car expert with COO experience at Ferrari Hill Climb Racing Team.
Estimate € 26,000 - € 29,000
No bids placed
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Chevrolet Corvette C3 Targa, 1981, with a 466 cu in V8 engine producing about 380 horsepower, automatic transmission, red exterior, located in Italia and accompanied by US import documents with EU duties paid.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Modified for sports use with a declared investment of over €30,000
• Impressive V8 Big Block engine of 466 cu in with enlarged pistons and 12:1 compression
• TCI TH400 automatic transmission and rear axle with 4.10 gear, reinforced axles and HD joints
• Custom-type front hood and enlarged tire setup
• Supplied with US import documentation with EU duties paid
HISTORY/PANORAMA:
The Chevrolet Corvette C3 represents an iconic reference point among American muscle cars, famous for its aggressive lines and the removable Targa roof panels. This 1981 example was the subject, about 25 years ago, of mechanical and aesthetic work aimed at transforming it into a powerful street-legal race car (incognito). The car is provided with the original import documentation from the United States (Title and Apostille) and the certificate of payment of EU duties.
BODYWORK/PAINT:
The bodywork showcases a modified front hood of the Custom type. The paint, applied a few years ago, is generally in good condition but shows minor imperfections including very small chips in the paint, a superficial scratch near the hood/skin panels, and scratches visible along the edge of a fender. The chassis remains healthy and rust-free. The glass and transparent panels of the Targa roof are in good condition. The car rides on enlarged tires (225/60 at the front and 275/60 at the rear Goodyear Eagle) installed a few years ago but kept in very good condition.
INTERIOR:
The cabin remains original and well preserved, finished in black leather/pleather. From the visible details, the dashboard shows an additional sport auxiliary instrument cluster mounted on the steering column, while the central console houses the radio and the standard indicators. The sport seats in leather are generally in good condition with physiological signs of surface wear. The three-spoke sport steering wheel is intact, though showing light signs of age.
MECHANICS:
The mechanics have been deeply developed: under the hood is installed a 466 cu in V8 Big Block engine with modified sleeves, enlarged pistons (12:1 compression), new L88 rods with ARP bolts, roller lifters and Manley steel valves. The fueling is supported by a second fuel pump dedicated to priming the carburetor at cold start. The engine power is estimated to be around 380 HP. The drivetrain includes a capable TCI TH400 automatic transmission and a rear differential with a short reduction ratio (4:10), paired with reinforced chrome HD half-shafts and joints.
DOCUMENTS:
The car is provided with the original US import documents (US Title with Apostille) together with certification confirming full compliance with duties and import taxes in the European Union.
Vehicle pickup at the seller’s premises by the buyer. Costs related to registration, ownership transfer, potential export, or transport are the buyer’s responsibility. It is recommended to view the vehicle before placing an offer.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Modified for sports use with a declared investment of over €30,000
• Impressive V8 Big Block engine of 466 cu in with enlarged pistons and 12:1 compression
• TCI TH400 automatic transmission and rear axle with 4.10 gear, reinforced axles and HD joints
• Custom-type front hood and enlarged tire setup
• Supplied with US import documentation with EU duties paid
HISTORY/PANORAMA:
The Chevrolet Corvette C3 represents an iconic reference point among American muscle cars, famous for its aggressive lines and the removable Targa roof panels. This 1981 example was the subject, about 25 years ago, of mechanical and aesthetic work aimed at transforming it into a powerful street-legal race car (incognito). The car is provided with the original import documentation from the United States (Title and Apostille) and the certificate of payment of EU duties.
BODYWORK/PAINT:
The bodywork showcases a modified front hood of the Custom type. The paint, applied a few years ago, is generally in good condition but shows minor imperfections including very small chips in the paint, a superficial scratch near the hood/skin panels, and scratches visible along the edge of a fender. The chassis remains healthy and rust-free. The glass and transparent panels of the Targa roof are in good condition. The car rides on enlarged tires (225/60 at the front and 275/60 at the rear Goodyear Eagle) installed a few years ago but kept in very good condition.
INTERIOR:
The cabin remains original and well preserved, finished in black leather/pleather. From the visible details, the dashboard shows an additional sport auxiliary instrument cluster mounted on the steering column, while the central console houses the radio and the standard indicators. The sport seats in leather are generally in good condition with physiological signs of surface wear. The three-spoke sport steering wheel is intact, though showing light signs of age.
MECHANICS:
The mechanics have been deeply developed: under the hood is installed a 466 cu in V8 Big Block engine with modified sleeves, enlarged pistons (12:1 compression), new L88 rods with ARP bolts, roller lifters and Manley steel valves. The fueling is supported by a second fuel pump dedicated to priming the carburetor at cold start. The engine power is estimated to be around 380 HP. The drivetrain includes a capable TCI TH400 automatic transmission and a rear differential with a short reduction ratio (4:10), paired with reinforced chrome HD half-shafts and joints.
DOCUMENTS:
The car is provided with the original US import documents (US Title with Apostille) together with certification confirming full compliance with duties and import taxes in the European Union.
Vehicle pickup at the seller’s premises by the buyer. Costs related to registration, ownership transfer, potential export, or transport are the buyer’s responsibility. It is recommended to view the vehicle before placing an offer.
Details
Brand
Corvette
Model type
C3 Targa
Year
1981
Located in
Italy
Mileage reading
14 mi
Registration papers
with American registration
Transmission
Automatic
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Red
Horse power
380
Cubic capacity
7.6
Matching numbers
No
Matching colours
Unknown
Service book/history
No
Valid MOT
No
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Certificate available
Yes
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)
Good condition: visible signs of wear and general ageing
Vehicle registration
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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.
