1981 Chevrolet Corvette

Coupe

8 Cylinder 5.7 Liter

Automatic

1G1AY8764B5105421

Gasoline

1981 Corvette 350cu, automatic, A/C, PW, PDL, Cruise, Tilt-Tele, 61k original miles, tan leather interior, Glass T-Tops in excellent shape, polished alloy wheels w/ nearly new BFG Radial T/As all around (255x60x15). Car is virtually all original with the exception of the stereo and speakers that have been upgraded from the original AM/FM/CB stereo (no I don't have it unfortunately, only the CB mike and cord) and the exhaust, which is all original too except the cat...it was replaced by the prior owner. The car has also had a new master cylinder and all 4 calipers replaced all within the past 4-5 yrs (and 500 miles). It has been garaged and driven very little as evidenced by the Carfax history. It has never been hit or in an accident and is very clean, top to bottom and underside. It has always been a southwest car, Texas and Arizona only. This car also has an ultra rare paint code...74U (upper) 74L (lower) which is Dark Bronze Metallic. According to the Corvette Blackbook, this is the rarest color of all '81 Corvettes with the exception of a Metallic Blue, with just a little over 300 cars listed as having this color. It is very nice looking and most folks that see it absolutely love the color. I know that everyone thinks that their car is the best looking...yea, yea, yea - but this is really one very nice looking car. I think this Bronz color was mostly used on the two-tone cars and it was normally the bottom shade, but this car is one color, both top and bottom. Love it (and I think you will) or hate it...the color is what led me to look at it, and then eventually buy it. That...and the fact that it is also a nice, clean, virtually unmolested car in great shape. I'm only (regretfully) selling it to raise money for a lagging business that needs some attention in our wonderful economic state of affairs. I'm sure I'm not the only one, and most certainly won't be the last to sell a toy or two. Otherwise, I would keep the car in my garage and continue to enjoy it. While the car is not totally perfect, it is a very nice example of an 80s Corvette in a very pretty color combination. I tend to be somewhat brutally honest...so here is my assessment of the car: Mechanically, I would call it an 8. It could use a new console top plate with ac/vent/def control. The power mirrors do not work, but are all wired so maybe a switch, maybe something else??? Pretty much everything else works including the factory cruise control and power antenna. Lights all pop up and windshield wipers work, etc. Cosmetically, I would call it a 7.5 to an 8. It has been repainted once and is very nice looking, but not quite show quality in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, most people would say its excellent...and it certainly looks good...but it could have been a little better to be 100%. Some very small chips (hood and fender). The interior is all original and in pretty nice condition. The driver's seat has a little wear and the carpet is a touch faded in the rear compartment, otherwise it looks pretty good. New seat covers and carpet - and the interior would be really crisp. Overall/Drivabilty, I would call it a very solid 7 to 7.5. The car drives great, its tight and not full of rattles. The carb has a small dead spot when first taking off (like from a stoplight)...probably due mostly to sitting for extended periods of time. It starts/stops/runs down the road without shaking or making any weird noises. It doesn't run hot, smoke or burn oil. These cars were only rated at 190hp or something like that so don't expect to set any Bonneville Salt Flat land speed records, especially since its all original under the hood. Its a very nice cruising car with lots of class and good looks. With a few minor cosmetics, it would be one of the nicer 81 Vettes out there. I hope you can appreciate my attempt to be honest about what this car is...and is not for that matter. Feel free to call me if you have any questions at (602)-315-6796. I set the reserve at a very fair and (what I consider to be) realistic price ($7500) so lets see what you all think. I will have limited access to email Wed-Sat, so call with any questions that can't wait for a response until Saturday evening. Thank you.