Original price: $18,975
Previous owner: Original owner was the mayor of Minden, NE
Number made: 1981 C3 production: 40,606
On loan from: Jim and Chelsea Schroeder, Kearney, NE
Engine, etc.: 350 cu. in.; 190 h.p.; 98” wheelbase, 3,180 lbs.
The Schroeders are the second owners of this car and bought it from the mayor after three years of negotiations.
The car is all original except for the radio and pinstriping which were added in 1982. It has a removable glass T-top ($414 option). Wheels and paint are original. It has approximately 16,300 miles on it.
The 1981 Corvette had new technology and materials to help reduce weight. It had a new L81 version of the 350 CID V-8 engine rated at 190 h.p. Other changes included thinner side door glass, stainless steel exhaust manifolds rather than previous cast iron ones, and an engine with magnesium rocker arm covers. Cars with an automatic transmission had new fiberglass-reinforced rear springs which reduced 33 pounds of weight. Manual transmission cars continued to use the multi-leaf spring system.
Technological improvements included a new computer command control system for fuel metering and a torque converter lock-up clutch for 2nd and 3rd gear. An auxiliary electric fan increased cooling which allowed for a smaller main fan.
Standard equipment included four-wheel power disc brakes, four-speed manual or automatic transmission, an AM/FM radio, a tachometer, tilt-telescope leather wrapped steering wheel, power windows, halogen high-beam retractable headlights, air conditioning, power windows, and courtesy lights. The interior could be ordered with cloth/vinyl or leather/vinyl upholstery.
Corvette C3 models were made from 1968 to 1984. They were restyled with “swoopy” styling influences from GM’s Mako Shark concept car. They started with V-8 engines rated at as much as 430 h.p. As new safety and emission regulations came into effect, extra weight was added with energy absorbing bumpers and other requirements. Engine output fell to as little as 165 h.p. This did not seem to affect sales with 54,000 Corvettes sold in 1979, the best sales year to date. Production of C3’s ended in 1982 after a long 14-year run.
The all-new C4 Corvette started production in 1984.
Sources: https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z233/chevrolet-corvette-c3.aspx
https://www.motortrend.com/news/chevrolet-corvette-history-buying-tips-auctions/
See also – original dealer brochure: