1981 c3

[nrusc71]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 1981 C3 with only 1522 original miles for about $29,000. It was in a collection since new. It looks and drives like brand new. Is there anything that I should be concerned about or look for in a car that is 35 years old with so few miles? Is this a fair price?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

An '81 with 15.2 miles on it might be worth extra but not 1522.

If you plan on driving the car, most of your financial investment will disappear in short order as the miles accumulate.

 

[nrusc71]

Thank you Vetthead Mikey. I appreciate your input. I plan on driving the car about 3,000 miles per year. I just want to feel comfortable that this is a good car and will be trouble free for a long time. I love the C3's. That is why I am considering it.

 

[jrose7004]

Unless you plan on leaving it in the garage, I wouldn't pay that kind of money to make a driver out of it!

 

[bill81vette]

welcome to CAC!!!
enjoy!!!

I would be concerned that all of the seals would have dried out as well..

 

[67vet]

Welcome to the Forum.
Look on EBay and other sites for 1981 Corvette prices.
As said, when you put only a few hundred miles on her, she will be worth less than half asking price.
But if you want a new 1981, then this is your car.

 

[Tuna]

If it still has the original tires, hoses and belts on it; replace them.

 

[VETTETECH]

One thing to keep in mind..It's not only the mileage that deteriorates the car, It's the age...The car is only new once and EVERY part has a life expectancy and WILL eventually fail..Even cars that have had a full frame off restoration are not exempt since ALOT of components and parts are reused and those components have to abide with the life expectancy rule..

Joe

 

[nrusc71]

Thank you Vettetech. I was concerned about the very things that you have mentioned. I have decided to pass on that car.

 

[Tom Bryant]

Welcome to the CAC

That would be a great car to preserve in it's original untouched state for future generations to use as a tool for restoring theirs. To see exactly how they looked when new. A static display in a collection is where it should be. There are enough nice '81s out there with 45-60k miles on them that appear nearly new and have had just enough regular use to keep the mechanics sharp. Probably get a really nice one for about half of that 29k and it won't hurt it's value to put that 3000 miles a year on it.

Tom

 

[nrusc71]

Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.

 

[mike81]

1981

I have an all originalcalifornia 81 black on black orig. Down to belts hoses and wiper blades let alone paint wheels interior engine and trans 12,000 doc. Original miles check out pics on my profile mike 81 turned down several offers in the mid twenty all summer long at the car shows original crazy low mile 1981 very hard to find mine is crazy awesome and would not sell for 25,000 good luck