80 Vettes, Rare or hiding?

[Airboss]

Greetings to the CAC.

I'm a new member, but have been reading for some time. From what I’ve read to date, this looks like a good place to be.

I've been shopping and researching Vettes for the past few months, anxiously anticipating my first purchase. (one that has been on hold for some 20 years, you know, family, school, career, etc) I've got a great lead on an 80 that I happen to have first hand knowledge of its history. Its history is good, which makes it very attractive. During my "research", I noticed that 80's don't appear to be as prevalent either in the sale arena or discussion areas. Is this reality or am I just looking in the wrong places?

I look forward to joining the Corvette community soon, and growing from the wisdom of the group.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Over 40,000 1980 Vettes were produced according to the CAC's production information. This was on the low end of the range for years 1974 to 1981 years but not as low at 1982 when just over 25,000 were produced or as low as the earlier years when, with the exception of 1969, the production was under about 30,000 cars for each of those years.

 

[Bender]

Then why are 80's vettes, besides the 82 so cheap compared to other vettes, I mean you can pick up like a mint 80's for like 12k.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Bender,

A couple of reasons come to mind. 40,000 is a lot of cars. The chrome bumper cars are currently more in demand. It's not a convertible. It is smogged down and has low HP compared to some of the early years.

The low price is a good thing. It can be picked up fairly reasonably and because they are not currently as collectible as the earlier models, people tend to make mods to these cares that can increase the hp and tend not to be as concerned with keeping them original.

I have a 77 and that is the path I have taken with my car, though most of the original parts get boxed and stored in case the value does go up or if I sell the car and the purchaser is concerned with originality.

Bob

 

[cscarlson]

There are a lot of '80 Corvette's , their owners take care of them and have no reason to sell them. i have one and it is a lot of fun to drive but i confess, it doesn't get driven as much as it used too. they are quietly waiting in the night and besides most people don't care for the '80 Corvette

 

[Bender]

I think its the best looking out of all the vettes, some of the early years are more "jaged" and less "curved" like the 80's.

 

[Airboss]

Bender,
I agree, I like the lines on the 80-82 and the 68-72 the best of any Vette. Though some of the C4's with the right color combo and wheels look sharp. I've just noticed that very few 80's are listed for sale in the online sale guides. Many 81's, & 82's along with a fair amount of 73's - 79's. I was curious if there was something to the obscurity of the 80 vette.

 

[Malamute]

When shopping for my '80 I ran into similar problems. I specifically chose '80 over '81 & '82 because it was the last year there were no computer controlled systems. (Unless you have a California car).

I just assumed that would be one reason people tend to not want to part with them.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

I think its the best looking out of all the vettes, some of the early years are more "jagged" and less "curved" like the 80's.

I think it is a matter of personal taste.
The differences you note about the appearance of the early vs. late C3s I think, is due to the 80-82's probably looking more 'finished' because of the front valances, tipped up bumper ends or spoilers.

My own 78 has the sloped down rear bumper, and I think it looks a little unfinished but I also don't like the look of the '78 rear Pace spoiler. Instead I prefer what I think is the 1982 CE rear spoiler, but I also don't care for the 80-82 front valance. Once again, a matter of my own personal taste.
Heidi

 

[Bender]

'80 over '81 & '82 because it was the last year there were no computer controlled systems.

Why does that matter tho and what kind of stuff did the computer do. I really doubt I have a computer since it has a new engine and they decided to toss almost everything not needed.

 

[Malamute]

Two reasons. One you have already demonstraited. What does the computer do. And at what point is it going to bite me in the ass? If the computer controls the carb, and you change carbs, your computer is always going to register the check engine light because something is wrong.

Two, if it controls any part of the emissions system, ie O2 sensors, it is then illegal to disconnect or defeat any portion of the emissions systems. Not that it bothers me, but that is going to make it hard to get past an emissions inspection in most states.

 

[Bender]

Mine is an 81 and the computer must be disconnected or something.