1981 Chevrolet Corvette C3

1981 Chevrolet Corvette C3 L81 V8, 83,000 miles £22,500 Stingray Corvette: Famously driven by astronauts during the late 1960s, the Corvette Stingray quickly became an icon of American performance and style. Today, it stands as a true American muscle car, instantly recognizable for its bold design and powerful presence. Among the most celebrated are the original “Coke Bottle” shaped C3 Corvettes, introduced in 1968. With their sweeping curves, aggressive stance, and unmistakable silhouette, these models are often regarded as the pinnacle of Corvette styling—a perfect blend of futuristic design and raw muscle that continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. This fantastic white 1981 Corvette C3 is a standout example of America’s classic sports car, combining originality with extensive performance upgrades. With just 83,000 miles, it represents one of the first Corvettes built at the Bowling Green factory and comes with a fascinating history. Key Highlights • L81 5.7L V8 engine – first Corvette year fitted with an ECU and fiberglass rear spring • Maintained and tuned for performance while retaining classic drivability • Imported to the UK in 1993 • Same owner since 2016, well cared for. Engine & Performance Upgrades This C3 has been substantially improved “under the skin,” making it far more capable than a standard 1981 model: • CompCams Powermax 2040 camshaft + roller rockers • Edelbrock Performer 2101 intake manifold • Cloyes ‘True’ timing chain set • Aluminium heads • Stainless steel exhaust manifolds leading to custom 2.5” dual straight-through stainless system • DUI Performance Distributor with Stage 2 HyperTech chip • Rochester 4-barrel carb paired with original ECU • Mickey Thomson rocker covers • K&N filter and Dynomax headers Transmission & Drivetrain • Bowtie 200-4R (Level 2) automatic gearbox (3-speed + overdrive) • 2200 RPM locking stall converter for improved cruising efficiency • New brakes, UJ’s, and many additional refreshed components Exterior & Lighting • Finished in classic white • LED rear lights set into original lenses Background The C3 “Stingray” was produced from 1968–1982, and the 1981 model year was notable for introducing the Computer Command Control system (CCC), a pioneering ECU setup that integrated fuel and emissions systems. It was also the first year to feature a fiberglass mono-leaf rear spring, significantly reducing weight over steel. This particular car was extensively upgraded in 2001/2002 by a self-taught engineer, with modifications designed to give the L81 engine the power it deserved while preserving originality where possible.