Chevrolet Corvette C3
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The Chevrolet Corvette C3 remains one of the most iconic American sports cars ever built. The third generation was produced from 1968 through 1982 and is instantly recognisable by its long, low body, wide haunches and removable T-top roof panels. A design rooted in the sixties, yet refined over the years into a mature, characterful V8 sports car. From 1978 the C3 received its distinctive plastic bumpers, lending a cleaner, more modern look compared to the earlier chrome-bumper models.
This Corvette dates from 1981 and belongs to the very first series built at the new Bowling Green plant, after production moved from St. Louis. That makes this model year a landmark moment in Corvette history. It is also the first year Chevrolet introduced the Computer Command Control system. This system manages ignition timing and fuel mixture for the original Rochester Quadrajet carburettor, drawing on sensor data such as throttle position, vacuum and temperature.
On this car the system works exactly as intended, something that is by no means guaranteed with this type and year.
The car wears an original and highly elegant two tone finish in Beige and Dark Bronze, paired with a Camel interior. It is a matching numbers example retaining the original 5.7 litre V8 small block engine and corresponding drivetrain. Fundamentally original, yet maintained and improved to a very high technical standard over the years.
Recently the rear main seal was replaced, requiring removal of the sump. During that work it was noted that the inside of the block is exceptionally clean, a telling sign of the overall mechanical condition and conscientious care in the past.
Mechanically, this Corvette has been brought to a very complete and well considered state. The cooling system was recently overhauled with a new aluminium four row radiator, including correct sealing to the subframe for optimal airflow. The electric cooling fan has been modified to engage both in conjunction with the air conditioning and via a lower thermal switch temperature than standard, significantly improving temperature control. The original air conditioning has been converted to R134a and functions as it should.
The electrical system has been upgraded at several points with additional earth straps between engine, chassis and alternator. The original alternator has been replaced by a high output Powermaster unit with greater charging capacity, matching the extended electrical demands and modern additions. A high torque starter motor has also been fitted, ensuring strong cranking even when warm.
The entire ignition and tuning have been refined: base timing is set at 8 degrees rather than the factory 6 degrees, resulting in a smoother idle and sharper throttle response. The cruise control has been fully rebuilt and operates as intended, including the characteristic vacuum actuation and the resume function introduced in 1981. Speedometer cables have been freshly lubricated, and the vacuum operated heater valve has been correctly adjusted. The complete heating and air conditioning system has also been overhauled following earlier vacuum leaks.
The undercarriage has been comprehensively addressed. At the front, all control arms were removed, media blasted, painted and fitted with new bushes and ball joints. At the rear, refurbished control arms, new wheel bearings and renewed bushes have been installed. The strut rods have been replaced with uprated items featuring heim joints instead of rubber bushes, delivering a tighter, more direct feel.
Rear wheel bearings have been carefully shimmed and set to factory tolerances with minimal play. All four universal joints on the half shafts have been renewed.
The braking system has been fully overhauled and improved. All four calipers have been fitted with stainless steel sleeves and modern O ring pistons in place of the original V seals, greatly increasing reliability during extended periods of standing. The master cylinder has been replaced and the brake lines renewed, with braided stainless steel hoses at the front and rubber hoses at the rear.
The exhaust system comprises a sports catalytic converter paired with Flowmaster 40 series silencers. The result is a recognisably deep V8 note perfectly suited to the Corvette, without becoming excessively loud.
Beyond the major systems, even the smallest details have been attended to: side markers restored, mirror glass replaced, earth points cleaned and renewed throughout the car. The handbrake, engine mounts, transmission mount and various minor components have been replaced where necessary. A full list is available.
The car is supplied with a very extensive service file. Over the past years a considerable sum has been invested in technical renewal and improvement, with the focus always on reliability, originality and driveability. The result is a Corvette that is not only visually a true classic but mechanically in exceptional condition and ready to drive.
A Chevrolet Corvette C3 like this is no longer just a classic: it is a carefully maintained and technically refined American V8 sports car with character, history and a high degree of dependability.
Key points on this Corvette:
- First generation Bowling Green production
- Matching numbers 5.7 litre V8 (350 Small Block)
- Original two tone finish Beige & Dark Bronze
- Computer Command Control (CCC) fully functional
- Original Rochester Quadrajet carburettor
- T-top with undamaged roof panels
- Fully rebuilt brakes
- Front and rear suspension largely renewed and refurbished
- Upgraded rear suspension with heim joints
- New wheel bearings, universal joints and bushes
- Aluminium four row radiator with improved cooling system
- Powermaster high output alternator and high torque starter motor
- Flowmaster 40 series exhaust system with sports catalytic converter
- Cruise control fully rebuilt including resume function
- Air conditioning converted to R134a
- Very comprehensive service and rebuild documentation present
- Technically sorted to the last detail and ready to drive
Full insight into the papers our assessment is built on. Carfax vehicle history, service documentation and paint thickness report — page by page.
