Red w/Red interior, 350ci V8, 4-speed manual transmission.

The ’81 model year was an interesting one for Corvette. And a bit of a milestone. Although cosmetically unchanged for the previous year, there were significant changes made to the ’81, nonetheless.

First off, this was the last year for a carbureted engine in a Corvette. It was also the first time since ’54 that only one engine choice was offered. The new Bowling Green, KY. assembly plant officially opened in ’81. However, both the new plant and old St. Louis plant operated simultaneously for the only time in ’81. The Corvette’s built in St. Louis were, for the most part, were painted in solid colors in lacquer. The Bowling Green built cars were painted in two-tone colors with the new two-stage enamel paints.

The ’81 was also the last year for a 4-speed manual transmission. It wasn’t until well into the ’84 moder year that the 4+3 manual was introduced for the C4.

Another change was the introduction of the fiberglass reinforced mono-leaf rear spring. This design saved a whopping 36lbs over the steel spring used in previous C3’s.

It’s not very often that we have the pleasure of acquiring a late Shark as nice, and as original as the ’81 featured here. Not only is this time capsule basically untouched since it rolled out to the St. Louis plant, it’s also beautiful, low (35k) miles, and a rare 4-speed manual!

This car feels and runs like a “new” ’81! The cosmetics are as outstanding as the mechanicals!

Options include:

Power Door Locks

Power Drivers Seat

Rear Window Defogger

Electric Sport Mirrors

4-Speed Manual Transmission

Aluminum Wheels

AM/FM Stereo Radio w/Cassette