Hi, very new here but looking for help. I am in the process of buying a 1981 with my son who works at Carmax. We are buying the vehicle wholesale since they do not resell autos this old to the public. Seems like a very good deal. The car is loaded, and in excellent condition. New paint and interior. Not sure if numbers match yet, but checking. I have photos but not sure yet how to upload. I'll work on that. Wanting to hear from those of you much more knowledgable than I what it's worth on the market. Any advice? Thanks.

If you need some price help.   http://www.NADA.com   

Thead below is the Classic Cars section:

http://www.nadaguides.com/uv/selectmake.aspx?ct=7&LI=1-1 2-0-2002-35-172-26759&wSec=12&wPr=1&wPg=2028

The Kelly's Blue Book doesn't go below 1985  

Make sure you look for rust on the frame and bird cage(windshield frame).   Your son should be able to find most of the problems.  Being a mechanic....  I think.   

Good luck with your purchase.

Iron8238651.8526967593

Many of the Corvette mags run yearly price ranges. Check at your library or on-line.
It really depends on condition and milage, but a good driver with not too many things wrong would be in the range of 7 to $10K.
Check to see if everything works;AC, heater, wipers, radio, lights, brakes, vacuum lines. Check for structual damage. Look at eveness of gaps on doors and hood. Look under the frame for leaks.
From what you describe and assuming nothing major is wrong with it, it should retail for 9 to $10K.
IMHO.

Thanks for the replies... here are a few pics...  Looks like I may have an emissions problem.  Didn't pass Virginia emissions.  Any suggestions?  I mean, how bad could this be money-wise?  Thanks again.

http://groups.msn.com/FlashBang81

Nice vette!!   Charcoal Metallic with PRO V54..     only 3,303 made.

Is that a sticker on both sides of the door??

Your problem could be almost anything from your engine, converter and ecm.   I'm not famillier with VA emissions. 

Good Luck in finding the problem and passing.

Looks nice!
Wholesale/auction price around here would likely be in the $6-$7000 range. Open market/retail would be around the $8-$10,000 area. Has some modifications, but nothing that would make it less valuable. Check it carefully for rust, and drive if it possible. Good luck!!

IRON 82,

Excuse my ignorance, but what did you mean by, "Is that a sticker on both sides of the door??"  Thanks.

I think he was refering to what looks like RED paint....in the area behind the dront wheels all thge way back to thge rear wheels...

MSD Ign & the valve covers drew my attention....indicates to me someone like me may have owned the car....lol   

Nice looking car....would be nice if the what I thinki is red "paint" was a decal and could be removed...

From the looks of the car IF I were selling it as a private party
I would not take a penny under 9 .... actually looks like 10-11...

Looks car be deceiving...but its cheaper to buy cosmetics then fix the mechanical problems in my opinion...   In other words I can wrench but am down right dangerous with a spray gun...

Lots of luck...

Bob G.

Thanks Bob.  Car runs like a champ.  We do have red/pink/magenta paint front to rear... not my choice, be assured.  No rust in the bird cage or elsewhere detectable.  Would it be aadvisable to lose the red?  Thanks again.

Might just need a good tune-up, or it might need a wad-o-cash, hard to say without the reason for "failure". See if you can find out and let us know why it was deemed "Too Dirty to Play"!



"Lose the red?"....up to you. If you like it keep it! If not, live with it till you can change it! That wouldn't be a "deal-breaker", for me. Adams' Apple38653.7976273148