Two tone Corvettes first hit the scene in 1956 as a $19.40 option, skipped the entire C2 generation (unless you count the ’67 stinger hood), and then came storming back in 1978 with the black over silver Indy Pace Car—one of the most recognizable C3s ever built.
Chevrolet kept the two-tone theme alive through the rest of the C3 era, including the striking Autumn Red over Dark Claret combination seen on this 1981 Corvette now listed on Craigslist out of Ocala, Florida. The seller is asking $19,500.
Showing just 67,000 miles, the car appears to be in impressive condition inside and out. The seller notes that it recently received a full service, including new tires and brake calipers. A folder resting on one of the dark red leather seats reportedly contains documentation on the car’s history—always a welcome sight for collectors.
Underneath, things look just as promising. The chassis is said to have “absolutely no rust,” and the car still carries its numbers matching L81 350 cubic inch V8, factory rated at 190 horsepower, paired with the original TH350 automatic transmission.
The features list checks all the right boxes for an early ’80s Corvette: glass T tops, power windows and locks, air conditioning, tilt-telescopic steering column, power steering, and power brakes. The 1981 model year also introduced a notable engineering upgrade—automatic equipped cars with standard suspension received a fiberglass reinforced monoleaf rear spring weighing just eight pounds, a dramatic improvement over the old 44 pound steel unit.
Production of the ’81 Corvette was split between two plants as Chevrolet transitioned from St. Louis, Missouri, to Bowling Green, Kentucky. According to the Corvette Black Book, roughly 100 two tone cars were built in St. Louis using Bowling Green’s new enamel clearcoat system. There’s no confirmation whether this particular car is one of them, but a quick VIN check could help solve the mystery.
For fans of late C3 Corvettes—or anyone who appreciates a well preserved two tone classic—this Autumn Red beauty might be worth a closer look.
Source:
Craigslist
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