August 23, 2023 Update – The high bid did not meet the seller’s reserve price, so we’ve moved this vehicle to our “Buy Now Make Offer” page.  Click the blue button above or below to navigate to this ride’s bid page, where you can either select the green “Buy Now” button or place a realistic counteroffer in the “Bid” box.

GuysWithRides.com is pleased to offer Lot 240, a survivor-quality, 2,636-mile 1980 Chevrolet Corvette L48/Automatic, on behalf of the original owner.

Bidding opened Wednesday, August 9, 2023, and closes at 5:00 PM EDT on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

This 2,636 original miles 1980 Chevrolet Corvette time capsule currently resides in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, approximately one hour from Newark or Philadelphia International Airport.

Corvette collectors: if you’ve been looking for a late-stage C3 candidate to earn NCRS or Bloomington Gold certification, this 2,636-original-mile Corvette coupe may be the car for you!

The Deets

(NOTE: Click on the picture to stop the slide show and expand the pictures. Scroll down to see all photographs)

High Bid: $15,500 (Reserve Not Met)

The 1980 Chevrolet Corvette is a classic American sports car that was part of the third generation (C3) of the Chevrolet Corvette lineup. Introduced in 1968 and produced until 1982, the C3 Corvette was one of the most iconic and enduring models in the Corvette’s history. The 1980 model year marked the penultimate year of production for the third generation, and it featured several notable updates and changes.

The 1980 Corvette came standard in 49 states with a 5.7-liter (350 cubic inches) V8 engine, commonly referred to as the L48 engine. This engine was a naturally aspirated, carbureted version of the V8, producing 190 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s power output was modest compared to today’s standards but provided strong performance for its time. The L48 engine was mated to a three-speed automatic transmission as standard, but a four-speed manual transmission was available as a no-cost option for those who preferred a more engaging driving experience.

The C3 Corvette had a distinct and instantly recognizable design language. The 1980 model retained many classic Corvette styling cues, including the sleek, low-slung body with its muscular lines and prominent wheel arches. However, by 1980, the Corvette’s exterior design had evolved over the years to meet changing safety and emissions regulations, leading to more aerodynamic features, such as a front air dam and rear spoiler. The pop-up headlights were also a signature feature of the C3 Corvette, providing a unique and iconic look.

Inside the 1980 Corvette L48, the driver-focused cabin emphasized sportiness and comfort. The two-seater cockpit featured contoured bucket seats, providing ample support during spirited driving. The dashboard design was straightforward and functional, with a centrally mounted instrument cluster displaying essential information such as speed, engine RPM, fuel level, and engine temperature. Additional creature comforts included power windows, air conditioning, and a tilting-telescoping steering column to cater to various driver preferences.

The C3 Corvette came with a four-wheel independent suspension, which was relatively advanced for its time. It featured coil springs and unequal-length A-arms at the front and rear, providing a balance of ride comfort and responsive handling. However, compared to modern sports cars, the C3 Corvette’s handling characteristics may feel somewhat soft and less precise, but it was still capable of providing an enjoyable driving experience on the open road.

The 1980 Corvette, like all C3 Corvettes, has become a sought-after classic car among enthusiasts and collectors. Its iconic design, historical significance as part of the C3 generation, and place in the rich Corvette heritage contribute to its desirability.  Overall, the 1980 Chevrolet Corvette represents a fascinating chapter in the Corvette’s history and continues to be cherished by automotive enthusiasts as an enduring symbol of American muscle and performance.

On December 22, 1979, the original owner ordered his 1980 Chevrolet Corvette at Barlow Chevrolet in Delrin, New Jersey. In addition to choosing a white exterior contrasted with a black leather interior, the original owner only selected an AM/FM stereo radio, aluminum wheels, and a rear window defogger as options.  Just over two months later, the original owner took delivery of his brand-new Corvette on February 29, 1980.  The total cost of this 1980 Chevrolet Corvette came to $14,508.24, the equivalent of $53,720.81 in 2023 dollars.

During the next 43 years, the original owner accumulated only 2,636 miles. While he used the car sparingly, he maintained the car by changing the fluids and waxing the Corvette several times annually.  The original owner notes that his 2,636-mile 1980 Corvette survivor for sale has only been caught in the rain once and has always been garage kept at his residence. As the original owner wanted to keep the miles off his 1980 Corvette, he last registered the car in 1985 while continuing to keep the car maintained and waxed during that whole time.  The purchase of a second brand-new Corvette in 1991 also served to keep the miles off the 1980 C3 offered here.

As the pictures illustrate, this 2,636 original-mile Corvette is for sale and is essentially a 43-year-old new car. The only modification made to the car is hand-painted lacquer pinstripes and initials that can easily be removed.  We also noted bolt-on chrome exhaust tips, which are easily removable if desirable. The only item not working on the car during Rudy’s inspection was the factory-installed air conditioning system, which is likely due to low R12 from non-use.

Also included as part of the sale are three of the original tires.  While fourth one was damaged beyond repair, the spare tire has never been removed and thus can be used as a display set during judging.

If you are interested in earning a Bloomington Gold certification with a Corvette, this is a great candidate to consider.

To help you make informed bids, we’re providing access to Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the Classic Car market, that provides an interactive graph of recent comparable sales in the past six months. By clicking on the green dots, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you make an educated bid on the car we are featuring for auction here. Please bear in mind this 1980 Corvette is one of the lowest mileage, unrestored survivor examples believed to exist, and we expect bidding to reflect that.

Here’s the Exterior Photograph Gallery.  Click on a desired picture to expand it and then navigate between all of the other pictures

Here’s the Interior Photograph Gallery.  Click on the desired picture to expand it and then navigate between all of the other pictures.

Here’s the Underhood Photograph Gallery.  Click on the desired picture to expand it and then navigate between all of the other pictures.

Here’s the Tires & Wheels Photograph Gallery.  Click on the desired picture to expand it and then navigate between all of the other pictures.

Here’s the Windows & Mirrors Photograph Gallery.  Click on the desired picture to expand it and then navigate between all of the other pictures.

Here’s the Documentation Photograph Gallery.  Click on the desired picture to expand it and then navigate between all of the other pictures.

If you have any questions about this 1980 Chevrolet Corvette L48/Auto for sale, please leave a comment below or feel free to call Rudy directly at 877-468-6497.  Thank you for looking and happy bidding!