1981 C3 Corvette Review - The Last Real American Classic?

Рет қаралды 142,803

3 жыл бұрын

Today, courtesy of the good people at www.retroclassiccar.com/ I am driving an American icon - the C3 Corvette. Replacing the shapely but wild C2, the C3 generation is fondly remembered for its dramatic looks, and the fact that it was replaced by the (to my eyes) unbearably ugly C4.
It had a long life, starting in the 60s and eventually ending up like the example I am driving today. It's pretty, but with an ashmatic engine strangled by American EPA regulations, is it still enjoyable?
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Пікірлер: 453

@chriskelly9361 3 жыл бұрын

I've never been more underwhelmed than when I got into a C3. Then I stepped out of the thing and looked at it and said, "Yeah, I still want one".

@Cavallino69 2 жыл бұрын

I had two many years ago, and can't agree more. I think a C3 would make an excellent resto mod. Imagine a C3 body, C6 suspension, and a C8 Z06 LT6.

@spearce133 2 жыл бұрын

@@Cavallino69 true - my dads 74 seemed awesome when I was growing up. When I got it after he passed it was kinda sluggish. The nice thing is that 350 is easy and relatively cheap to make it a decently fast car.

@fortheloveofnoise9298 2 жыл бұрын

The really really early C3s are miles better.

@daffiecars 2 жыл бұрын

Thats some bs , ive been in quick ones and ive been in sluggish ones . The 82 is a good one that feels quick has good torque and 203 hp

@chrisfranklin2104 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, J M, and I had 68 C3 roadster vert with the 327/350 mated to an M21 four speed box, What an animal, no way was that in any way slow, or sluggish, but that was a long time ago (in the wet gray uk ) eat yr heart out ! 😉

@nick011182 3 жыл бұрын

I bought an ‘81 two years ago for $4800. I only did a basic maintenance and added sidepipes and it runs and drives great.

@martynclarke5167 3 жыл бұрын

More a volume switch than an accelerator pedal 😂

@Kennethah81 3 жыл бұрын

To be fair, it still does most of the job you want out of an American V8 😂

@balja2533 3 жыл бұрын

@@Kennethah81 I have a C3, just build it to a 383 stroker for cheap. Mine have 450hp, didnt cost much at all

@Kennethah81 3 жыл бұрын

@@balja2533 nice! Hoping to get hold of a C3 one of these days myself. Sure wouldn't mind if its moves matched its looks

@bigbuckeye76 3 жыл бұрын

The Early C3s had plenty of acceleration...

@balja2533 3 жыл бұрын

@@bigbuckeye76 yeah early ones. Mine was one of the emmision boiz with only 195bhp stock. Changes heads from a Dart cast iron, crank, ebelbrock intake, Holley 850 carb and 2x3" Magnaflow exhaust. Kicks like it should do

@andrewgurney6019 3 жыл бұрын

Great looking car, it's aged very well.

@k2cjbradio Жыл бұрын

I have a 1981 Corvette. You’re right on about driving it. It’s fun. Not a high performance car. But people still look at me driving and wish they were in the drivers seat!

@DjDolHaus86 3 жыл бұрын

An early C3 Stingray would definitely find its way into my dream car garage (although I'd probably drop a more modern engine and transmission into it)

@brandonreeh1637 3 жыл бұрын

That's what I'm doing putting newer tech in it but keeping the same look.

3 жыл бұрын

Nah I'll just keep mine original

@dylanhubbard5515 Жыл бұрын

I love my 81. I don’t need to go fast. It gets up to highway speeds, and that’s good enough for me. T-tops off in the Summer cruising down the highway in a c-3. Nothing better than that.

@S-T-E-V-E 3 жыл бұрын

One of the best shaped Corvettes, this is like America's E-Type to me! So Jealous! Although I'd probably never buy one lol.

@cliveyboyb5770 3 жыл бұрын

Know exactly what you mean. I have been in one. Fantastic iconic car but not something I would buy in the UK.

@DonLee1980 3 жыл бұрын

I thought exactly the same. But my problem with it is it has the looks but it can't cash the cheques in the handling department.

@S-T-E-V-E 3 жыл бұрын

@@0raN9 Yeah thats a nice one!

@S-T-E-V-E 3 жыл бұрын

@Jeff Spicolli I'm talking more looks than construction.

@S-T-E-V-E 3 жыл бұрын

@@DonLee1980 Yeah, you'd definitely have to mod it, I'm sure I've seen some RHD cars out there.

@connerdesomething6218 3 жыл бұрын

The C4 is really not an ugly car at least in my eyes. As well as it’s the far better car over the C3, the interior quality, the steering, the handling, the ride, and the power is far superior on a C4 corvette. Personally, I adore styling of both cars. But a C4 is definitely the better car

@cherrylove3656 2 жыл бұрын

The C4 is ugly it has no shape or style to it just a boring looking car when they made the C4 Corvette lost some of that appeal what are you some kind of expert you know what they say about opinions and I guess you didn't watch this video because you reading into this video what you want to read into this video you're comparing the C3 and the C4 he was only comparing the looks of the two cars no one was talking about performance so wake up and smell the Folgers this wasn't a comparison video know what I mean mister expert

@SGBassplayer 2 жыл бұрын

It’s not “ugly”, but it is awfully sterile in comparison to the previous generation. No question that it’s better engineered. And CHEAP. C4s were the most produced Corvette generation and ran from 1984 thru 1996 (they were back up to 300-plus hp by the end of the production run, too). You can get them for a lot less than any of the C3s, including this one.

@Pleasiotic1 Жыл бұрын

@@cherrylove3656 I like both the C3 and C4 so everyone's opinion is objectively wrong in my opinion. The C5 is the worst by far, inside and out.

@gouldbergvariations Жыл бұрын

@@cherrylove3656 C3 beautiful. C4 beautiful. Takes maturity to understand this.

@cherrylove3656 Жыл бұрын

Hey Genius, I know the performance difference probably better than you who cares I like the classic better what part of that don't you understand if you don't understand have third grader explain it to you this is my opinion about the two cars, I don't care about your opinion I didn't ask for it

@bellerophon9116 2 жыл бұрын

The C3 Corvette cars in my area of the US are often advertised on Facebook Marketplace for $5,000-$10,000 in decent to mostly restored condition. The C3 with the right suspension, gear box, rear differential gearing and suspension mods can be quite a fun car to toss around, and or drag race. And of course, the styling is unlike most cars you'll ever see on the road. It's an overlooked classic that has fortunately not yet been gentrified.

@cliveyboyb5770 3 жыл бұрын

I remember being in one of these Corvettes and my vivid memory is the view from the drivers seat being those front wheel arches

@akkual 3 жыл бұрын

I currently struggle with late C3 fever. I long though they look ugly, but now the time has passed enough and they look cool again, in a weird way. And they indeed are cheap. Especially the late models. They are frankly rubbish to drive from the factory. But o behold. The aftermarket suspension development has made amazing bolt-on kits for these. With 5k coil-over suspensions, one can make this handle pretty much as a something like a C5/C6 corvette would handle. Swap the engine to aluminium LS engine, and you can throw out a significant chunk of the weight. OK, the car will then be 30k car, and you'd probably would be better off with something newer costing 30k, but they sure won't be such head turners and will definitely feel much less raw.

@dave3657 3 жыл бұрын

I have a similar problem, as I get older the cars of my youth, that I wouldn't of bought back then, now I want one.

@lockdowneunos502 3 жыл бұрын

I’ll be honest I’d much rather spend 40k in the US on a good early example with the better engine and manual transmission than 40k on a new car... I guess classic muscle is just my thing!

@davidadamsbigred1 Жыл бұрын

Got a c6 and a c3. Yhe gals love the 81 c3 far more.

@rykehuss3435 Жыл бұрын

Swap the engine? are you crazy, why not swap the car at that point

@davidadamsbigred1 Жыл бұрын

I've got an 81 C3 resto mod an 2000 C5 vertical and a 15 C7. The girls seem to love my C3 the most. Idk.

@klasseact6663 3 жыл бұрын

That clock is NOT original. Hey Jay, for the model year 1980 the state of California got a 305 cubic inch V8, 5.0 liter, dark times back then without doubt.

@countyorga4744 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the clock is not original. I have a '75. Worst year for H.P. 165. I put a crate motor in it. Now it's 333 H.P. Hurst 4 speed. It will scare you to death. The California 305? I've always wanted one for some reason.

@klasseact6663 3 жыл бұрын

@@countyorga4744 pretty collectable I'd imagine 😊

@brandonreeh1637 3 жыл бұрын

I took apart my 81 vette engine 2 bolt main. I got a LS for it now

@raymond06 2 ай бұрын

If the car had the optional ETR digital radio then it came with an oil temp gauge in the car as you see here. If it had the base radio, then the bezel where the oil temp gauge is was completely round and not flat on the bottom, and there was also a hole for the adjustment know on the bottom right.

3 жыл бұрын

I say the C3 Corvette 1968-1982 is the most beautiful Corvette (my opinion)

@heikkiremes5661 3 жыл бұрын

I love the integrated bumpers of the later C3 models. I saw "Bird on a wire" as a kid and fell in love.

@channell11 3 жыл бұрын

Agreed. I prefer the chrome bumpers of the 68-72 models, but the late model bumpers are superior to the clunky rubber bumpers of the post-emissions models,

@davidmacphee3549 4 ай бұрын

People kept backing into mine and bruised the paint. $$@@channell11

@futurecat Жыл бұрын

Visually, i love these C3s the most. They were everywhere when i was a kid.

@pete_mustang 3 жыл бұрын

I'm 15 mins from Retro Classic Cars. They bring quite a few of their cars to events in the area I work on. Couple of years back they supplied every Corvette from C1 - C7. Was quite a sight!

@imagemusic4241 3 жыл бұрын

I've got an 81 myself, I love it. WEEEEE is right!!

@JDale56 3 жыл бұрын

81 Corvettes could be ordered with a Borg Warner Super T10 4 speed manual transmission and they are a pleasure to drive when so equipped. Absence of a mechanical clock means the car was ordered with an optional stereo radio which included a digital clock. Cars ordered with the base radio (or radio delete) came with a mechanical clock in place of the oil temp gauge.

@stillsearching1284 3 жыл бұрын

You could get this car with a 427 or 454 cubic inch engine in the early 70s. Those models are pretty highly sought after.

@harrylalli 3 жыл бұрын

Love the older car videos, each car has its own character. Something which is lost on modern cars.

@suprastevio2264 3 жыл бұрын

My favorite Corvette by far. I'd love to "ruin" it with a retro 80's kit. What a dream. ❤️

@augustortiz 3 жыл бұрын

4:40 I laughed out hard when you asked if it had any performance in it, that poor 5.7L motor sounded like a weed wacker.

@miamimo70 3 жыл бұрын

My fav is the C2, but having driven a C3 the view out onto the tops of the front wings is glorious

@futurecat Жыл бұрын

I don't want to risk James' life, but it would be fun to see a review of a late 60s 427 Stingray.

@cellocovers3982 3 жыл бұрын

Just bought a 75 with a stick. A lot of fun to drive. The visuals make the experience a really great part of the drive. The feeling of being in a beautiful car. Checkout the C3 greenwood corvette's. Those have some power!

@4stringz. 6 ай бұрын

Absolutely gorgeous. And I LOVE it in grey.

@nickb3968 3 жыл бұрын

The early C3's (late 60's/early 70's) were even more shapely as the Feds had regulated the need for plastic 5mph bumpers and IMO it looked better with chrome bumpers. Glad you mentioned the emissions related choking off of the engine. The mako shark gills with side pipes was the pinnacle of the C3 shape IMO. Of course, here in the US you can always drop a crate motor in fairly cheaply to get the old school horsepower back.

@slaughterhousechi Жыл бұрын

Great vid. I've wanted one as a kid and this made me fall in love all over again. You should look into the 'aerovette' prototypes. They were insane with a Mazda cloned but 4 x bigger rotary engine as well(which was sold to someone unknown and no real footage of it exists)

@torytronrud2413 3 жыл бұрын

That 400 hp in the 1960s was "gross horsepower" whereas the 190 hp in the 1981 was "net horsepower" -- a different calculation.

@BobGeogeo 3 жыл бұрын

I bet any Corvette owners' group could offer easy proven ways to get more power.

@grahamsmith2022 3 жыл бұрын

You're right about the change over from gross to net power measurement but even taking that into account the earlier cars still had much more power,when 1973 rolled around these cars were strangled with anti- smog equipment and very small carburettors and things didn't start to improve again until the late 1980's.

@Jimbo8012 3 жыл бұрын

The calculations were different but even accounting for that, there was a significant difference in the performance between pre emission and later cars. An L89 with 430 bhp SAE would be approximately 350 bhp net. It''s a noticeable drop but still a lot more than 190 bhp.

@tonygull9323 3 жыл бұрын

Yes gross and net. But that didn’t account for the whole difference. Compression ratios were dropped into the 8s causing the largest strangulation.

@channell11 3 жыл бұрын

@@tonygull9323 Truth. Some of the earlier engines ran around 11:1

@tipodue 3 жыл бұрын

The nice thing about the late C3s is you aren't destroying anything by dropping a modern motor and 5 speed into one (the T56 can be made to work, but you have to cut up the fiberglass tunnel and mold a new one it to get it to fit). And it doesn't have to be a high dollar motor - the 5.3 out of GMs many trucks and SUVs would do. The C3 has been raced since new, so you can tighten up the suspension all the way from stage 0 to full race kit and have a fantastic looking car that also goes well without spending tens of thousands and without the guilt of defacing a rare piece of history. Oh, and regardless of what anybody thinks about how the car looks from the outside, once sat in the driver's seat and looking out that windshield with that curvy, sculpted front end, you can't help falling in love with the car.

@johnj.baranski6553 2 жыл бұрын

you are destroying a late model C3

@tipodue 2 жыл бұрын

@@johnj.baranski6553 It's still a C3 with a small block Chevy motor, you're just taking the malaise out of it.

@PassengerFifty7 2 жыл бұрын

By far the view out the front is the best view in automotive history😉. I have an 81 and you get these cars to cruise on a Saturday morning blaring Sweet Home Alabama or...holding your wifes hand out for coffee Sunday evening. I have other faster cars to shred mountain roads in. You can drive fast or you can drive class! Some cars are both but, the 81 is pure class. Cheers!

@oxouk 4 ай бұрын

The best looking Vette they made. The last couple years with the extended lower fender trim/mud guards added a little more aggressive look. The performance is terrrible, but as others have said, I still want one. Here in the states you can still grab one from 10-24 grand. The upper end of that price will get you close to pristine as possible. The one in this video with it's silver interior and futuristic look would be perfect for 'The Boy From Space". If you grew up in the UK in the early 80's you'll get what I mean.

@000GunterGabriel000 3 жыл бұрын

"No is the answer." ;D

@RichardCowdrey 3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha followed up with "Very, very little in way of forward momentum"

@siddsakkik 3 жыл бұрын

The 1968-72 ones are just the most beautiful piece of machine I’ve even seen .

@alangil40 3 жыл бұрын

Agree 100%. The late 70's through early 80's do not nearly look as good to me as a 1971 for example.

@plektosgaming 3 жыл бұрын

The last old American classic car is actually the Buick Grand National/GNX, last produced in 1987. It also is just as iconic and easy to recognize. Everything since has been mostly bubbles and similar boxes, due to the auto makers hiring designers from the same 4 or 5 design colleges.

@Android-vk8yh 3 жыл бұрын

One the most iconic shapes and names of any car made. Like the fact that you're lumberjack shirt matches the interior👍🤣

@juniorballs6025 3 жыл бұрын

A love this shape! Muscular and rather beautiful to my decrepit eyes 👍😎 More appealing to me than a Mustang too.

@jankypainting2282 3 жыл бұрын

Janky do thanky, one of my favorite cars with my favorite automotive youtuber. Love to see american stuff on the channel as that’s where im watching from.

@velvetjones1856 3 жыл бұрын

The top year for the C3 Corvette was 1970, after that the smog crap emasculated the output of the engines and after 1972, then only the 5.7 liter was offered. I recently sold my 1970 convertible with the LS5 7.4 liter rated at 390 hp. It was a torque monster. I also has a couple more C3 Corvettes when they were new in 1974 and 1976 and they were not sports cars but more like luxury cruisers.

@KennyMarkusa 3 жыл бұрын

454 was still an option in '73 and '74

@velvetjones1856 3 жыл бұрын

@@KennyMarkusa Corvette LS5 engines changed thru the years with additional smog restrictions 1970 390 HP @ 4800 RPM, 500 lb-ft @3400 RPM 1971 365 HP @ 4800 RPM, 465 lb-ft @3200 RPM 1972 270 HP @ 4000 RPM, 390 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

@KennyMarkusa 3 жыл бұрын

@@velvetjones1856 I realize that I had a '72 with an LS5 for 33 years bought it in 1976 and sold it in 2009 Steel Cities Grey, Red interior coupe PO2 wheel covers TH400 but had a cam 3:90 gears and a B&M converter and shift kit along with several different intake manifolds and 750 double pumper L/88 hood but boy it was like an oven in the summer time no A/C

@grahamnutt8958 3 жыл бұрын

I agree that the C3 featured retained its great looks - more desirable than the huge bumpers that other motors had to be fitted with 🤔. As for the performance; about what I expected. It makes my P5B seem ok in comparison..... but that was never designed for "enthusiastic" driving. Another great review. Cheers 👍.

@thud9797 Жыл бұрын

Friend bought an 81 4-speed Black with Cinnabar cloth brand new and what a nice car it was, and it ran better on the street than many thought it would.

@dennisgt74 3 жыл бұрын

I owned a C3. Ordered from the factory with a 4 Speed transmission....

@meltoncory5930 3 жыл бұрын

Me too, only the motor has been "hopped" up a bit! The '81 had a 4speed option(the last year for it), which I have also.

@ConnerV 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been looking at c3s and the 81’ 82’ models go for $10,000 in great condition

@jasonweishaupt1828 2 ай бұрын

That 190 NET horsepower would equate roughly to 240 GROSS horsepower a decade earlier. My 1971 L48 Corvette had a gross rating of 270 and a net rating of 215. Gotta keep things in perspective.

@theMaster... 3 жыл бұрын

Now we're talking! What a beautiful machine. Pity you shot it on such a dull and miserable day...

@bladerunner6282 3 жыл бұрын

had an early 90's nissan 300zx twin turbo with t-tops and found them to be a delightful open-top experience. on occasion, i'd remove the passenger top and keep the drivers side one on for shade. probably looked like a wanker but...whatever.

@billymania11 3 жыл бұрын

It's one of the best looking cars ever made. I know, I owned a 1981 model. It was also the least performant of all classic cars. Sometimes, looks are the only thing you have going for ya. That's not a bad thing.

@billbrowning3021 3 жыл бұрын

As a child in the USA I loved the look of these Vettes, but it was also not a time for these types of cars. They barely survived the gas crisis and “smog” control. When I finally could afford one, they were so disappointing performance-wise I didn’t give them much of a look. I really like hearing your perspective on the big iron from this era.

@michaelarchangel1163 2 жыл бұрын

A guy who lives about 5 miles from me has a red one. Do many people have engine tunes on them ? I think these cars have fantastic style and road presence and would be great fun with about 400 BHP.

@ChrisS-fh7zt 3 жыл бұрын

A 4 speed manual was an option until the last year 1982 C-3 when only the new 4 speed auto was it for both the regular and Collector Edition for that year. But for 1981 only 5,757 manual Vettes was made for that year out of the 40,606 total production so they are sort of rare and you don't run into them day to day. I also think you couldn't get them for California as it couldn't pass their state emissions at the time but the auto could.

@jedw 3 жыл бұрын

I really kinda want one of those .. on account of I'm a bit weird.

@ledger35 2 жыл бұрын

I own one with 24,414 original miles on her. If you don’t really need the power like myself, it sure is an attention getter when driven. My interior is the same color and is flawless ( the clock clearly never went there)! Low mileage 81’s are going between 25,000-40,000 USD.

@midnightsun2483 7 ай бұрын

I have a low mileage 81 c3 also. I love that car. It drives nice handles well and is a real head turner

@chriscushing1275 3 жыл бұрын

The C3 Corvette offered a “Gymkhana Suspension” package, code FE7, and in 1981 that package added a whopping $57 to the list price. It added a stiffer rear leaf spring, thicker anti-roll bars, and upgraded shocks. Not sure how much it helped the handling in any real sense, but it was probably the cheapest handling package out there.

@chriscushing1275 3 жыл бұрын

Also, in 1981 these cars ran a piddling 8.2:1 compression ratio. As this is a garden variety 350ci V8 you can add a set of assembled aluminum heads, high compression pistons, and a modest camshaft for less than the price gap between this car and the Mach 1. (It looks like this car has an aluminum intake and a Holley 4-barrel on it already, which is nice) I’m not saying you should, but you could for not a horrible amount of money.

@jimklawitter2329 3 жыл бұрын

JayEmm, power output quoted was correct. Performance was taken away in the time period from 1971 ro the early 1990's because of smog regulations, fears of an oil crisis, insurance costs after the horsepower wars ending by 1972. That clock is definitely not from the factory. Cheers!

@andrewstubbings5628 3 жыл бұрын

Your welcome to drive my 74 stingray, it’s fab, big rear arches, big tyres, Le Mans bonnet, sidepipes and a 400 cubic inch engine, forget top speed over 100 you crap yourself, but it gets there quick, looks amazing, once you get the hang of them you will love them!!

@channell11 3 жыл бұрын

The nice thing about C3s is now they're getting old enough (and have enough aftermarket support) to where you can address a lot of the emissions malaise and other shortcomings without running afoul of the government. The early pre-emissions models are going to be a bit more pricey, but many of them are still pretty attainable compared to the C2s.

@04dram04 Жыл бұрын

I love the proportions of this car, from the drivers perspective. Feels like the Batmobile

@francowolfmurd9758 3 жыл бұрын

My grandfather and me had one and I was suppose to get the keys to it when he passed shortly before he passed he had to sell it in order to be able to keep his house, one day I will buy one and build it on his memory

@Stinger430 3 жыл бұрын

Fell in love with the C3 first, but was blown away with the C4 when it debuted. By the way JayEmm, 1981 was the last year for the manual for some time. The 1982 was automatic only. The 1984 C4 might have been automatic only as well.

@lesliereissner4711 3 жыл бұрын

When the 1984 C4 was introduced, it had only the automatic but later in the model year the rather unusual Doug Nash 4+3 manual box was available. In 1989 the C4 could be had with a 6-speed ZF manual transmission and the Nash unit was gone.

@SamB-wh2bi 3 жыл бұрын

One of the worst years for the brand unfortunately. Nonetheless the design is stellar

@enriquesegura6844 3 жыл бұрын

This was honestly one of my most favorite years for the Corvette I really love the aerodynamic design and classiness. Not to mention, they were about 8,000-10,000$ back then, (which is now about 20,000$), which is not a bad price for a vehicle like this.

@daveb1081 7 ай бұрын

@@enriquesegura6844 my 81 stickered for around 15,300 and that in 2023 is around 50 grand

@thud9797 3 ай бұрын

My friend who bought his 81 new believe paid almost $16K out the door. Black, Cinnabar Cloth, Glass Tops, Alum Wheels, 255s, AM/FM Cassette and what made the car, the T-10 4-speed manual. This trans had the wide ratio set with the 2.88 low. It also had the 2.72 gear ratio in the Dana 44 rear end and believe that was the only year to use this setup. The car ran really well and I drove it several times. My daily driver at the time was a 72 L48/4-speed and the 81 would outrun it and the 2.72 gear sure was nice on the highway. So always a soft spot for the 81 4-speed, it really was a one of a kind model.

@jamiemichael7085 3 жыл бұрын

I love my 1981 vette its about style.

@hemicuda8030 3 жыл бұрын

5757 speeds were made in the 81,I have one and it IS slow but a blast to drive.

@StakedWealth369 3 жыл бұрын

Very beautiful car!

@Sevarrius 3 ай бұрын

it's actually 'relatively' easy to increase the Horsepower in the neutered post 1974 emissions compliant 'vettes. There's a wealth of sources online with step by step guides on how to do it but I can understand a lot of people are more interested in keeping their cars as close to original as possible. Besides I'm sure the vast majority of collectors in the UK aren't going to be interested in racing around and taking risks in them anyway. absolutely right on the money though, one of the best looking cars of all time, a real head turner no matter what block is under the hood. I have serious plans to buy one in a few years time, just slowly building up my savings account...or rather my corvette fund account.

@fossilfish786 3 жыл бұрын

Love a C4 both preface lift and the last ones. C3 are nice especially the early ones

@0tispunkm3y3r 3 жыл бұрын

Was it emissions and fuel consumption concerns (oil crisis) that nerfed the power?

@manuelsilva3365 3 жыл бұрын

Pretty much

@pianofry1138 3 жыл бұрын

No so much fuel consumption with this car but emissions really screwed it over.

@v8cool231 3 жыл бұрын

Safety as well. The US went bonkers on safety regulations. A lot of US cars of the era have 85mph tops on the speedo. To discourage driving to to fast. However, I know they go faster as I had a Camaro of that era and was following my brother doing 95. This is why big pick up trucks with V8's became popular in the US. The old trucks shared the same engines as the old muscle cars, but where as the muscle cars were strangled with emission stuff and safety regs, trucks didn't fall under that same catagory.

@DoubleDeckerAnton 3 жыл бұрын

I used to see one of these parked in a front garden near the M62 in Huddersfield! Not sure if it was a kit car or was the genuine article!

@chrispig7748 3 жыл бұрын

Pure Americana! You have to love it!

@CaiSpidox 3 жыл бұрын

My reaction to suddenly having this on my feed - ooof!

@Chucksnbooze 3 жыл бұрын

I'm in the market for one of these. The look is so fly!

@benvin10365 3 жыл бұрын

Great exhaust note, even if no "GO Power".

@lawrencet.mcguilicutty7447 5 ай бұрын

Love my 81.

@audiokyle 3 жыл бұрын

I have an 81 that is stock, and I can tell you that the car in the video needs more timing. I can burn rubber on dry ground (for a few feet) with no trouble. remember that it also has 295 lb/ft or torque. I'm only about $12,000 into mine. California car with no rust.

@balja2533 3 жыл бұрын

That's why everybody is upgrading it to a 383 stroker (pretty cheap to do). easy 400+hp

@JosephHowes2003 3 жыл бұрын

How cheap?

@balja2533 3 жыл бұрын

@@JosephHowes2003 about 5-600 USD.

@JosephHowes2003 3 жыл бұрын

@@balja2533 used I assume. I looked it up once and it was several thousand.

@balja2533 3 жыл бұрын

@@JosephHowes2003 no? new 383 stroker kits are dirt cheap

@JosephHowes2003 3 жыл бұрын

@@balja2533 do you mean to stroke out an existing engine to 383 or to buy a finished one?

@Jim.Thunda 2 жыл бұрын

If you have ever stood on the deck of an aircraft carrier and looked toward the bow, you will get the same feeling when you sit in a C3

@unclebarky7928 3 жыл бұрын

Personally, I like the last few years of the c3. Performance was not stellar, but here in America, you can build that 5.7 liter to make as much power as you would like.

@jjefferyworboys8138 3 жыл бұрын

Pretty car and you are so right, its all about the enjoyment.

@ELGlueckert 3 жыл бұрын

There was a 4 speed manual option on these cars, it's just that the automatics were more popular, sadly.

@meltoncory5930 3 жыл бұрын

There was a 4speed option in '81. Last year for a manual for a long time.

@markbennett6658 3 жыл бұрын

I drove a big block I think a 1973 ‘440 cubic inch’ C3 once? It felt odd in the cockpit. Narrow and low in the seat with a lot of bonnet (hood) in front. It was spluttering and then picking up and the road was a bit wet like in this video and narrow lanes so I didn’t have much confidence to open it up. I’d like another go in one on a nice day with those targa panels out so I could smell the freedom!

@lesliereissner4711 3 жыл бұрын

Rather than build a really new car, GM decreed that the C3's underpinnings would be essentially carried over from the C2 so by the time it was phased out the chassis was tweny years old. The C4, which is an extremely underrated car, was superior in every respect and turned the Corvette into a serious performance car rather than the slow and bloated thing that the final C3s were. Styling is always subjective but the C4 is, to my mind, a clean and aggressive design that still looks good decades later. Is the C3 "the Last American Classic?" Probably not!

@tonygull9323 3 жыл бұрын

I love the C4s as well and they were darn good. Currently in a C7 Z06, the magic is still there.

@michaelherman2207 4 ай бұрын

Bought an 81 manual knowing it's performance would be lackluster compared to my AM Vantage and Jag Ftype. However the shape is easily as sexy. Parts are cheap and the aftermarket has tons of support and options. I've already swapped in a stronger 5 speed with OD and a 427SBC with 550Hp. Working on suspension now. It's a fun journey to restore and modify. Funny thing is i bought my C3 for about what the VAP headers on my Aston cost. Different scale of economy for sure

@gen1c8rs88 3 жыл бұрын

From Ford The slantback 1987-1993 gen2 Fox body Mustang(including the SVT Cobra R), from Dodge 1996-2002 gen2 Viper, from Chevrolet 1984-1996 C4 Corvette (1993-95 ZR1 being the best),1982-1992 gen3 Camaro I-ROC or Z28 with the 1LE package.

@mickeymichaels1298 Жыл бұрын

The 1982 Corvette was the last year of the C3. It was the only C3 with the four-speed automatic. This 81 and all earlier C3s with an auto transmission used three-speed autos.

@RzogL 3 жыл бұрын

That C4 Laurie drove in the States seemed a much better car. Light years ahead in terms of aerodynamics, handling and refinement, apparently, and it inherited the glass hatch and underbite front bumper (which doesn't help the looks), from this late model C3. If you will excuse the analogy, the late model C3 looks like a 60s go-go girl who was obviously past her youthful prime by the early 80s. Oh, OK, I admit I definitely still would...

@vdmur7952 3 жыл бұрын

Great car!

@stevekeithley8409 2 ай бұрын

That clock looks like a aftermarket item. I have an '82 that does not have a clock. I think the Corvette C3's are not just the best designed Corvette of all time, but the best CAR design of all time(even over the Jaguar XKE).

@michaeljordan6008 2 жыл бұрын

C3 better looking than a C4, that’s all I needed to hear. Good night.

@F8Tributo 8 ай бұрын

The styling of the C3 borrowed heavily from the Ferrari 250 GTO. That version there is what we used to call a "smog dog", carbureted and choked with pollution controls. (Before fuel injection turned the tide)

@DwainDwight 3 жыл бұрын

Agree, great car. lovely curves. Sexy!! Best to get the early C3s with massive HP & a 4 speed. I've driven a '68 427 pumping out a thunderous 480bhp and that thing is truly awesome. also by far the best sounding engine ever. crazy, very crazy. wish I could afford one.

@joeyr88 3 жыл бұрын

Cheaper buying later and upgrading

@steves9905 Жыл бұрын

I own a '70 Mach 1 and a '74 Corvette. The mustang is a tractor compared to the corvette but then they were meant for very different customers and price points. The 74 vette was just before Chev went to the-all plastic interior in '78, so I much prefer it to the later c3's. Guess which car gets the most attention? The mustang, by far

@jeffstrong2993 3 жыл бұрын

Loved your review cautiously fair without being offensive also your accent I'm from new York not the city western ny near buffalo thanks. I will be watching for you

@SingerAuto1967 2 жыл бұрын

When you think corvette this is the body style you think of. Just picked up a 81 yesterday. Will have a video up in the next few days

@danapitman2269 3 жыл бұрын

I have a silver one with that same silver interior. The clock should be in the instrument cluster. Also, the smog pump with all its accompanying hoses and tubing is missing. The 81was the last year they were built in St. Louis and first year they were built in Bowling Green.

@PiggyMooshie0 3 жыл бұрын

I got one that is black with red leather its amazing!

@brandonreeh1637 3 жыл бұрын

The end year of the c3 was 82 came with a cross fire Fuel injection engine.

@beaugerard8180 5 ай бұрын

I own an amazing 1982 c3 and it runs perfect! the interior has that welcoming leather aroma still. Yes it is also somewhat cozy but very comfi and also I do not happen to be your size so I would imagine that there are many cars that someone with some xtra weight would feel very cramped in them and so what I am saying that it is not the car's fault that some of us feel the way that you do. no offense intended....

@jaydub5515 3 жыл бұрын

Wasn't the 82 the last year of that 'vette? Personally one of my favorites. I think these last year c3s looked amazing; the most stingray like bodies, but those crossfire fuel injection systems were trash. My uncle had a full restomod, tubbed out, fat tire, car show queen '82, but he swapped a fully built & blown 383 stroker with a blower out the hood (the perfect motor for this car) and installed a big old NOS bottle in the back, but I don't think he ever filled it up. Wish I was old enough to drive back then

@jaydub5515 3 жыл бұрын

Also these 'vettes NEED the full side pipe exhaust, with big old chrome heatshields. Such a dope look.

@russelljdj 3 жыл бұрын

There WAS a 4 speed manual option. 1982 did not. Since 1974 only about 1 in 11 were 4 speeds. 81 was the 1st year of computer. That was in a fuel management system, which is why you couldn't throw an Edlebrock Carb on it.

@jameslonano5659 Жыл бұрын

People forget that it doesn't take too much to pump up the horsepower. For this 1982. Pop on a set of edelbrock heads an aftermarket a crossfire renegade intake, bored out throttle bodies, a mild cam and some exhaust work and you easily add a minimum of 100 horsepower back into the car. Even easier on the 74-up 4 barrel version of the C3.