1980 Chevrolet Corvette C3 For Sale
Sale Price: $89,995
We are thrilled to offer for sale a true collector grade example of this iconic Corvette. With only 8,357 miles covered since new it is the absolute definition of ‘time warp’.
Sometimes these low mileage cars can suffer from deterioration due to lack of use and maintenance. However, this Corvette has had regular care and driven when required to keep everything functioning as it should. Rarely do these types of cars come to market and this example would be perfectly at home in any collection of the finest cars.
Delivered in October 1980 to its first owner being Ron S Insalaco who worked at Bob Stone Freeway Auto Centre, Oregan, this being a Chevrolet dealership. Bob Stone retired in 2020 and sold the business. He had dealerships for 60 years.
The original build sheet specifies it was a rare 4 speed manual version, in Classic White with red leather interior (Trim Code 722) and we believe this makes it one of a handful in this combination. As you would expect this is a ‘matching numbers’ car with the original engine still in place.
Crucially every sales document comes with the car all meticulously kept in an ordered file.
The car remained on display in the dealership and in 1986 Ron S Insalaco sold the car to his son, Ron J Insalaco.
Subsequently he sold it to Cormier Chevrolet, a long-term Chevrolet dealer in Long Beach CA (they are still in existence). They had it on display for 18 years as a showpiece in their showroom.
In 2007 the car was sold to CNV Corvette in Tempe Arizona who specialise in selling Corvettes. From there the previous owner (a known collector of Corvettes) acquired the car in 2008 and imported into Brisbane where it has remained since. At that point mileage was reading 3,502. The current owner purchased the car in 2014 with mileage at just 6,176.
Of the 6 owners, 4 have been in the motor trade and the remaining 2 are avid car collectors. This car has been under safe and caring ownership.
To date the only non-original parts on the car are the tyres and battery. Correct replacement shock absorbers, brake hoses, rubber seals to doors and roof panels have been fitted.
Understandably the car has won number awards at the highest level including winning the Top Flight Award at the National Corvette Restorers Society in Sydney. It achieved a score of 97.2/100.
The paint on the car is all original and still holds an excellent level of shine. The colour suits the car well and contrasts beautifully with the red interior. On close inspection there is a stone chip on the nose of the car which has been touched up and there is also some minor ‘crazing’ in the paint on the nose due to the substrate being urethane, but it is minor and not easily seen until you are close in. The original ‘Corvette’ number plate holders are still in place which is wonderful to see. All the badging is like new.
All the wheel rims are like new as is the brightwork on the car. For safety reasons the original tyres were replaced some 3 years ago, and the new tyres are of the correct profile.
Inside the car is a wonderful place to be. The red leather seats are incredibly comfortable, and the colour is still rich and vibrant showing no signs of fading, indeed this is the case for the carpets, door cards and every other surface which is like new. A dash mat is present only as a precaution and the original dash is in perfect condition. There is one small area on the driver’s seat which is parting at a seam, but this could be rectified if required.
The rear storage area presents as new, as is the pull-out roller cover (often missing). The storage bins still contain the original jack. Again, the carpet is unworn, rich in colour and like when it left the factory.
Ahead of you is a dash with instruments fresh and crisp. The steering wheel is a delight to hold and again unmarked.
Our example comes with the optional transparent smoke glass removable roof panels. These are rare and come in their original bags too. The standard solid white roof panels also come with the car and are unmarked.
A correct car bra also comes with the car along with an original utility bag and some minor parts.
Start the engine and you are immediately aware of the classic V8 ahead of you with its sonorous note. Once underway we were incredibly impressed on how well this car drove and felt. Really impressed.
The Borg Warner gearbox is a Super T-10 wide ratio, this being a special option on the 1980 C3 only. It is an absolute delight to use, with throws short and precise. The steering is surprisingly sharp and direct and the brakes very responsive. The turn in on tighter corners is really good and you can see why these made such competitive race cars in period.
There is plenty of power and torque on tap and if you wish to ‘press on’ the car really has a decent turn of pace.
Watching the car drive by reminds you of the iconic shape this car has. Its front drops low to the ground and its wide flanks make for some real road presence. The ‘T-bar’ roof gives the driver the option of open-air driving which is a plus and adds to the theatre of the car.
Everything works as it should and the air-conditioning is a plus.
The engine bay is incredible. It has never been detailed to preserve originality. Yet it is clean with all the original adhesives on various components still in place. The underside of the car tells the same story; clean and original. To the knowledge of the owner the car has never been driven in the wet.
The history folder that comes with the car is extensive and you would be hard pressed to find one that is more comprehensive. It contains the original build sheet, sales receipts, certificates of titles for previous owners, warranty card, insurance documents, owners’ handbook, sales poster, an image of the car in the Corvette dealership, service invoices from the US and locally here and so on.
Cars with this originality and provenance rarely come to market. For anyone wishing to acquire one of the best C3 Corvettes available anywhere, here is a wonderful opportunity to do so.
The car is recently serviced and ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.
