1980-1982 Chevrolet Corvette - End Of An Era

By the late-1970s the styling of the Cheverolet Corvette had become a little long in the tooth. Its basic overall (C3) styling had been around since the 1968 model year. Chevrolet did one last styling update to the C3 Corvette, the end result was the 1980-1982 Chevrolet Corvette which was a beautiful styled 2-seat sports that even today still looks modern and beautiful.

[@judgegixxer]

When I was 7 years old I came home from school to see a brand new 78' L-82 Silver Anny in the back yard. It was my dads!! I already loved Vette's so of course I was freakin out. Everytime i see a 78-82' i still get a little tiny ghost of the feeling I had that day long ago.

[@PassengerFifty7]

I just got an 81. My dad had one when I was a kid. He died when I was 11yo. Some of the best memories I have of him were in that car. When we rode around I felt like the king of the world. After 32 years I have an 8yo son and mustered the courage to pick one up. It was a very emotional day. Now we ride and he, ....like me, cant see over that hood😃. Its like me and my father have reconnected and we are picking up where we left off. I feel your passion and how a Dads love of these beautiful machines shapes us as car guys. Cheers brother.

[@user-ui8or8cq7l]

My dad had a rusted out 77 Aspen.

[@MayheM_72]

I know they weren't the best performance models, but as a kid who grew up in the 70s and 80s, this is my FAVORITE body style. It just LOOKED fast even when it was parked!

[@havinfun42]

I have always admired the 80 - 82 Corvettes. So I finally just bought an 82 Collectors Edition Corvette for myself. Love it !

[@studio-flash]

You lucky person...what a design/shape....i live Corvettes..but here in the UK they are more expensive....i hope you have many years of joy..i'm sure you will.

[@kallo182]

When did you buy it ? Got any Problems with it ?

[@havinfun42]

studio7 Thank you. Yes I know I will have this for a long time. I am really happy that I finally bought one. And I have always liked the 80-82's

[@havinfun42]

Karl S. Hey , I bought it only about a month ago Only drove it a few times so far For 37 years old , I am impressed with the fuel injection and how well it still runs I do know it needs a mild tune up ( plugs , wires , cap and rotor ) But that’s just regular maintenance tho

[@edren134]

😎🇺🇸😎 Bought mine in 85 while in the Navy ... Paid $13 K for it , it had 50K miles , an Cost me $ 300 a month just to keep it running .. Electrical an Ignition issues almost broke me .. Best Thing I ever did was stop payment,,, the repo man came to get it ,,

[@nick011182]

I bought an 81 last year and it is such an attractive car for its age. I also own a 78 and the differences between the two even though they are subtle make a huge difference in the overall aesthetic.

[@hojo70]

This was the best looking Corvette body style, loved my 1980 L48

[@AJdet-2]

I still have my 81 Corvette I bought new, and the main reason I still have it is because of how long it is. if you're not used to him you won't realize that the hood is 3 feet farther than your vision. car was stolen by some kids they went over to a friend's house when they parked in the driveway they put the hood into the garage door the alarm went off a cop lives next door and walked out and they took off running. when I realized my car was missing it was about 30 minutes after the garage door accident. call them up said somebody stole my vett, the guy that answered said the Sarge's driving it around right now you'll be back in a minute

[@robhoward35]

Wow , could of been a lot worse bro..hope now you got gps in it

[@josemontano7767]

I still think the 80s corvettes are beautiful cars.

[@darrenowens7713]

I like the 1963 to 1967 corvettes.I like the 1980 to 1982 design. I don't like the1984 to 1990 design. I like the 1991 or 1992 front end and rear end design to 1996.The 1997 to 2004 corvettes are nice looking cars.

[@alphatrion100]

Yeah I like c3s and early c4s

[@joekind1]

Hey Joe, I'm Joe Montanino, owned my 81 since 1983. It's the best looking vet ever.

[@powerboatguy2308]

I love the design also, they were slow as a turtle, but, that was the government cracking down on everything. They can be picked up for about 10-13k with low miles, really a bargain.

[@331Grabber]

My ex girlfriend had one of these in the early 2000s. It was mint condition.

[@studio-flash]

The 1969 Corvette Stingray Coupe is the best ever looking sports car..a true icon. Better than the 2nd place Ferrari Dino and 3rd place Jaguar E-type Convertible.

[@davidmccall4776]

I had a white '79 vette, and every time I see one on the road, I wish I had it back! A lot of good times were associated with it, and the memories will last a lifetime. 🇺🇸💪🏁

[@mattkase6644]

I must say that the Corvette's fender "humps over the wheels" did indeed return in the C7. The view out of the cockpit and over the long hood, with humps on each side, nearly mirrors that of the driver's view out of the C3.

[@v8berenguer372]

Timeless style.

[@steviedee71]

80-82 Corvettes are really beautiful looking cars.

[@kimberley954]

loved c3s since i was 10 years old. finally bought my own 1982 last year. never let a dream drive by

[@maddogmcrae]

I always loved the look of the '82 Corvette, the long hood and short rear deck is very classic sports car. To me it would still be a great cruiser.

[@jjs777fzr]

My best friend bought a low mileage ‘81 vette in ‘89. He used to let me drive it around town. My other friends dad bought the ‘82 collector edition. I’ll always have a soft spot for this gen vette. What a fun car to cruise in.

[@bassb450]

My first corvette was a 1981 that I bought new. Beige on Beige and loaded to the guts. Since then I have owned three new Corvettes with my current one being a 2013 Grand Sport. I still love the 1981 the best! Best looking Corvette ever made. Wish I still owned it.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

And a couple hundred dollars in engine parts still really bumps the HP up on '72 - '84 Vettes...

[@robertganz5500]

1963 Roadster 1968 Coupe 1963 SWC 1999 Coupe 2005 Coupe Wish I still had the first four.

[@jessepinkman8821]

C3 was the best looking model, IMO.

[@akishot6735]

c2

[@DozensOfViewers]

C3 all the way. And I own a C6 (second best looking :)

[@wlliebowen2043]

corvette C3 1977&1979Alsob1982 Coll.ED.

[@beyond_the_infinite2098]

Wllie Bowen I own a 77 L82 4-speed and still love the swoopy coke bottle styling. Once considered updating the nose and rear bumper to 1980 design, but have kept the body stock.

[@thomastaylor5826]

Too bad it was a dog and couldn't get out of it's own way.

[@andrewwright9154]

The last of the c3s was such a beautiful car regardless of how they ran

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Of course, a couple hundred dollars in engine parts still really bumps the HP up on '72 - '84 Vettes...

[@darrenowens7713]

Timeless beauty

[@danielsan3681]

They were art. :)

[@dalton5903]

Pro life Vegan are art (: imo

[@blipco5]

Great videos. You give credence to the seventies and eighties cars that would otherwise go unnoticed. Back in the days we wouldn't look at them with the sixties muscle cars still fresh in our memories, only too young to buy one. Yet after seeing your videos it makes me think of missed opportunities to have bought one of the later cars brand new.

[@georgewilson1184]

You do a excellent job on these spots with all the makes & models you do.

[@fitfogey]

Actually wasn’t a fan of this body style back then but have since come around. It’s beautiful.

[@bruschmidt9943]

My Grandmother had a '53 Vette stashed in her detached garage. She won it at a local Church Raffle & had it brought home, put in garage & it stayed there until 1986 when she passed on. It was white with red interior, 6 cyl & was kept in dry storage, covered by multiple blankets, etc. So much stuff was put around it, I never noticed it & nobody was allowed in her garage. I was there in 1986 when it was being pulled out on tow cables. Her neighbor said she'd forgotten about it & thought she'd have to pay him to take it, her '53 Corvette with 00011 odometer miles, never driven or registered or in weather. The neighbor felt bad & insisted on paying her for the car & she accepted $1,500. After they pulled it out & layers of covers were removed, it was a brand new, Museum Quality, shiny & perfect looking car, as new chrome & interior, with rubber fittings, hoses, seals & tires with dry rot. I've never forgotten this.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

C3 Vette styling is just beautiful. I've always wanted one. I don't care what engine it has. I can always put in something else

[@mehrangerami187]

Good information. I learned a lot. Beautiful images of corvette models. Awesome job.

[@clemmahabir]

Thats why its called old car memories we all had our favorites!! Keep up the great vids car culture needs these documentaires for the next generation to see what art form truly is about classic cars.

[@subielife4life]

Over the years i have fallen in love with the looks of this generation of corvettes.....i guess as u get older and wiser u start to look at older things a bit different...you appreciate many details that you would not even care to notice when you were younger. This generation of corvette looks beautiful and even the power seems decent to me(for its time that is) but imagine what this car would drive like with say......an LT1 from the 1992 corvette?

[@metalmover]

Thanks for your videos...I enjoy them all.

[@stacyholt6529]

Keep up the great work. Love the vehicles and info you provide.

[@fordmanx3]

C3s and C4s will always remain my 2 favorite Corvettes those body lines are flawless 🥰

[@jvatell6111]

As always thanks for the trip back to good memories.

[@commandertopgun]

The best chevy corvette c1-c3 history review ever, great video guys.

[@ember357danman5]

I had a 78 maroon colored Corvette back in the 80s ..Had the engine bored and rebuilt and added a clutch fan. It was a 4 speed manual .It was the fastest car I have ever owned . One Awesome thing those cars had was positive traction . Won a few drag races back in the day because of it . Would love it when the song little red Corvette would come on the radio .. It was marroon ..Close enough lol

[@hugobenitez2121]

Love These C3 Corvettes

[@musicvibeswithsteve2783]

I’m really enjoying this channel! Thank you

[@johnpejnovich7722]

This video is a great take on the Vette series of that time. I always felt the smartest thing that Chevrolet/Corvette did, was returning to the fast back design in '78. 🤙

[@331Grabber]

My ex girlfriend had one of the 82 Collector editions in perfect condition about 12-14 years ago. She was really proud of it. Fun car to cruise around in.

[@7cougar0]

And you let her go ???

[@331Grabber]

Still friends with her. We go all the way back to Jr. high. She sold the Vette to get a new 2004 Mustang GT. The reason she told me is she wanted a new car with a manual transmission V8. The salesman kept trying to get her to buy an automatic GT but she set him straight :) To date she is the only girlfriend I have ever drag raced :)

[@7cougar0]

Sounds like a lady who knows her cars.

[@enerrivers4392]

Who would be enemy's w/a former gal pal who wheeled a vette. Smart move,pal. I,traded my Silver anniversary L82,4spd, gymkhana suspension ,glass tops, everything but the CB. I knew that was a fad. Loved it better than the Collector Edition. No sport car, no muscle car, just a 2 seat GT TOURER. The $$$ was out of this world. I had fun in it but on highways. Had a bit of problems w/both new tranny, & @ times the fuel injection. Still the most BEAUTIFUL to d8.

[@MAllen-ng8pl]

the c3 was the best body style of all vettes. my favorite is the 68. i think it still looks futuristic.

[@nevillechapman9761]

I remember seeing these in the UK and thinking WOW. What an amazing looking car, I think of it in the same way as the Lambo Contach but somehow more beautiful, less aggressive and just cooooool.

[@michaelstratton6701]

I have a 1980, black on black, gets a lot of looks

[@wadeguidry6675]

C3 Vettes look as wild as the era they were built in. Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Kiss and C3 Vettes forever!

[@johndale8614]

The 79-82 style vette was imo one of the best looking! The lines are just flawless! Forget about the engine!

[@ronaldwelch903]

I have 1980 with 6234 Miles, still smell new.

[@roberthuttle]

ronald welch If your ever want to let that go..I'm right here.. exactly what I want..

[@jasonK1375]

I have an 82 w 40k on it that my dad left me when he passed. Garaged and never seen a drop of water from the sky or a hose. Look up My dad's 1982 corvette

[@JeffJohnson-1982]

Hello, I just purchased a 1982 collectors edition with the same amount mileage. Nothing beats the looks of the 80-82 vettes. I also had a white/oyster 1980 vette in 1983.

[@margerymorris7827]

Don't let Uncle Bob ride in it. Bob don't stink good. :-(

[@daveb1081]

@@jasonK1375 they rain tested them for leaks before they left the factory, so thats BS imo

[@kcountrycorvettes]

Each generation has their good points and bad points. Myself,I own a 2007 LeMans Blue Z06 and I’m love with it. 10 years on,I still smile when I push the start button and it fires up. The smile never goes away.

[@roberthuttle]

80 and 81 are my personal favorite years. Steering wheel set in a little crooked to fit. The drop when you went from park to reverse, so unique. Just a beautiful car, not a real performer but I can live with that.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Here you go: a couple hundred dollars in engine parts still really bumps the HP and MPG up on '72 - '84 Vettes...

[@wiiambarnarx8485]

I've only ever ridden in a 1978 white anniversary edition Corvette. I was working in a warehouse as their driver delivering parts and my boss actually let me drive his corvette to go run an important errand for him. It was great, even though my favorite body style is 67 thru 72.

[@phillipgarrow2297]

I have 2016 Z51 with a supercharger 7 speed manual they sure have evolved

[@vassa1972]

pretty cool always loved the vettes no matter what year it was, merry Christmas and Happy New year from me in Hamilton Ontario Canada

[@everythingautomotiveeta5839]

Really really enjoyed this, thank you

[@ketoking9435]

Always Luv your vid's,,,,for me the C3 was the best,,,when I worked here in UK in an American speed&spares shop I sold a clutch assembly for one of these it was heavy as hell,,,I know someone who has a Chrome front bumper rear plastic bumper model with non wrap round rear screen fitted with a Pontiac 400ci,,,,a local garage owner has a Chrome bumpered 454ci,,once again a very big thank you for this great vid,

[@rea8755]

Outstanding informative video!

[@jimdordan1794]

I still love to have a 81 corvette they are still the best to me.

[@dvamateur]

I like the C3. My favorite one of all was the one featured in Miami Vice with the Daytona body kit. Spectacular car. The C3 itself was very nice too, although it seemed to have more of a boy racer bandit looks than C4's Beverly Hills feel.

[@gregoryhammond9541]

For me, any corvette 1982 and prior is outstanding.

[@dannybam1]

Very lucky to have my 2nd 1981 c3 all black silver interior doing the car little-by-little Great video

[@joseramos-tf2qn]

I bought my 82’ Vette last year. I love it!!

[@thehomer5913]

Great video! I've always loved the exterior styling of the C3. But I'm amazed at the "rat's nest" appearance under the hood! Holy moly, where do all those tubes and hoses go? I know emissions regulations were constantly changing, and automakers were scrambling to keep up, but as a comparison, the engine bay of the C5 is as beautiful as the exterior. I'm glad they got it right, eventually...

[@bolt4694]

I sold Corvettes in 81 - 82, Had a few late seventies on the lot. All of them drove like log wagons and beat you to death. And they were all rattle traps. But they were still major cool.

[@Travishatz]

I love how people are finally starting to appreciate these last c3’s. Thanks for posting this great info.👌

[@xetexuk12]

The C3 was the nicest shaped Corvette imo, lovely.

[@justaskforbobdesign]

The best design ever in a corvette!

[@micksterboone4517]

So glad I've hung on to my four-speed '71 base coupe despite life trying to take it away.

[@AB-hf6cm]

My dream Corvette 1982,hope to own one .someday😁

[@Hazwaste63]

Timeless beauty. As for the mild engines, they were considered pretty fast compared to the others that were available to us at the time.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

And a couple hundred dollars in engine parts still really bumps the HP up on '72 - '84 Vettes...

[@vassa1972]

Great video I always loved the vettes since the beginning

[@bycracky22]

68 to 82 are my favorite. Dont get me wrong, 67 in my opinion is the model i fell for first. Plan on getting one eventually. Have 68, 80 and 85. C3 made the corvette what it is today

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Awesome looking Corvette. This is my favourite version of this generation Corvette. My older cousin had one like this. I was too young at the time, but I remember admiring its looks, if nothing else.

[@mk84boom]

My best friend got himself a 78 Vette back in the early 90's. Cruisin' in it was simply awesome and it was an awesome way to spend part of my early 20's. Just recently discovered this channel, please keep up the awesome work!!!

[@chriskurtz6288]

I have an 84, and am looking for an 80 for next toy. But 78 pacecar is the final goal.

[@youngestson6537]

Great video. Very informative and interesting.

[@joeguerra3433]

I have owned a 82 for 20 years and get tempted to trade it for a c5, but i just cant do it. I would forever regret it. Mine is not a 2 tone thou. I repainted it. Its a metallic blue, looks great because of the body curves. I get alot of thumbs-up when driving around.

[@melvinthompson4323]

Very cool information thanks 😎👍🏼

[@Toppervision1]

Great information. Thank you.

[@arkbak1333]

Great video. Thanks

[@lenjames]

I'm 54 and just bought a super clean 34k mile 1981 silver vette. My dream car in high school . I'm not much of a Corvette fan after the 1984 Vetts on. Today's Vette to me is one cheap looking super car wannabe. My vette sits proudly next to my 911 but I have to say I look at my Vette more. What a sexy car with the lines of a women's figure. Great vid

[@a456987]

My dad's got a red 80 that he won in a raffle draw

[@freeyourmind8849]

Don't forget the sidepipes.

[@mikeholland1031]

Not on smog years

[@dannylachman1]

I have a '77 C3 t-top, a '03 c5 50th anniversary, a '76 mustang ii, a '56 wrangler, a '71 vw buggy, and a '87 trans am........BUT the c3 is by faaaaarrrrrrr my fav car. Absolutely nothing beats it's look, with all the curves. Awesome car

[@adamtrombino106]

I stopped liking Vettes when they got the Camaro rear end, and became a really big car! C3s and 4s are my favs!

[@rickb2432]

Adam Trombino I love my ‘85 C4-1st year for the 230 hp L98 which is an absolute torque monster capable of topping at 150 mph even with the archaic smog control system.

[@akishot6735]

c2

[@rickb2432]

orion deschamps I’d love to have a ‘63 split window-problem is I couldn’t make a down payment on one today with what I gave for my C4.

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

@@rickb2432 I’ve had LS1’s and LS6’s, and love their low end torque and off idle power. Apparently the 2nd gen (LT-1’s) have an even lower onset of torque than the LS’s, even though they ultimately produce less peak horsepower/torque at lower revs. The L98 took this a step further; off-idle power was wild. Those Corvettes produced 0-60 times in the mid-5’s which wasn’t bad at all.

[@bradwilliams4921]

These are my favorite C3s.

[@Physengineer]

Not a collectors, but I have an 82 vette. I love it.

[@ledger35]

The 80-82 may not have had the horses but it sure had sexiness! My 1981 still turns heads whenever we go for a spin.

[@hojo70]

I had a metallic brown 1980 L48, loved that car!

[@MojaveDan]

I had a 1982. I updated the California smog-mobile L82 engine with 202 camel back heads. Balanced & blueprinted. HUGE difference in performance while still passing CA smog. Got a 140+ mph speeding ticket in it. What amazed me was getting a lot better gas mileage yet had a lot more HP. I really liked the crossfire fuel injectors that was carried over to the 1984 model. Very simple and straightforward. Easy to maintain and repair. I sold it to a friend of mine after getting the big speeding ticket and spending a night in jail for it. He eventually sold it and lost track of where it sent. I missed that car. It was the only can I really bonded with.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Even cheaper, a couple hundred dollars in engine parts still really bumps the HP up on '72 - '84 Vettes...

[@brentjo1911]

Like the 63 C2 Corvette the 73 C3 will always be a classic. One of a kind.

[@qweasd41ste]

Love my 1980 Corvette😄

[@blackygunzz]

@ Per Arve Vatneol: i love my 1981 Corvette.

[@Corvettesean81hotmail]

Thanks for the info!

[@lennyd.9270]

C3 bodystyle was the most beautiful.

[@MrDjh66]

Good luck heavy D I have a 66 convertible but love all years

[@bubbaclinton1105]

Love my 1980 C3, no hot rod but a L48 4sp is still fun to drive... it drives small!

[@anugroho1174]

One of the most beautiful cars EVER..

[@BrewBlaster]

Anyone iv'e known who had these years have modified the power-trains. I mean, why no? Still, they are beautiful cars.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Yep, a couple hundred dollars in engine parts still really bumps the HP up on '72 - '84 Vettes...

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

Yep. Headers, exhaust, air intake, intake manifold, cam, upgrade fuel system, shorter rear-end gear set, etc. all would individually go quite a ways towards increasing performance.

[@cazgerald9471]

My favorite designs in order: C3, C2, C1. I'd love to own any generation, Corvettes are my favorite extravagance I'll never own.

[@randywatsonii3173]

Why not? There are deals out there

[@studio-flash]

I like the 1969 vette to me the ultimate vette..

[@ericgeorge5483]

Mostly, I have never been a fan of American cars for many reasons, the Corvette however is one of a few that I absolutely LOVE, especially the C3. It looks every bit as stunning today and way better than the models that followed it. The C3 is truly one of the most stunning creations in automotive history.

[@christrek1027]

I always wanted a yellow one! Maybe some day.

[@johndifrancisco3642]

I bet whoever waited for the '83 was PISSED!

[@iluvcamaros1912]

Nice joke, but I think the '82 MY ran long and the '84 was super early so I don't think the gap in Corvette availability would've been huge.

[@johnhutchison9782]

I had an 83 Corvette..... Well, it was built in December of 1983. 😏

[@giancarlolugo9586]

@@johnhutchison9782 the 82" Corvette might be slow but the lines of the body are my favorite ones along with the C5 corvette just drop an LS5 and that thing will have the best of the 2 worlds powerful engine and a nice body coming from a JDM fan

[@catjudo1]

I always loved the way the C3 looked with the glassback rear window. It would be fun to get one with a manual, as I just can't see buying a wimp-shift Corvette if I don't have to. Never thought the C4 was as good looking even if it was supposed to be a better car. Still looks kinda dull today unfortunately.

[@brandonreeh1637]

I'm doing a 5.3L LS swap on my 1981 vette. I found a spot for a cold air in closed intake system for it. I'm also going to put a 4L80e Transmission.

[@ht-js5qh]

It's a year later, did you do the swap? If not, don't give up. It'll be so worth the time and expense.

[@CrowdControl123]

IMO, the 80-82 Corvettes were the best looking of the C3's. Can you imagine an LS3 ahead of a modern auto or even a 6speed in one??? What a car that would be! I had a '74 and a '76. Neither was fast by today's standards, but they were very good cars and handled nicely.

[@magiccheeseball]

those are nice cars you had , i like the small back window they had before it changed in 78. i had a 81 back then, i loved the look of the body the most too but i like the look of the small back window better.

[@adrianpeterson9668]

78-82 I think is nowhere near as good looking as the earlier c3’s

[@IcelanderUSer]

Adrian Peterson early c3 vettes were super awesome for the time. Late versions worked for the 80s too.

[@studio-flash]

Adrian Peterson i agree...but i do like the forward facing front end.

[@markcheetah4960]

@@adrianpeterson9668 I was drooling over that green convertible at 1:24