Corvette Model Gallery
1981
The Corvette was moving. The first car off the new line in Bowling Green on June 1 was Frost Beige but the St Louis plant continued producing past this date till August 1. The only time production occurred in two locations simultaneously.
As could be expected there would be no styling changes although the emblems changed slightly. Mechanically there were a number of minor improvements but then it was normal for Corvette to perfect their car just before replacing it. It was also the first year of computer controlled engine. With the move to Bowling Green came improved paint technologies and Chevy was able to offer two color paint options for the first time since the painted coves of the late ‘50s. Four different combinations would be offered and this option would be continued into 1982 and into the early C4 years.
The Corvette brochure insisted that...."no other American car looks like or stirs the spirit like Corvette...This is what a sports car was meant to be." One would have to agree that there was no other American car like the Corvette but to say this was what sports cars should be was pure advertising hype. When the number of radio options out number the engine options 5 to 1, clearly Corvette was no longer being aimed at the sports car/performance enthusiast.
The model:
Before we start, let's make sure we are clear on the scope of
this project. This is not a super duper mega ultra build, but rather a
restoration of an old bomb. Even more, it was a ZERO budget build. Not a single
penny was used on this. Everything came from the parts box. Even the paints used
were leftover from other projects.
The engine insert was beyond hope so it was built as a curbside.
Cobra Colors Arctic white, pearl mid coat and clear.
Tire decals are very old from a '78 Pace car. They looked good but now the
carrier film is showing in some of them.
For the record, this is what I started with plus another one
in similar shape.
If you would like to contact me on this model his e-mail address is: tatocorvette@hotmail.com
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Page updated 08/24/08