21.000 €
PRICE ESTIMATION
05.07.2026
AUCTION END

Chevrolet Corvette C3 Targa (1981)

Chevrolet Corvette C3 Targa, Condition Grade 2, sporty color combination, matching numbers (1981)

Open to offersExpert report

Permanent listing

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Overview

Manufacturer
Model
Corvette C3 Targa
Year
1981
Transmission
Automatic
Horsepower
190
Milage
76.490 Meilen
Country Version
US
Location
DE-26954 Nordenham
Color
Charcoal Grey
Type of auction
Permanent listing
For permanent listings, you can submit offers. The offer is forwarded to the seller via Kickdown. You will receive a response indicating whether your price offer has been accepted.
Ends at
05/07/2026 7:50 PM
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Moritz HelbichMoritz Helbich‪+49 40 22897042‬
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Chevrolet Corvette C3 Targa (1981)

Moritz Helbich

Kickdown's Take

by Moritz Helbich

This 1981 Corvette C3 Targa is a classic American sports car in an attractive configuration: the 5.7-liter V8, the Targa roof, and the sporty color combination of Charcoal Gray with red faux leather are timeless. The Classic Data rating of 2 attests to its well-maintained condition. The entire ignition system was upgraded in January 2024, and the last service was performed in March 2025. As a result, this C3 offers true value retention for enthusiasts of American classics.

Price Estimation21.000 € - 24.000 €
Vehicle description

Kickdown Check

  • On-site kickdown assessment completed
    • 207 photos
    • Video including engine running
  • Classic Data evaluation from November 2020 with a grade of 2 available

Facts & Specifications

  • Year of manufacture: 1981
  • First registration: USA
  • Engine: 5.7-liter V8 engine with 190 PS (140 kW)
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Exterior color: Charcoal gray
  • Interior: red faux leather
  • TÜV valid until 03/2027, H license plate

Condition

Exterior

  • Exterior color is Charcoal Gray
  • Repainting cannot be ruled out
  • The body is in well-maintained condition with slight age-related signs of wear
  • There are no known defects on the body
  • There is no known rust

Interior

  • The car has a red faux leather interior
  • The interior is in very good condition with a slight patina
  • There are no known defects in the interior.

Mechanics

  • The vehicle is registered and ready to drive immediately
  • The V8 engine runs flawlessly. The automatic transmission also shifts smoothly
  • In January 2024, the entire ignition system, the ignition module, the ignition coil, and the ECM computer were replaced
  • The heat exchanger was removed in the U.S. and not reinstalled, as the vehicle was driven only in the summer. Therefore, the heater and air conditioning are not operational
  • Last maintenance: 03/2025

History

Ownership History

  • 2020 to present: Current owner
  • Number of owners: 3, according to the seller
  • Initial registration: USA

Service History

  • 2025: Last service
  • 2024: Complete ignition system replaced, including ignition module, ignition coil, and ECM

Documents

  • Classic Data appraisal from 11/2020, Grade 2
  • Certificate of Title
  • Invoices
  • TÜV inspection report
  • TÜV Report
  • Vehicle Registration Certificate & Vehicle Title

Summary

For sale is a 1981 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Targa in Charcoal Gray with an automatic transmission. The vehicle was originally delivered in the U.S. The odometer reading is 76,490 miles, but this cannot be verified. A Classic Data appraisal from 2020 with a grade of 2 is available; additionally, the Corvette has a TÜV inspection valid through March 2027 and an H license plate. The last service was performed in March 2025; in January 2024, the entire ignition system, the ignition module, the ignition coil, and the ECM computer were also replaced. Both the body and the interior are described as “good” with slight signs of wear. One technical issue worth noting is that the heat exchanger was removed in the U.S. and has not been reinstalled. With approximately 5,000 euros in investments made by the current owner, this Corvette C3 offers an interesting opportunity for enthusiasts of classic American sports cars.

If the seller is a private individual, the vehicle is always sold without warranty. The description of this auction has been made to the best of the seller's knowledge. The condition of this vehicle is based on the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. The description and photos are for reference. Kickdown does not guarantee the accuracy of the listing and recommends a viewing. The seller decides whether a viewing can be made. Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description and make all necessary inquiries before placing a bid. For this purpose, please use the comments and questions section for additional information. Please read our terms and conditions for more details.

Vehicle videos

Kickdown check

  • Expert report available
  • Kickdown photographer was on site
  • Video of the vehicle available
  • Main inspection
  • Current service performed

Comments of this past auction

  • 03.07.2026 17:09

    Technik: Die Produktion begann im September 1967. 1981 stand zum zweiten Mal nach dem Dezember 1953 ein Umzug an: Die Produktion wurde von St. Louis/Missouri nach Bowling Green/Kentucky verlagert, also in jenes Werk, in dem heute noch die Corvette vom Band läuft. Ungewöhnlich war die parallele Fertigung der C3-Modelle im Juni und Juli 1981. In St. Louis entstanden in diesen beiden Monaten die unifarbenen Versionen, während in Bowling Green die zweifarbigen Varianten produziert wurden. Die Produktion lief bis Oktober 1982. Es wurden insgesamt 542.861 Corvette C3 gebaut, darunter befinden sich 70.586 Cabrios, die nur von 1967 bis 1975 gebaut wurden. Mit fast 543.000 gebauten Modellen in 15 Jahren knüpft die C3 an die Erfolge ihrer Vorgänger an. Auch das beste Produktionsjahr in der Geschichte der Corvette überhaupt, das Jahr 1979 mit exakt 53.807 Einheiten (nach 46.776 Einheiten 1978), fällt in die Epoche der C3-Corvette. Bis 1981 (40.606 Stück) hielt dieses Modell sich relativ beständig, im letzten Modelljahr 1982 sank die Produktion aber auf 25.407 Exemplare. Die Preise begannen 1968 bei 4663 USD für das Coupé und 4347 USD für das Cabriolet. Bis zum Jahr 1975 stieg der Preis für das Coupé auf 7117 USD und auf 6857 USD für das Cabriolet. Die C3 war gegenüber der europäischen und japanischen Konkurrenz ab 1982 nunmehr chancenlos. Das sollte ab 1983 mit dem Nachfolgemodell Corvette C4 geändert werden.