Guide for the 1980 Corvette
Chevrolet put the 1980 Corvette on a diet, resulting in a lighter sports car with better fuel economy.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Since the mid-1970s oil crisis, Chevrolet knew it would have to make leaner and more fuel-efficient cars. The 1980 Corvette was an example of a sports car being put on a diet, with a slimmer and lighter body, better fuel economy, and a second engine displacement (305 cubic inches) designed to meet California’s strict smog standards.
The reception to the 1980 Corvette was decidedly mixed—some hailed it as a sports car heralding an exciting, more environmentally-friendly future. Others? Well, let’s just say some people found the idea of a lighter, more economical, slightly slower (180 horsepower compared to the ‘79’s 195), and less down-and-dirty roadster to be absolute un-automotive nonsense.
Feelings aside, if you’re looking to buy a 1980 Corvette to drive (or to destroy and crush it into a cube, never to grace the road again), you can find one on the used market. You’ll pay anywhere from $12,500 for a low-end used model to north of $30,000 for a used ‘80 in excellent condition.
If you’re looking for one of these polarizing 1980 exotics, the
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Ownership costs for a 1980 Corvette
The costs of owning a 1980 Corvette depend on its condition, what kind of engine is under the hood, and the style of Corvette you’re driving—be it a Chevy, Stingray, or Corvette.
If you’re looking for a cheaper ‘80 Corvette to fix up yourself, you’ll likely be able to find one for around $12,500. On average, 1980 Corvettes go for around $17,700, while a high-end ‘80 in excellent shape costs on average $29,900—but it can easily cost more.
If you’re wondering about the actual ownership costs of a 1980 Corvette, it's hard to pin down exactly. Even one in great shape, you’ll likely run into more problems with this 40+-year-old car than with a new car fresh off the lot. If you’re going to grab one of these ‘Vettes, we here at Jerry strongly suggest you take it to a qualified, licensed mechanic for a thorough once-over before you plunk down your hard-earned cash.
Where to buy a 1980 Corvette
If you’re hell-bent on purchasing a 1980 Corvette, there are a few places online to look. Check out
Classic Cars
, Craigslist, and scour auctions—you never know what you’ll find. Also, be sure to check out any Corvette forums
to see what the Corvette fanatics have to offer.
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What does the 1980 Corvette bring to the table?
The ‘80 Corvette brings lots of change to the table, which is perhaps why so many auto enthusiasts had strong reactions when Corvette first unveiled this speedster. What were they aghast about? A redesign based on fuel efficiency, including dropping the vehicle’s overall weight to meet tougher fuel efficiency standards.
Strengths and weaknesses of the 1980 Corvette
We here at Jerry love our sports cars, but we love having a planet to live on—and drive on—even more. So we think the changes Chevrolet brought to the Corvette back in 1980 were ahead of their time. and thus one of the model’s strengths.
The good: speed
Yes, the more enviro-friendly 1980 Corvette can still burn rubber—with its bigger L82 engine, it went from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a quicksilver 7.2 seconds. Even if more fuel-efficient, it still offers plenty of power, with 180 horsepower on the base L48 engine.
The good: 250 pounds lighter
The ‘80 Corvette was quite svelte by ‘Vette standards. It had a lighter overall structure that featured an aluminum differential housing and front frame cross member (as opposed to steel), lower density roof panels, and reduced thickness of its hood and outdoor skin. Corvette also added lots of plastic components on both the exterior and interior to reduce the vehicle’s weight.
The good: more fuel-efficient
Yup, shedding all that weight made for a much slimmer, sleeker, and more fuel-efficient Corvette than previous models. A new 305 cubic inch engine displacement was specifically designed to meet California’s strict smog rules, and previously optional front and rear spoilers were incorporated as standard features to reduce drag.
The bad: no side rally flags
Turning the 1980 Corvette into a skinny-mini (relatively speaking, of course) meant reducing weight wherever possible—including removing the ‘Vette's iconic chrome rally flag logos from the car’s sides. Does this small touch make the 1980 Corvette look kinda…well…naked? Yes.
The bad: a muscle-less Corvette?
Some Corvette enthusiasts see the 1980 version as a weaker version of the classic. That, of course, is in the eye of the beholder. But some ‘Vetteheads just can’t bring themselves to drive one of these skinny—but still beautiful—beauties.
The bottom line—which 1980 Corvette to buy
In 1980, the Corvette was offered in the standard L48 trim, along with two variants—the L82, which featured a bigger engine and more power, or the LG8, or California-specific version.
Whichever type of 1980 Corvette you get your hands on, you’ll want to ensure that a qualified, licensed mechanic gives it a thorough inspection before purchase. Older cars, even refurbished ones, can hide problems that the inexperienced eye can’t see. Make sure you are buying a used Corvette that’s in great shape, and not one that will give you avoidable problems down the road.
How to save money on car insurance for the 1980 Corvette
So, you’ve decided to buy a 1980 Corvette? Congratulations!
Now insure that exotic (and divisive) sports car with a robust car insurance policy using
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