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| 1981 Corvette History Home Page | Factory Price Guide | | Body Codes | Engine Specs | Trans./Chassis Specs | | 1981 Corvette Serial and Production Numbers | 1981 Corvette History Introduced: September 25,1980. Model-year production: 40,606 (but Chevrolet first reported a total of 40,593 units). Calendar-year production: 27,990. Model-year sales by U.S. dealers: 33,414. Of the total output this model year, 8,995 Corvettes came out of the new plant at Bowling Green, Kentucky, which began production in June 1981. Despite some weak years in the industry, Corvette sales remained strong through this period. The most significant change this year was hidden from view. Corvettes with Turbo Hydra�Matic had a new fiberglass-reinforced mono-leaf rear spring that weighed just eight pounds (33 pounds less than the multi-leaf steel spring it replaced). The new spring eliminated interleaf friction. Manual-shift models kept the old spring, as did those with option�al Gymkhana suspension. A new L81 version of the 350-cid V-8 arrived this year. It was rated for 190 hp, with light�weight magnesium rocker arm covers. New stainless-steel free-flowing exhaust manifolds weighed 14 pounds less than the previous cast iron manifolds. A new thermostatically-controlled auxiliary electric fan boosted cooling and allowed use of a smaller main fan. The engine air cleaner had a new chromed cover. A new Computer Command Control system controlled fuel metering, as well as the torque con�verter lock-up clutch that operated in second and third gears. Manual transmission was available in all 50 states. It was the first time in several years that buyers of Corvettes sold in California could order a stick shift. A quartz crystal clock was now standard. The Corvette's standard anti-theft alarm added a starter-interrupt device. Side door glass was made even thinner again, in a further attempt to cut overall car weight. Joining the option list was a six-way power seat. Electronic-tuning radios could have built-in cassette or 8-track tape players or a CB transceiver. Corvette buyers had a choice of cloth-and-vinyl or leather-and-vinyl uphol�stery. Corvettes came with P225/70R-15 steel-belted radial blackwall tires on 15 x 8 inch wheels. The optional Gymkhana suspension (price $54) was also included with the trailer towing package. All two-tone cars were painted at the new plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Interiors came in Silver Gray; Charcoal; Dark Blue; Camel; Dark Red; and Medium Red. Content May Not Be Copied Or Reproduced Without Written Permission. |