1980 C3 Chevrolet Corvette Model Guide
History, Specifications, VIN, Options, Performance, & More
1980 Corvette Research
The Ultimate 1980 Corvette Database
In-Depth Guide / Special Models / Videos & Pics / Technical Research / Colors / Engines / The Market / Latest
Everything You Want to Know About the 1980 Corvette, All in One Place.
The arrival of the 1980 Chevy Corvette came on the heels of another fuel crisis that had impacted the American automotive market – and, more generally, the national economy – as a whole. Much like the fuel crisis of the early seventies, when the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo had cutoff petroleum exports to many parts of the world, a second energy crisis had emerged after the Shah of Iran was overthrown during a revolution that had occurred in that country – and the results were nearly the same.
Just as OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) had caused dramatic increases in the cost of fuel exports, the dissent and fallout from Iran’s political upheaval had caused similar price increases. The United States, in response to the 1973 OPEC embargo on petroleum, had enacted CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy). CAFE had aimed to improve the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks sold throughout the U.S. Now, given the continued upheaval in the Middle East and the resulting increase to petroleum prices, new CAFE standards were being implemented. This meant the Corvette would have to be put on a “diet” if it was to continue being a viable production vehicle.
In response to the CAFE mandate, Chevrolet decided that the first-stage of trimming back the Corvette would mean the elimination of some 250 pounds from the current design. Engineers considered every option to lighten the car’s structure while trying to maintain its structural integrity.
1980 Corvette - The Ultimate Guide
Mechanically, the 1980 Corvette suffered some because of increasingly stringent emissions regulations. The base L48 engine, which had been rated at 195 horsepower in 1979, lost five bhp as a result of emissions tuning – taking it back to 190HP at 4,400rpm and 280lbs/ft. of torque at 2,400rpm. Worse was the impact that California emission standards had on the Corvette.
1980 Corvette Special Editions
Doesn't get any better than this.
1980 Corvette Technical Research & Data
Dig into the numbers behind the 1980 Corvette and check out these hand-curated research papers and data-driven reports, including VIN information, production numbers, pricing/options, color samples, and more.
1980 Corvette Engines
Looking for information on the engines powering the 1980 Corvette? Look no further.
1980 Corvette Market & Sales Data
1980 Corvette auction and sales area. We share upcoming auctions, recent auction results, cool 1980 Corvettes we find for sale and commentary on the current market for the 1980 Corvette.
The Best Resource for 1980 Corvette News, Auctions, Reviews & Videos
Get all the latest news stories, upcoming auctions, prices, videos and more about the 1980 Chevrolet Corvette! The latest headlines here.
From the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, automakers responded to stricter emissions and safety regulations, along with rising insurance concerns for...
The Duntov Turbo was built as a partnership between American Custom Industries (ACI), a company known for building replacement Corvette body panels, and Zora Arkus-Duntov. It was developed as a highly-stylized convertible sports car based on the production model Corvette (remember that GM had stopped building Corvette convertibles after 1975.)...
The Vette’s performance dropped significantly during the early to mid-1970s, at the hands of newly implemented federal emissions standards, yet it remained relevant. At a point in which many iconic American performance cars fell by the wayside, the Corvette soldiered on. This served as a true testament to many of the memorable Corvette powerplants that were developed during the C3 era.
For all 1980 Corvettes, the location of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is stamped on a plate attached to the left front body hinge pillar.
Download this 1980 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure for a quick look at the features of the car. How many other cars can you name at a single glance? That should tell you something about the continuing uniqueness of Corvette. It could very well be the most recognizable...
We've scoured the web to curate the factory pricing, options, and interior/exterior color options for the 1980 Chevrolet Corvette.
Looking for information on how to maintain your 1980 Corvette? We've curated resources to help you keep your Corvette in great shape for years to come!
See the complete technical specifications and performance information for the 1980 Chevrolet Corvette, including engine specs, acceleration, & quarter mile.
The Duntov Turbo was built as a partnership between American Custom Industries (ACI), a company known for building replacement Corvette body panels, and Zora Arkus-Duntov. It was developed as a highly-stylized convertible sports car based on the production model Corvette. Each of the special Duntov Turbo's also came with a turbocharged V8.
GM found itself facing a critical question of sorts. Should the industry giant forgo the sale of Corvettes in California during 1980 or attempt to rectify a troubling situation. In the end, buyers in California would be able to purchase a Corvette, albeit with a variation of the same engine that was offered in Chevrolet’s passenger cars of that era, the 305 cubic-inch V8.
It Only Took a Few Hours to Get It Running Vice Grip Garage has some truly fantastic video content, but the video below recently caught my eye. The video is a long one at about 51 minutes, but you can skip around to the good parts. Basically, he bought a...
We have curated the ultimate collection of the 1980 Corvette Wallpapers and HD backgrounds for you to enjoy. Free to download
The C3 Corvette rolled off of the assembly line and into the hearts of sports car and performance enthusiasts alike,...
Chevrolet sold 40,614 Corvettes in 1980, which was roughly a 20 percent decline in sales from the 1979 model year. At the same time, the numbers were still respectable.
1980 C3 Corvette RPO Codes, Options Codes & Order Guide If you are looking to decode your 1980 Corvette RPO’s...
You Can Own This One-of-a-Kind 1980 Stingray Restomod Pro-Touring Corvette! Earlier this month, Corvsport.com published an article about a custom...
The “Family-Friendly” 1980 Corvette Sedan… THEN… Once upon a time, a company known as California Custom Coach created a total of six (6) four-door 1980 C3 Corvette sedans. The car was developed around the belief that many Corvette owners were selling their beloved possession for “something more practical” when the...
This Owners Guide contains important information regarding the operation and maintenance of your 1980 Corvette. In order to obtain maximum enjoyment and usage from your car, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the contents...
C3 Corvette Car Covers Custom Fit C3 1968-1982 Chevy Corvette Car Cover A custom made car cover for all 1968-1982...
