They may not have been the best performing Corvettes ever, but the 1980–82 C3s still hit me right in the nostalgia zone. My first Corvette — a red L48 automatic ’80 bought from a Delta pilot in the fall of ’83 — wasn’t fast, wasn’t fancy, but it was mine, and that feeling never really leaves you.

This Black 1980 Corvette 4-speed on Bring a Trailer? It’s everything my first one wasn’t — tighter, louder, more purposeful — thanks to the manual gearbox, Doug’s headers, and those polished side pipes that look ready to sing.

The seller picked up this car on BaT back in 2019, and the service history since 2020 is extensive – with an alternator rebuild, steering components, brake refresh, cooling system work, suspension bushings, ignition parts.

Finished in black over black, it retains its factory leather interior, T tops, and Gymkhana Suspension. The 350ci L48 V8 sends power through a four speed manual and a Positraction rear — the setup California buyers couldn’t get in 1980 thanks to emissions rules.

Mileage sits at 58k, with about 2k added by the seller. It comes with the owner’s manual, service records, and a clean Illinois title.

As you might expect from a black car that’s 46 years old now, it does have its share of small chips scattered throughout, but the overall effect is nice. A front end repaint in 1999 addressed accident damage, and small chips remain — mostly around the rear quarter panels.

The 15″ eight slot alloys wear BFGoodrich Radial T/As, and the Gymkhana Suspension plus fresh steering/brake work should make this one feel tighter than most surviving C3s.

Black leather buckets (driver’s cushion repaired in 2017), power windows/locks, R134a converted A/C, fresh rubber seals, repaired sun visor — all signs of a car that’s been kept functional, not just shiny.

The L48 350ci V8 was factory rated at 190 hp for 49 state cars — and this one is a true 350, not the California only 305 LG4. Recent work includes a rebuilt alternator, new fan clutch, water pump, ignition wires, and plugs.

From BaT readers, we glean more information.

C3Lee points out the obvious: 350 > 305, always.

vvassallo reminds us how tough California emissions laws were — even forcing him to sell his ’80 out of state.

Cmara provides a great VIN decode confirming this car’s legit L48 heritage.

Suppo762 digs the sidepipes — and honestly, who doesn’t?

LMK447, the seller, notes extensive service work and even shares that the original California owner traveled to Nevada just to get a 4 speed.

This is the kind of C3 I love seeing on BaT: honest, sorted, documented, and still wearing the right drivetrain. A black on black, 4 speed, side pipe ’80 with Gymkhana Suspension isn’t rare, but it is the exact spec that turns a “slow year” Corvette into a genuinely fun driver. Wish mine was still in my garage 43 years later!

Source:
Bring a Trailer

Related:
Corvettes for Sale: 1967 Corvette Coupe with Original Tri-Power 427/400 L68 Offered on Craigslist
Corvettes for Sale: 36K-Mile 1971 Corvette Stingray Offered on eBay
Corvettes for Sale: 14K-Mile 1953/2003 Corvette Z06 Commemorative Edition Offered on Bring a Trailer

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