The 1980 Corvette - how it all started!
The 1980 Corvette came off the line as a lighter, nimbler version of its former self. The era of the heavy gas-guzzler was coming to a close, and new fuel economy standards were forcing the change. Lightened roof panels, an aluminum differential housing and crossmember in addition to a thinner hood, windshield, frame and door panels all helped bring the car down its lighter weight. New bumper caps with integrated spoilers for both ends were featured in the 1980 model, which were similar to the 1979 and (pace car replica) 1978 spoilers. The grille was raked slightly back, yielding a reduction in the drag coefficient from 0.503 to .443. A roof panel carrier became a popular option (RPO V54; $125.00), and freed up considerable storage space. The use of plastics throughout the car was more prevalent than previous editions, and exterior chrome was kept to an absolute minimum.
In additon to other 1980 Corvette options, a seat improvement came with the addition of a cloth seat. First available on the 1978 pace car replicas, and then standard on 1979 'vettes, the seats were available in either cloth or leather for the first time with the 1980 model. Still true today, leather usually trumps cloth for style and overall appearance, but cloth can be a winner on hot summer days.
In the 1970's, Federal emissions requirements took an axe to American muscle cars, and no car's peformance and image suffered more than the Corvette (check out the 1980 Corvette specifications). In California, stricter state regulations dictated the marginal 350 cubic-inch smallblock in the 1980 Corvette be replaced with a woefully inadequate 305 V8, putting out a mere 180 horsepower. To add to the misery, the "California" Corvette, as it had become to be called, suffered from a torque-sapping three-speed automatic transmission. Federal regulations at the time also called for a speedometer with a top speed indicated at 85 mph. There was, however, no such limitation to the top speed of the Corvette.
Check out the 1980 Corvette colors, or contine to the next page.
Links:
www.chevrolet.com/corvette
