1980 was a lousy year. John Lennon was assassinated, inflation was out-of-control, the economy was in a state of purgatory and Corvettes were being face-lifted… and you had to settle for one with a 350ci V8 – a rather limp 190hp from a 5.0-litre lump of small-block torture. And if that wasn’t enough, a controversial federal law ruled that all speedometers had to read to a maximum of 85 mph (137 km/h).
The good news, however, was that the Corvette shed 250 pounds. The hood and door panels got thinner, rear differential housing and supports were manufactured from aluminium, both front and rear spoilers were restyled and molded to each bumper. This improved ‘integrated’ aerodynamics resulted in a significant reduction in drag and increased air-flow to the radiator. Air conditioning became standard, as did the tilt-telescopic steering column, power windows and exterior sport mirrors.
This story is from the Edition 76 edition of SA Hot Rods.
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This story is from the Edition 76 edition of SA Hot Rods.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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