built a chevy 350 a couple of months ago for my dad, nothing crazy just a solid 400hp motor, anyway after much searching i think we might have it down between 2 cars

first is an 81 vette that my dad looked at, said it needs a few minor things but over best vette hes seen so far, everything worked exp power window and pass side n rear bumper paint was faded, car has L82 auto and 46K org miles
havent given the guy and offer yet but we're think $5000 cash should buy it

second is a 71 camaro, base not z28 or anything, chevy 350 and th350 but org came with a 6cyl, nice looking car with some bondo work, needs floor pans in the front and trunk pan, asking 4500 negotiable

he wants to spend the least amount of money, have a nice weekend warrior and when he sells it, not to lose any of his investment and perf make a couple of bucks a couple of yrs down the road... or leave it to me in his will

whats everyone's thoughts? sorry for the long post, heres some pics

 

I say the Camaro -- it's a much prettier car.

 

I would say the camaro as well. Prices on the parts will probably be a bit better as far as the body as well. The Older F-bodies also tend to sell for more than the late c3 vettes At least around where I am .

 

Definitely camaro like the others said parts are cheaper and im my opinion it would be cooler. The vette is nice but its an 81 and in some states still needs smog which ruins it. One last thing the camaro will probably always be worth more than the vette its just not a real popular year.

 

go with the camaro.. prices on those are wayy more solid then those vettes.the camaro really looks nice too!
good luck!

 

I say camaro too, but if it needs metal work while the vette is a solid low miles car that may be the way to go to spend as little as possible. On the flip side though 81 vette's are kind of ugly and haven't really hit collector status yet so resale will probably suffer versus the camaro.

I say spend a little more on body work for the camaro and it will pay off down the road.

 

if anyone was interested he bought the vette. got it for 4600 and he really likes it

the camaro was actually in really bad shape, whole interior besides seats were shot, and there was more fiberglass on the poorly painted body than metal lol

 

In late on this for sure, but I was going to say the Vette. It does have those coke bottle curves and with no body issues, that's worth the $500 right there or more. Plus, T-tops!
I hope he has fun with it.

I've always been a fan of the bubble back window on those Corvettes.
My favorite is the '78 without any spoilers front or back.
The Vette looks to be all stock, which is a favorite for me, compared to the wheels on the Camaro, which are way more modern than what came on the car.
The two tone paint is also a very dated look, but it's an '81 Vette, and that's what it was. I think it's pretty cool.
I'd like to see some more two tone paint jobs on new cars, but I know I'm in the minority on that.

Some will say that any 76-83 Corvette is a dog due to the emission requirements, but here in NJ, once it is 25 years or older, you can get antique plates with no inspection required, so some of those requirements can be (ahem) adjusted.
Just don't use it as a daily driver