Tony makes a very good point and I should have thought thing through a little better before I gave my last response (sorry and thanks Tony for covering the bases). I'm sure Jon has had some #'s matching originals and I'm sure that some were not. As Tony said most of the engines on these sleds have had work done to them and alot will not have matching #'s even if the original block is still in the sled due to gear case issues. There are quit a few 81's out there but many have had engine transplants and most are not in pristeen original condition. There is no doubt that their value will continue to rise but as with anything else condition, miles and originality will command top dollar. If the one you are looking at is an original #'s matching sled in pristeen, original, running condition with low miles or flaws $3000 may be a good price. Most of the ones I see that are nice and sell for the $1000 - $2000 range will have flaws could include the #'s matching issue, nicks, scratches, seat flaws, wrong clutch, gold cad gone on suspension and under hood parts etc. Super nice 81's with out any flaws are VERY!! hard to find so if you are looking at one like that you could have one that is well worth the money he is asking. mrviper700 is right, they are a one year wonder with alot of issues but they are also very cool and in the right hands fairly dependable under the right conditions. Pound for pound they were as fast as any 440 out there and would compete very well with a 77SRX if they weighed the same.
opsled
PS Someone asked about ski decals recently and I know Jon has reproductions but here is a pic of an original left side one that I have if you want to know what they look like.
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