It is interesting to reflect on what types of cars had no value or were being traded in back in 1981. At the time, people had no interest in Barracudas or Challengers; they were known as over-smogged, under-powered gas wasters and even though some were only 7 years old, they were not popular and were being driven to death or traded in. Big Chrysler, Dodge, & Plymouth sedans were a glut on the market too, and were also being dumped for cheap. Where I worked, they were taking in all sorts of these cars and not giving anything for them on trade. First Gen Cordobas were still hot, as well as used Omni/Horizon models. Just about any small car, except for AMC, was in demand. Many of us still vividly remembered the recent severe gas embargo and shortages, long lines, aodd & evens, and the fear of driving anywhere and not finding any gas stations open. The thought of buying some big 10 miles per gallon car was more of a nightmare rather than a dream to most people back then, no matter how nice of condition it may have been in.
I remember a purple 'Cuda that was traded in . It sat on the lot forever and was finally wholesaled off to some buy-here pay-here place. None of us ever thought about future crazy auction values, it was just another odd car whose time has passed.