After featuring a similar Corvette that came from the factory in a rare paint color known as Buckskin, it was inevitable that this barn find 1971 Chevy Corvette wearing original Brands Hatch green paint would catch my eye. As a matching numbers example with a manual transmission and minimal rust, it’s no surprise bidding has already been quite active.
Just over 3,000 Corvettes left the factory in Brands Hatch green that year, and when you factor in the manual transmission, power options and Posi rear end, it’s clear that this ‘Vette stands out from the herd. In addition, the green interior is rare to see in any condition, and fairly difficult to track down original pieces for.
While the 350 looks a bit rough and in need of some spit and polish, it also appears highly original. The engine, transmission and differential are all matching numbers, but the engine doesn’t run at the moment and the brakes aren’t working. No mention is made as to whether it turns over by hand.
One of the areas of rot includes the rear chrome bumper, just to the left of the license plate mount. There’s also some corrosion in the bottom of the A-pillars and a rust hole on the transmission cross member where the exhaust passes through. Overall, this is a highly original example of a rare color combo on a well-equipped survivor Corvette. Find it here on eBay where the bidding is currently at $7,000.
Nice Vette, wish the Wife would let me buy it!!!!
I know what ya mean (i.e. I feel your pain)
My wife wants 1 like this, but I don’t know enough about them to comfortably buy one.
Wow, didn’t know fiberglass could corrode…
Looking at the undercarriage pics I’d say this vette was kept in a dirt floor barn, everything that could rust did. This car will need everything, a complete resto… For a little more you can find a decent driver. Sure it’s a rare colour combo but that wouldn’t persuade me to make this purchase
Rust is the enemy. The excitement of purchase will soon be over-shadowed by the regret of owning a “project Corvette”.
Couple in my neighborhood had a 54 vett.
Didn’t run because “it was in a flood”.
“Not a problem because it’s fiberglass.”
I wondered what happened to it. I assume the car was not restorable by the time they got ready to sell.
In 1972 American manufacturers went from “Gross to Net” horsepower ratings, and it was the first year of the slippery slope of the decline of the hot Detroit iron. Compression ratios dropped, the oil embargo was dead ahead. This ’71 ‘Vette would be one to keep in the likely event that that numbers matching engine can be restored. :-) Terry J
Glossy paint courtesy of the owner for the photos – check
Rusty engine courtesy of sitting in a barn on a dirt floor – check
Rusted through frame rail courtesy of same dirt floor – check
Birdcage… held onto said rusty frame by a few flakes of iron oxide – check
Time and money… if someone didn’t want a matching numbers car, an aftermarket frame would be perfect for this.
These old vettes are notorious for having rusty birdcages. And judging by the chassis rust and the fact that there is rust by the A pillars this birdcage is rusty. The rad supports are bad for rust as well. Expensive to fix.
Rust in the A pillar can be very concerning, but if I remember correctly the parts are out there if you want to put in the hours, days, weeks of labour.
As the third owner of a 1972 these cars are a blast to drive. Yea, its an old car and needs work. Mine is a base 350 with the turbo 400. I am and old hippie but always loved the look. So I bought one 13 years ago. She gets scratch in all three gears. With the stock motor and trans. T- tops off and back window in the glove box she is so much fun. Buy it!!!!!!
Listing heavily to the port side, mate!
Wonder why it`s listing to port!!!!!!
My dad owned a 71 in Steel Cities Grey with a black interior, but the car looked green to me. It was a 350/th400 car, & a really fun car to drive. In the early 90’s, someone wanted it worse than he did. When asked if he would sell it, he set a rediculous price for what was a 20 year Vette at the time, & was truly shocked when the man paid him. I’ve really come to like this body style the last few years.