If the owner’s documentation is accurate, this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray could be one of the lowest-mileage examples in existence today. The odometer shows 5,916 miles, and the seller says that these miles are genuine. It presents beautifully and appears to be a classic that wants for nothing. It is now set to go to a new home, so it has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. Located in Cockeysville, Maryland, the owner has set the sale price at $39,900. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Anthony M for spotting the Corvette for us.
This Corvette is one of those classics where there is a lot to take in. The Mille Miglia Red paint is claimed to be original, and if so, it has held up exceptionally well. It is hard to find a flaw anywhere, and the car wears a mirror shine. The fiberglass shows no evidence of stress cracks or other issues, and there are no signs of problems around the bonding strips. The owner makes no mention of any rust issues, so we would have to assume that the frame and birdcage are both structurally sound. I am disappointed that although it appears that the seller may have access to a lift, he has chosen not to include any photos of the Corvette’s underside. The top panels are in excellent order, and the original storage bags for these are still present. The chrome shines as nicely as the paint, while there are no issues or problems with the 15″ Rally wheels.
Popping the hood reveals the LS5 version of Chevrolet’s mighty 454ci big-block V8. This brute should be pumping out 365hp, which finds its way to the rear wheels via a 4-speed close-ratio manual transmission. The 4-wheel disc brakes benefit from power assistance, and the same is true for the steering. This was not the most potent 454 that Chevrolet offered in the 1971 model year, but it was still nothing to sneeze at. It could be driven as a placid cruiser, but burying the right foot would fire the Stingray through the ¼ mile in 14.4 seconds if the mood took the driver. The Corvette has been confirmed as numbers-matching, but this is where I urge one small note of caution. The vehicle did receive some refreshing back in 2013, and a few changes have been made. The original radiator was swapped for an aluminum one with an electric fan. The original carburetor and intake have made way for replacement items from Edelbrock. The engine also wears an Edelbrock aluminum water pump, a Mallory distributor, and a chrome alternator. It isn’t clear whether the original components are included in the sale, but since they don’t rate a mention in the listing, I would have to assume that they are long gone. That’s disappointing because it does impact this classic’s originality. However, I have included a short YouTube clip at the bottom of this article. It shows the Corvette running and driving, and it is pretty impressive. That 454 sounds crisp and strong, the 4-speed shifts smoothly, and there are no signs of any squeaks or rattles.
The Corvette’s interior is said to be as original as the rest of the vehicle, and it is upholstered in black vinyl. There isn’t a lot to criticize about the overall condition, with no signs of wear, fading, cracks, or other problems. The dash is flawless, and everything appears to work as it should. Even the clock is ticking away merrily, which is a bit of a treat in a Corvette of this vintage. There is a “however” associated with this. The original radio has been removed, and an upgrade performed using a Custom Autosound classic radio and speakers. Given the purported originality of the Corvette, I find this move to be very disappointing. I would be sourcing the correct radio and swapping it back in because I believe that this is a classic that deserves that. Otherwise, the original owner chose to order the Stingray with air conditioning, along with a tilt/telescope steering wheel.
If the owner’s claims about the odometer reading on this 1971 Corvette stand up to scrutiny, that makes this a rare beast. That also makes the modifications a source of some irritation. These are relatively minor in themselves, but they do have some impact on the claims of originality. I hope that the factory components are included in the sale, but I’m not holding my breath on that. That brings us to the question of potential value, and for the moment, let’s consider this as a clean and original survivor while ignoring the mileage claim. The LS5/4-speed combination makes this a desirable classic, while the inclusion of air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes just adds to this fact. That would make the asking price seem fair, but the changes might impact this slightly. When we factor in the mileage, that should potentially push the value up. That also raises the question of what the buyer could do with this Stingray. A car like this was built to be driven, but part of its inherent value is tied to the odometer reading. Every mile that this car accrues will undoubtedly have some impact, leaving the buyer with a decision to make. Do they enjoy this Corvette as Chevrolet intended, or do they sit and stare at it all day to preserve its value. I have no self-control, so I’d be out on the road in the blink of an eye. What about you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uuvg0LSu9A&feature=youtu.be
The car is awesome through and through. 1971 was the first year of reducing HP by manufacturers, so I would think the modifications put it on par or exceed 1970 specs. Electric cooling fan/radiator/shroud are far better to keep it cool. All good, but if I were buying, I want the original parts that were removed. It’s nice when you go to a show and see things as delivered from the factory. If it is indeed numbers matching, I would want everything to make it correct.
Saying the interior is as original as the rest of the car isn’t really saying much
As I’ve always said when I see cars with this sort of mileage – the only person that benefits when a car is stored away and not driven is the next buyer. You never get your money out of it compared to other investments. Buy it and drive it, or invest the money somewhere else, wait 20 years, and buy the same car 5 times over.
Lots of modifications you typically wouldn’t expect on a car with such low mileage. It would have been nice to see what his documentation consists of.
Steve R
Good Looking for sure. I have a hard time believing that it has only been driven 5.900 miles. The console show wear that I don’t think would happen in 5,900 miles. Just my opinion…
It looks good but hard to believe it is a 5,900 mile car. too many little things wrong on the car. I bought a new one and have had several C3’s. Missing A/C belt, wrong tires BFG T/A ‘s didn’t come on them, no braided plug wires, no label sticker behind the brake booster these are items just under the hood.
I have doubts about this one. No photos of the dirty side, no records proving low mileage, carpet faded, no AC belt, headers, manifold, carb, etc. That is a lot of changes for such a low mileage car, none of which make it more valuable to a collector. Can’t tell from the photos, but it looks like a newer paint job with a clear coat. 50 year old paint GENERALLY never looks this good or has that much shine.
In the photo of the tag there looks like there is a “red” paint smudge ?
Saying the interior is as original as the rest of the car isn’t really saying much
According to c3registry, the car last sold in 2009 with 104,421 miles and is listed as restored.
Good catch.
Who in their right mind would devile a survivor, with 5,900 miles wink wink and imply its original , the looks nice but does it command a 40 thousand price tag even if original parts were included in sale ?]
No one, **IF** its a true survivor.
Why, why do I look at the emails sent to me. I would buy this in a second but alas I’m short the 39k
In those days if people were keeping a car till value rose they would disconnect the speedo
Hardly a barn find! Not with that collection.
That’s not a collection, it’s inventory. This car is being sold by a dealer, European Luxury Performance.
Steve R
I’m surprised a kewl magnum type 500 chrome wheel option was never offered on old vettes, much less GM’s racing mirrors, already on the f-bodies for a year.
Carpet more faded behind seats?
Newer tires – i can tell because of the not quite white lettering.
$40K doesn’t seem out of line. Registration records would help the mileage claim which I don’t believe. I see a paint smudge and tape line on the Trim tag, the carpets behind the sets show a lot of sun fade and wear. And who replaces OE parts with speed parts on a 5Kmile car? But, still a BB 4sp in a great color.
That’s definitely a re-paint. And what are the marks on the driver’s side door jamb? The write-up says “rare chrome bumpers”. Corvettes have had chrome bumpers from day one until 1974. Again the write-up states only 5916 mikes. It doesn’t say “original miles”. So yeah, 5916 since the speedo was reset or replaced. And if this car is so rare, why would they list it on Craigslist?? It all smells bad to me.
Here’s what I see:
-definitely a repaint
-what are the white marks on the driver’s side door jamb
“-rare chrome bumpers”???
-it doesn’t state the miles are original. So to me it’s 5916 miles since a reset or speedo replacement
-if it’s so rare, why is it being sold on Craigslist??
Nope…..I don’t buy any part of iy.
Seats have been recovered with vinyl leather like set. Why? LOL
I had a Brands Hatch Green 71 LS5 coupe when they were just used cars. Bought mine in May 1976. That boat anchor engine was a pile of crap. Beautiful no hit body. 4 speed and AC. I don’t trust dealers. This car is a repaint. No documentation photos. PASS. I would consider that 67 up on the rack. Truthfully, $39,000 for a legit LS5 with 5,000 actual miles seems a bit light. Not a really rare car. Now if it was an LS6, one of 188 built I would be all over it. Drove an NCRS Top Flight Laguna Gray coupe 15 years ago with an M22. What a thrill.
Surprised Barn Finds seems to believe this one. A 1971 of any make and model with only 5k miles on the clock should at minimum include an explanation…if nothing else… to justify this claim. I believe this car is as phony as a $3 bill.
Looks like a fifty footer. The ebrake handle looks like it has rust on it…anybody see seatbelts? the door jambs look like they were painted with krylon.
The car is ab $10 grand high…if the underside checks out.
Why RECOVER the seats? They are the cheaper leather like vinyl covers. You got standard comfort weave or real leather covers. This clearly had standard interior when “new”… Only 5600 miles? Not!
In the ’70’s, I worked at a Ford dealership. Every Friday they had this little old Cuban man come in and take the dash loose on some of the used cars, and turn back the mileage on some of the used cars.
I’m just saying, it can be done.
Spinning and disconnecting speedos was common in the 70s and 80s, But you would never spin it down so low that it became unbelievable…or even laughable. This’71 Vette reminds me of those days.
Why would anyone upgrade the radio if they were not going to drive the car?
My ‘71 LS5 came with orange painted valve covers. I really enjoyed that car, especially after installing radial tires.