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1971 Corvette Stingray: Summertime Story

1971 Corvette Stingray

Although the Corvette is somewhat ubiquitous at this point, I had forgotten just how good these cars look in stock form. Credit the low-slung stance, pop-up headlights and bulbous fenders for my fascination with this 1971 Corvette Stingray here on craigslist for $11K or best offer. The fact that this car came from the factory with a manual transmission doesn’t hurt, but the lack of information as to why it has sat idle for the last two years is a bit of a let-down. These cars came standard with positraction rear ends and 300 bhp on tap, not a bad combination for a fair-weather car. While there are more desirable variations – like the 454 or LT1 – those often cost quite a bit more money and require far more paranoia when driving them to the 4th of July parade. This one you can get in, use, and not feel bad leaving it in the Dairy Queen parking lot – would you pick this Vette up for summer cruising?

Comments

  1. Avatar MH

    Yeah great car for cruising. Corvettes of any year are always a crowd pleaser. 11K isn’t that bad either.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar RollerD

    If the frame and birdcage are clean this is a real deal for a 4 speed car. Look close, it was air conditioned and is missing the compressor. You can see the evaporator case on the right side of the engine compartment.

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  3. Avatar SoCal Car Guy

    The passenger side door gap (leading edge to front fender is troubling. If the door was not latched closed it may not be an issue; if the door was latched when this photo was sanpped there may be some serious issues (badly rusted cage, poorly repaired wreck or?).

    Like 0
    • Avatar Bill Moran

      Agreed. Weird that you would ask $11k for the car but not spend the time to roll it outside and get decent pictures. Would be much more attractive with complete pictures including undercarriage. No miles listed but interior looks beat and very worn. Worth the risk at half the price. Not at $11k.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Dave

    I liked these last couple year chrome bumper vettes, this seems like a reasonable price for this car. I also like SoCal noticed the door gap on the right side, little concerning, maybe worn door pins? causing the door to sag? If it was frame/cage rust issues would the gap be bigger at the bottom than the top caused by sag?

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Cameron Bater UK

    Personally I love the stingray, I wouldn’t have this model however, I’d have the earlier sloping roof split screen. Far more sexy.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Chuck F 55chevy

    These are notorious for frame rusting at the 90 degree bend in front of the rear wheel, I’d bet that is the problem, $11k is a low price.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Rancho Bella

    Anyone can buy decent ones for 18K………………..there is a reason. Stupid vacuum hoses everywhere…………
    The rear transverse leaf spring suspension is an issue. Upside? there are a few makers of coil over suspension you can add to the rear and get rid of the leaf spring.

    A pain to work on with not much reward. But, I think the design is a joy.
    Something most don’t think about is, they are very close to a mid engine design.
    They will never be worth much as if it ain’t happened yet……..it ain’t never gonna’
    Looking at them one would think they are a performer but they missed the mark from day one.

    Like 0
    • Avatar leiniedude Member

      I disagree. I am the third owner of a 1972 base Stingray. It is not a pain to work on and the reward is that it is a barrel of fun to drive! I am not sure about your mid engine design comment. That has been kicked around for many years. It does sound certain for the C8. As far as missing the mark on performance. I think Fuelie, LT1, aluminum big blocks and more. Not a performer?

      Like 1
  8. Avatar PRA4SNW

    Having owned a ’70 convertible for nearly 30 years, my opinion is that this is no deal. Lots of work needed to make this one decent, no mention of frame / birdcage condition, engine missing all of it’s original bits, etc.
    At least the seller is saying he will entertain offers.

    Like 1

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