454/4-Speed: 1971 Chevrolet Corvette

 

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It seems that we will have times here at Barn Finds where a number of examples of a particular model will appear on our desks in a short period. That has been the case in recent weeks with C3 Corvettes, and their condition has ranged from the stunning through to the pretty ropey. This 1971 C3 looks like a good one and the fact that the engine bay houses its original big-block is a bonus. Barn Finder Pat L spotted it for us, so thank you so much for that, Pat. It is located in West Babylon, New York, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. The price for this automotive powerhouse is $29,500, although the seller might entertain trades.

The first thing that we probably need to consider with this Mille Miglia Red Corvette is what we can’t see in the exterior photos. Rust could potentially be an issue with the frame and birdcage, but what can be seen of this car looks promising. There is a single photo of the underside, and while it isn’t of great quality, it shows little more than the occasional light dusting of surface corrosion. Looking around the Corvette at various unpainted steel components, there is nothing that would indicate that this is a classic that has spent time in a damp or salty environment. That should give us some confidence that there are no problems with the birdcage. The fact that the doors align well and open and close properly is also a good indication that all is well structurally with this car. The paint shines nicely, with no evidence of any significant flaws. The fiberglass is also free from issues, and the owner says that it has never had any hits. Most of the chrome and trim seem to be in excellent condition, but the rear bumpers are starting to show their age. If the buyer is concerned about this, there are a couple of options to consider. It would be possible to send the bumpers to the platers for restoration because there is no evidence of physical damage. The other would be to find a pair of replacements, and there are plenty of suppliers who stock reproduction sets. Prices vary significantly, but they generally hover around $700 for a pair. The issue here can be quality because, as is the case with so many non-genuine parts, the fit and finish can be a lottery. In cases like this, I like to look at enthusiast forums. These offer a wealth of useful information on the subject, and it usually costs nothing to join. Beyond that, the tinted glass is spotless, and I can’t see any issues with the wheels.

The Corvette was created as a sports car, which means that it is only right that it should be “sports car” fast. We’re not let down here because not only is this a numbers-matching classic, but the engine bay houses the LS5 version of the mighty 454ci big-block V8. This would be pumping out 365hp, which finds its way to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. The Corvette also comes equipped with power steering, which should help make light work of driving chores. With all of those ponies waiting eagerly under the right foot, it is no surprise that this vehicle should be capable of demolishing the ¼ mile in 14.3 seconds. However, that is really only half the story with the LS5 because it also produces a mountain of torque. While the LT1 version of the 350 V8 could punch out 360 ft/lbs, the LS5 produced an incredible 465 ft/lbs. This provided a lot more flexibility at low speeds and meant drivers didn’t have to row through the gears to get respectable acceleration levels. The seller says that the Corvette drives very well, and it seems that it is ready for some comfortable and effortless cruising on those upcoming sunny days.

The seller says that this Corvette offers prospective buyers no surprises. It seems that any defects that the car has are visible in the photos. That means that when you look at the supplied photos of the interior, there isn’t a lot to criticize. It is claimed to be original, with the seats upholstered in Black leather. This seems to be free from wear and defects, while the rest of the upholstered surfaces present superbly. There are some faults. The most obvious is wear and fading on the carpet. How the buyer approaches this will depend on how they view the car. It would be acceptable for an original survivor, but given how impressive the rest of this classic is, I would be sorely tempted to replace it. If so, I wouldn’t mess about but would do the whole lot to ensure color uniformity. This will cost around $300, but I believe it would give the interior a real lift. There are also some marks on the console side, so these will need to be addressed. For comfort, the Corvette is a big-block that comes equipped with air conditioning, while the original AM/FM radio is still in situ.

While I appreciate a good custom build, I do tend to be slightly old-fashioned when it comes to the question of classic cars. I find the concept of original and unmolested vehicles attractive, and that’s what we seem to be looking at with this Corvette. It isn’t perfect, but whoever buys it should not feel any shame when they head out of their garage for a drive or to attend a Cars & Coffee. The seller states you won’t find a cheaper, better, numbers-matching, big-block Corvette than this one at the asking price. This is a bold claim, but it is one that would seem to stand up to scrutiny when you also consider the optional extras that this car was ordered with. If this Corvette is as good as the photos and description would lead us to believe, then it has the makings of a pretty canny buy for the right person.

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Comments

  1. George Mattar

    Just like every driver in the road today, the writers at Barn Finds only worry about getting stories online in a hurry. That is the strangest 4 speed shifter I ever saw. This car is an automatic, at least that’s what the photos show. In 1976, I bought a Brands Hatch Green 71 454 coupe. It was equipped like this except mine had a 4 speed. I would never consider an automatic Corvette. That is for fat and lazy slobs. At least the price is reasonable. After two years of dumping money in that car, I sold it for $7,000. These 365 hp engines are junk.

    Like 3
    • John b

      Georgeie boy!! Its johnny from the BCCT

      Like 0
  2. Rudy C

    Sorry Adam, but even the C/L ad lists it as an automatic. No third pedal either. It’s a nice driver but not $29,500 nice!

    Like 2
  3. bobhess bobhessMember

    My friend with only part of his left leg left would love this car. Unconfuse me.. if the engines are junk why do thousands of people spend thousands of dollars on the 454 engine equipped cars?

    Like 18
  4. BA

    Since when is a LS5 Rat motor junk? Haters just love to hate.

    Like 11
  5. Acton Tommy

    Clean Corvette, the next owner will certainly enjoy it. Matching numbers are always a good value, so if the car is taken care of you can’t lose.

    I agree, big blocks not junk, impressive to look at, great sound, and they respond well to the go pedal. My latest Corvette is a 454/4 speed roadster with side exhaust, great car. Relatively easy to work on, parts are inexpensive and readily available. The car is great fun on a mountain road or coast highway, life is good.

    Like 7
  6. Desert Rat

    So, 365 horse BBCs are junk? What about LS6 450 horse motors are they barely passable? Partner, you clearly don’t know “crap” about Big Block Chevys because if you did you would know that they are one of the greatest big blocks every to come out of Detroit. Period.

    Like 13
  7. Pookie Jamie

    Hey guys. The interior pic shows automatic. Not a 4 speed. It seems in this comment thread, no one noticed?

    Like 0
  8. moosie moosie

    Time to bring back the thumbs down icon, we need it for some of the responses. This is a very nice Corvette and it seems fairly priced if it is what the seller says it is. Chevy line techs hated replacing plugs on these big blocks back in the day, especially on the even side of the engine.

    Like 5
  9. Ron

    Does not have power brakes although the ad infers that it does and it has a bad door gap on the drivers side for a claimed no hit body.

    Like 1
  10. John S Dressler

    Don’t know who did the research on this one for BF but they missed a lot of things on this one! No power brakes, no four speed and as was inferred earlier, a poor door gap on the passenger side. No one loves a big block Vett more than me but this car is no $30,000 ride, sorry.

    Like 1
    • Frank Sumatra

      After years of NCRS judging C3’s it became apparent that door gaps were common. Especially prevalent on the passenger side. Never heard a reasonable explanation. The two C3’s I owned had a much wider gap on the passenger side.

      Like 2
      • Ron

        So this one is opposite having a good gap on the passengers side and bad on the drivers. My ’73 was even on both sides.

        Like 0
  11. Jeff

    Big block early C3 alone is a true wannabe find. A manual is more fun but more parts breaking. Nice stall speed 400 turbo is great. The LS6 is a more interesting 454 but the LS5 is a buildup big block. Beef up your rear axles and suspension and just sitting in this driver’s seat is priceless. A very fun car.

    Like 3
  12. James Adduci

    Make sure the AC on any Corvette you buy is working well. I have owned 6 Vettes between 1964 and 1970 and all these had a problem with heat transfer from the engine compartment into the cockpit. If the AC is in good shape, you have no problem.

    Like 0
  13. Don Page Jr.

    Having owned a 69 Corvette with a 427/390 HP 4 speed in the mid 70’s, I would have to pass on this one. The best combination from this era of Corvettes would be a 70 LT1 4 speed. Less weight & heat and better handling. With 370 HP, it would probably be faster as well.

    Like 2
  14. Bob Mitchell

    Sorry, but THAT is not a 4 speed car according to the pedals !

    Like 0
  15. CarbobMember

    I agree with James. My 72’s cockpit was a nasty place to be on a hot summer day in traffic.

    Like 0
  16. James Bishop

    I would have to agree with Don Page Jr. Any of the 5 different 427’s in 67-69 are the best of the best . And yes to the 70 LT1 . After 69 the 70’s years with all the government pollution issues the later the 70’s cars the less powerful they became , with more internal issues , A/C , heat etc…

    Like 0
  17. JoeNYWF64

    I guess the key lock cylinder on back is for an alarm? It’s usually on the fender.

    Like 0
    • Ron

      The alarm key was on the back up to ’73. ’74 and out was on the left front since they had the rubber rear bumper.

      Like 0

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