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454/4 Speed: 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

It might not be perfect, but this 1971 Corvette Convertible is a stunning-looking car that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. It remains unmolested and features its original big-block V8 under the hood. This is a package that should offer exhilarating performance to its next lucky owner. Located in Galion, Ohio, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding action has been pretty lively because 41 bids have pushed the price along to $44,300. However, the reserve hasn’t been met.

The Corvette’s owner apologizes for not getting the car out into the open air for a few shots. When you look out the windows, that seems like a sound decision! I’d rather stay warm and dry on a day like that. The Bridgehampton Blue Corvette has received a repaint in its original color at some point, and it still retains an impressive shine. The owner points to a couple of bubbles on the hood but isn’t sure of the cause. The rest of the paint looks good, with no signs of significant flaws. There is no evidence of prior accident damage, with the fiberglass free from any cracks or problems. The story remains just as positive below the surface, with a frame and birdcage that are sound and rust-free. The original White convertible top is said to be in good order, and a factory hardtop covered in Black vinyl is also included. The chrome and trim sparkle nicely, and there are no problems with the glass.

The Corvette should be heaps of fun the moment the driver buries their right foot. It is powered by its numbers-matching 454ci V8, with the power finding its way to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. The 454 is the LS5 version, which means that there should be 365hp. That is enough to launch the vehicle down the ¼ mile in 14.3 seconds. That’s not hanging about in anyone’s book. The news here all seems positive because the Corvette is said to be in sound mechanical health. The big-block is said to start easily and sounds excellent. The transmission shifts smoothly, the brakes are perfect, and the owner says that this classic drives like a new car.

While they aren’t visible, the owner admits that the Corvette’s door trims now have a few cracks. These are probably somewhere around the armrests because these can be prone to that problem. The carpet has some fading, and there is some wear on the wheel, but the rest of this original interior presents well for a car of this age. Addressing these issues would not be difficult or expensive, but whether that happens or not will come down to a matter of personal preference. The interior is unmolested, and it also isn’t badly equipped. It features ice-cold air conditioning, although it probably wasn’t needed the day these photos were taken. The buyer will also get power windows, a tilt/telescoping wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio. Included in the sale are the original Protect-O-Plate, Owner’s Manual, and other assorted documents.

When you look out the windows the day the photos of this Corvette Convertible were taken, Summer must seem a world away. The truth is, it is just around the corner. Can you think of anything more tempting than cruising on a sunny Summer day behind the wheel of this classic? I can’t at the moment. Are you tempted to do something about it by submitting a bid on this beauty?

Comments

  1. Avatar EPO3

    That’s one of the best looking 454 4spd’s drivers I have seen with out actually seeing it in person. But I would like to see pictures of the hard top and soft top on the car since I’m not there.Call me picky its just me.

    Like 6
  2. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    Odd that ’70s F bodies with a/c get no kick panel vents or astro ventilation knobs, but apparently Corvettes with a/c do?
    Why does JUST the Vette have a distributor “cover box”?: because of water intrusion, or for looks, or for radio spark suppression? If just the latter, why not just spark suppression wires & plugs?
    Were chrome valve covers a dealer OTC part?
    Can the birdcage truly be checked w/o body dissassembly?
    Surprised a ’71 air cleaner would not have hot air ducts connected to the exhaust manifolds for cold engine operation.
    She’s a beauty, nonetheless.

    Like 7
    • Avatar Chris In Australia

      Radio suppression in a fibreglass body is my guess for the distributor covers. The rest? I’m not qualified to say.

      Like 8
    • Avatar jim

      I have a 69 corvette with ac so its relatively close.
      It is correct, fiberglass body is the reason for the metal covers on the spark plug wires and distributor. They usually have covers on the wires also but they seem to disappear as fast the smog gear.
      My 69 has chrome valve covers with a gm sticker on them but I don’t think it was an OTC.
      My ac car also has all the vents, even the non functional ones on the back deck of the car. They like to catch leaves.
      I don’t think the bird cage can be thoroughly checked without significantly taking the car apart but there is a thorough procedure for getting serious warning signs. One of them is looking behind the kick panels.
      Overall, the thing I have learned about these cars is they are kind of haphazard.
      Not counting the changes by previous owners, the factory has many different changes just in the same year. :)

      Like 7
      • Avatar PRA4SNW

        My ’70 had the chrome distributor and wire shielding. There was also chrome spark plug shields that must have been like hen’s teeth – they were probably tossed during the first plug change.

        Like 2
    • Avatar Joel S.

      Distributor shield is for the radio, stock plug wires had metal mesh around each one of them to help.

      Chrome valve covers ended in 70 (from memory) definitely not stock on my 72 LS-5. Air Cleaner was not connected to exhaust manifolds at all through 72 for certain.

      As for the bubbles on the hood, oil from the AC compressor coming through is the usual cause.

      Nice looking car.

      Like 4
    • Avatar Billy

      Spark plug wires should have s/s shielding and grounded to valve cover bolts.

      Like 1
  3. bobhess bobhess Member

    Chris is correct. Nice car!

    Like 0
  4. Avatar George Mattar

    I owned an all original including paint 1971 LS5 air coupe. Yes that is the stock air cleaner and Chevy Orange rocker arm covers. No chrome rocker arm covers from GM in 1970, at least on Corvette. I worked at a Chevy dealer in 1976 and ordered GM chrome rocker covers for my car because as a 20 year old, I thought they looked cool. No longer available. Only cheap China junk. My car had the chrome ignition shielding and braided spark plug wires. Miss that car. 454s are rare, but LS6 much more scarce. Only 188 built. The engine alone was about a $1,000 option.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Dave

    I do love the C3 big block manual trans convertibles. Gosh I’d be tempted to put the sidepipes on it.

    Like 4
  6. Avatar Keith

    Last great year for the Corvette Big Block. Really surprised that more people did not get that LS-6 motor but the lucky few that did are wishing they never sold it now.Weird they (Chevrolet) did not offer that engine in the Chevelle for 71.

    Like 2
    • Avatar chipl

      EPA had a 50,000 mile rule. The manufacturers had to warrant the emissions equipment for 50,000 miles. And to prove the stuff worked, every engine, transmission, and axle ratio combo had to be driven for 50,000 miles, and had to pass at end of test. The manufacturers could be forgiven for dropping less popular driveline options.

      Like 2
  7. Avatar Mike

    Glad to see this nicely optioned car does not have the dreaded luggage rack.

    Like 9
    • Avatar Frank Sumatra

      Would not be a Corvette find without the luggage rack comment. A big “Thumbs Down” to that useless comment.

      Like 12
  8. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    Any chance a/c could have been added later to this car, say, at the dealer?
    If not, i wonder if the floor & astro vents on this GM car WITH a/c actually bring in fresh outside air from the cowl, like on a vette w/o a/c, as opposed to stale warm air thru the a/c system, like on a 70’s camaro with a/c.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Joel S

      Nope that is the stock setup for AC. Astro Ventilation is not included in the rear of the cabin for AC cars.

      Like 0
  9. Avatar john davis

    if there s a bubble in the paint on the hood, and its not restored its over priced. no need for repaint if in condition they say it is. without restoration no way to confirm condition.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Jarrod List

    Nice I had a71 ls5 4speed fully optioned factory alarm a/c leather etc and yes it was a mean mfkr with a luggage rake..believe a handful of ls6’s were built Zr2’s ,or was that 69?anyway nice vette -no substitute for cubes..Chev power!

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Bill

    Look up Memory Lane in Galion, Ohio and you will find this place. Has or had some pretty heavy hardware. Looks likes it a neat little shop. Seems that they do auctions also.

    Like 0

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