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454/4 Speed: 1971 Chevrolet Corvette

The original owner of this 1971 Corvette was an enthusiast who loved these cars, and he used this one regularly until he parked it in a barn around 20-years ago. He recently passed away, so it is a classic that is in search of a new home. It features a 454ci V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission, which should make it a potent classic for the next owner to enjoy. Located in Summit, Mississippi, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $12,000, with the reserve now met.

The Corvette is finished in Steel Cities Gray, and the sad appearance of the paint is the result of the vehicle sitting in a barn for the past 20-years. However, the fiberglass looks to be in good condition, so returning the appearance to its best might not be a big job. The seller has been involved in the panel and paint industry for more than 40-years, and he states that the car is structurally sound. That suggests that there are no rust problems with the frame or birdcage. The trim and chrome appear to be in good condition, and I can’t spot any issues with the glass.

Hiding under the hood of the Corvette is a 454ci V8. This is backed by a 4-speed manual transmission, while the original owner also chose to equip the car with power steering and power brakes. As a performance package, this stacks up pretty well. It should be capable of dispatching the ¼ mile in 14.3 seconds, which isn’t hanging about in anyone’s book. The seller believes that this is a numbers-matching vehicle, which is good news for prospective collectors. Even better, the Corvette is said to run and drive. It isn’t clear whether it is actually roadworthy, but it might not take a lot of effort to get it back out on the street once again.

It seems that the original owner enjoyed ticking boxes on the order sheet because the interior of the Corvette comes nicely equipped. As well as Black leather upholstery, the Corvette comes outfitted with air conditioning, power windows, and an AM/FM radio. There is no denying that the interior will need to be refurbished, but plenty of pieces could easily be restored. The dash and pad look pretty good, while there are no significant problems with the console. The shifter isn’t original, and I would be inclined to source the right one because I think that the interior deserves that. It looks like new seat foam, covers, and carpet will all have to go on the shopping list. The saving grace is that all of these items are readily available and affordable.

As a project car, this 1971 Corvette shows plenty of promise. Some enthusiasts might not be in the market for a Corvette with a big-block. That isn’t a problem, because the seller has you covered. As you will see in this Barn Finds article, he also has a 1969 Corvette with a 350 under the hood. This is also for sale, so you could be spoiled for choice. Take a look at them both and tell me which one you would choose.

Comments

  1. Avatar Tony Primo

    Anytime that I see a Corvette with white wall tires I always think to myself that the owner didn’t beat on it too hard. I’m a little surprised that the small block Corvette is 2/10ths of a second quicker through the quarter mile than the big block according to your calculations. I would definitely choose the big block car because I am a sucker for gobs of torque.

    Like 8
  2. Avatar Mr Dave

    I have an almost twin to this, only mine has a TH400. Everything else is the same. I would love to have this in my stable.

    Like 5
  3. Avatar gbvette62

    Steel Cities Gray is just about one of the prettiest paints ever put on a Corvette. Add to that the 454, 4 speed, PS, PB, PW, and Custom (leather) Interior and you have a loaded and desirable 71, missing only a tilt/tele column. With all the bonding seams visible, this appears to be a true no hit body, something many people claim their cars are, but few ever are.

    This looks like a good basis for a restoration. But, considering what it will cost to restore this car, it’s probably going to be hard to come out ahead on it, if the bidding goes much past the current $16,600.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar Chuck

    I always cringe when I see a photo with the air cleaner missing… wonder if anything has dropped inside. Hopefully just removed for the picture.

    Like 3
  5. Avatar PRA4SNW

    I’m surprised that this is a stated repaint and the body seams are still clearly visible. It must have been stripped down to glass.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Bob Member

    When the head lights are showing but not on more than likely the vacuum system needs to be overhauled. It is a PIA based on my personal experience. I sold my 72 nom 350 4 speed RED just a radio in good driver condition about 10 years ago for half of what the going price is these days. But every time I try to beat myself up about it; I remind myself that I had no headroom ( unless the TTops were off) and in the summer the interior got hot as hell from engine throwing heat through the floor and firewall. Still I got to admit I look at every one of these I see for sale.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Bill Swinehart

    current bid is $17000.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar George Mattar

    I owned a Brands Hatch Green 71 LS5 air coupe 44 years ago. Paid $5,300 for it from second owner. 4 speed 3.08 rear. No hit car. It ate gas unmercifully. Engine blew up in 1977. Unusual timing chain failure. Bent all intake valves.
    Fixed it. Miss it. Sold it to a collector in 1978, who still has it. I needed money for college and it needed work. I never drove it in bad weather. That to me is the best color in 1971. My car had only ps and radio for options. The car is now in central PA.

    Like 0

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