Every now and then, a project comes along that hits the sweet spot for someone who wants a real-deal classic to bring back to life without paying fully restored prices. This 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, listed here on eBay, is exactly that sort of opportunity—a matching-numbers, steel-bumper C3 that runs, moves, and stops, but will need a committed restorer to bring it all the way back. Thanks for the tip, Mitchell G.!
The seller describes it as a barn find project, and based on the details, it certainly fits that description. The car shows 36,514 miles and carries a clean title. Under the hood sits the matching-numbers 350/290 engine paired with an automatic transmission, both of which are said to be strong. That’s already a major plus for anyone hoping to keep the car original or restore it to period specs.
It’s a power-steering car and mechanically sound enough that it starts easily and can be driven onto a trailer without drama. The seller notes that the car does run, move, and stop, though it needs some essentials before being roadworthy. The water pump needs replacement, there’s no coolant in the system, and the brakes—while tight—are rusty and will require new lines and hoses. A leaking flange donut on the right side is also mentioned. The original front rotors are still in place.
The structural foundation is described as solid, with a good frame, though the birdcage will need work. That’s worth noting, as the metal structure beneath a C3’s fiberglass is critical, but having a solid frame at this price point is still a strong advantage. The body itself is described as rough, and the doors will need replacement.
Inside, the Corvette is missing various parts, and the seats currently installed appear to be from an ’80s-era model rather than the correct 1971 units. Anyone planning a proper restoration will want to source the correct pieces or go in a custom direction depending on the vision for the car.
The seller mentions a new gas tank and new fuel line routed to both the pump and carburetor—helpful updates for getting a long-sitting vehicle running again. Lights are functioning, though the wipers and vacuum-operated systems are not.
Ultimately, this is a true full-restoration candidate, but it’s offered as one of the cheapest running, steel-bumper Corvettes out there. For someone who’s been looking for an affordable entry into the C3 world, especially with a matching-numbers drivetrain, this one might be the right fit.
Would you return this Stingray to factory-correct glory or build it into something entirely your own?
Sold for $4,500, with one bid. The C3’s aren’t particularly expensive, even the earlier chrome bumper cars, it would be a good idea to explore other options before taking on this much of a project.
Steve R
I love early C3s, but restoring this car is just not going to get you that much. Restoration costs don’t vary that much between a similar condition base motor/auto coupe and a 454/manual roadster which would get you a hell of a lot more car for the money and trouble. It’s worth paying 2X or 3X the ‘get’ for the superior example to me personally. I guess I’m only bringing this up because I’m planning on that being my next project, hopefully while the market is still agreeable.
Get it running, driving, and have fun with it. Don’t sink a lot money into it, cause they don’t bring a lot of money. If you rugs are wet, could be the firewall, not the t tops leaking… Have fun…
Well for $4500.00 its a good price for a C3 project if you put 20k in it would be affordable sorry Roger firewall ? its the t tops where notorious for leaking
Money pit. If it was a legit LT-1 or LS6, I may have bid. Good luck to the buyer. Finished a C3 resto 9 years ago. VISA loved me. Not to mention 12 hour days weekends covered in grease. No more.