This white-on-brown 1971 Chevy Corvette is a true survivor in the best sense of the word. Showing just 31,223 documented miles, this big block C3 features a 454/365 horsepower engine and has received careful preservation using OEM parts. It’s now being offered here on eBay out of Geneva, New York.
According to the seller, this car has every available option for the year, except power windows, and comes with heavy documentation including the tank sticker and original purchase order. Originally delivered in Vancouver, the car was built in St. Louis to full U.S. specs and required special permission from the Canadian Cultural and Antiquities Board to be exported. It’s been shown extensively and was renovated at 28,000 miles by a classic car restoration shop using OEM parts to preserve its originality.
The exterior wears its original shade of white, which the seller describes as “very attractive,” though some tiny spider cracks in the paint are visible under close inspection. There are no signs of rust, as the car was never winter-driven. Enhancing the period-correct appearance is a set of $2,500 Coker bias-ply Firestone tires, just like what it wore when new.
Inside, the brown interior presents well and stays true to the car’s factory finish. The seats, trim, and controls all appear unmodified, and everything functions as expected. The A/C is technically operational, though the seller admits it doesn’t blow cold enough to be considered usable. Still, this Corvette isn’t being pitched as a daily, it’s for someone who values originality, documentation, and low mileage above modern creature comforts.
Under the hood, the LS5 454 engine remains stock and is said to run very strong and reliably. The automatic transmission makes it a solid cruiser, and with the odometer reading just over 31k, there’s plenty of life left in this classic drivetrain. The car shows no fluid leaks and reportedly requires no service.
C3 values have been climbing, especially for well-preserved big block cars like this one. Whether you’re a seasoned Corvette collector or a first-time buyer with a taste for originality, this example is hard to ignore.
Would you preserve it as-is, or bring it back to showroom condition with a fresh coat of paint?
What a great ride! Maybe it is just me, but I think a repaint would remove its survivor status. I understand the original aspect, but wow. $2500 bucks for the Coker’s!
Hmm one option that out ranks other options requested.. four speed.
Nice color and engine but a four speed would have been great.
GLWS!
If the paint is original, as eluded by the term, “survivor,” I would not touch it. They’re only original once.
Worth every penny IMO
The picture of the engine is exactly the same one in a ’86 Dodge pickup ad listed elsewhere on this site. Obviously the pickup ad had a boo-boo. Same seller? Most likely. As for C3 Vettes, the pre-rubber bumper ones are the ones to have . Attractive, and fast no matter what the mill, especially pre-’72.
Agree,70-72 were the best.I drove my brother’s 70′ 454/390 hp,4-speed to hs 69′ to 70′.
yea those tires are not cheap by no means, but they look great and give the car a good stance. they do make them in radial as well which these may be.
If this car checks out as a 30k orig mile 454 survivor then $42k is a steal. I’d keep it as original as possible and it would be a great candidate for NCRS judging, if you’re into that. The first thing I’d do however is store away those bias ply tires and put on radials that ride and handle so much better. Coker even makes radials that look square edged like a bias ply. I’d prefer a 4 spd too but you can’t get it with one unless you own a time machine.
45 minutes from my humble abode. Just sayin,
Geez, put a evaporator in it and buy some R-12. It’s not hard and all done under the hood.
How do U.S. specs differ from Canadian?
It’s also listed on Auto Trader for the same amount, so looks to be legit.
Seems like a great price to me.