Some Corvettes stand out because of how they were restored. Others get attention because of the story that comes with them. This 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray listed on eBay leans heavily into the second category. According to the seller, this yellow C3 has remained with the same owner for more than 45 years and shows just 29,426 original miles. It’s also equipped with the LS5 454/365-horsepower big-block and a 4-speed manual transmission, which is the kind of combination that still gets enthusiasts talking decades later. Thanks for the tip, Curvette!
The seller describes the car as numbers-matching and says it retains its original paint and interior. Documentation appears to be a major part of the package here. The listing mentions the original tank sticker, Protect-O-Plate, owner’s manual, dealer folder, showroom brochure, and even spare tire instructions. There are also race patches, decals, and metal plates tied to Watkins Glen Raceway from the early 1970s, along with a Byrne Brothers Chevrolet decal and keychain from the original selling dealer in New York.
Feature-wise, the car checks a lot of familiar big-block Corvette boxes. The listing notes power steering, power brakes, power windows, leather seats, a tilt/telescopic steering column, shoulder belts, rear window defogger, and a factory luggage rack. The drivetrain details are equally straightforward: LS5 454 power backed by a manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive.
The seller also outlines several maintenance and replacement items. A new exhaust system has been installed, along with a new Dewitt radiator, though the original radiator is included with the car. The gas tank and sending unit are also said to be new. In addition, the original water pump has reportedly been rebuilt, and the original brake calipers and master cylinder were rebuilt by Lonestar while being kept in an original-style appearance. The car also received four new belted wide oval tires.
One thing that comes through clearly in the listing is that the seller values the originality and documentation as much as the car itself. That’s not unusual with highly optioned big-block C3s, especially ones with long-term ownership history attached. The seller even calls it “very hard to find in this condition,” though buyers can obviously draw their own conclusions from the listing materials and documentation provided.
For enthusiasts, the appeal here probably isn’t just about horsepower numbers. It’s the combination of documented ownership history, factory paperwork, and the survival of so many original components that makes cars like this interesting. Plenty of 1971 Corvettes exist, but fewer come with this kind of paper trail and long-term story.
Basically asking 58 large for it (57,900 obo). Beautiful car that I like a lot but that seems pricey to me. Others may tell me otherwise.
An American icon “old skool” pre-emissions orig big-block that’s clean and even has the orig air cleaner decal on it, nice! Priced a wee-bit high, imo!
“Pre-Emissions?” 454 with 365 HP already on the downward emissions slide.
Wow, if this claimed mileage is true to form this is somewhat a rare bird.
I’ve always loved the C3. However at this asking price the car is in the same price range as a C7. AND, you will have A/C to boot.
Nope, no A/C. That’s a deal killer! Well, that and the $58 large.
Where do sellers come up with asking prices that bear no resemblance to the actual market value? Maybe it was previously owned by Jon Voigt’s dentist.
Here in Oregon, you can buy these all day long for between 20 and $30,000. The sellers should check classic car price guides, before posting what they’re asking. Fact is, most of the old guys who would buy a car like this have already died. Youngsters don’t want this vehicle.
I don’t think you are buying 29k original mile 4 speed big blocks anywhere for 20 to $30000. $58 k is a stretch but this car should bring $45k easily or $47k if it had AC.
After reading all of our remarks I’ve pretty much decided that yes, it’s a nicely lightly used original desired year C3.
OK, agreed? That’s what I thought. Nice color inside and out.
Now we come to the heaviest ding of all. No A/C. Big bummer. We all know that classic car functions take place in the warm months.
So, I’ll throw out my honest accesment.
This car should sell for between $39-$46k.
Of course those parameters are AFTER a person lays a eyeball on it.
Still a very Kool Stingray.
Depends on where you live. I live in the Seattle area and have a 73 454 convertible and the only reason I turn on the AC is to lubricate the seals and make sure everything is working. But I know if I lived anywhere south of here I’d use it for what it’s intended.
I had a Brands Hatch Green 454 coupe in 1976. It was ok on power, ate gas and was good on top end with that 3.08 rear and 4 speed. I was kinda liking this one until I saw the barbeque grille on the rear deck. Totally ugly and useless.
I am not surprised at all at that asking price. Compared to what that money buys in the classic car field these days, it seems about right.
1971, 454, manual, low miles, 45 year ownership, interesting color, luggage rack.
I am not sure how many times this has been listed at that price, but you have to start somewhere.
This car isn’t around every corner. If you want one, you will pay.
The ASKING PRICE is just THAT. Some people assume the seller will be intransigent…but where is the evidence? He did NOT say “FIRM”. One checks the car out and then makes AN OFFER.