The C3 Corvette has remained a staple of the classic scene for decades, with those of the chrome-bumper variety considered the most desirable. That makes this 1971 model worth a closer look, although its cause is aided by its solid nature and excellent selection of factory options. It could represent a rewarding restoration project, although retaining it as a driver-quality vehicle is viable. The ‘Vette is listed here on eBay in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Bidding sits below the reserve at $10,700, although the seller provides a BIN option for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
The first thing to note about this Corvette is that unless it is a Special Order, the Black paint gracing its beautiful body is not original. The company offered buyers Tuxedo Black in 1968 and 1969, but Black disappeared from the color palette in 1970, not reappearing until 1978. The paint on this ‘Vette is presentable, with a few visible chips and blemishes. The worst of these is on the passenger-side rear quarter panel, with the rest looking insignificant. The quarter may require a repaint. However, it retains a good shine, and some careful correction work may lift the appearance to a higher level. The fiberglass exhibits no glaring faults, while the underside shots confirm the frame is as solid and clean as the seller claims. Some trim pieces, including the rear bumpers, look like candidates for restoration, and the side exhaust adds a sense of purpose. The glass is in good order, meaning this Corvette presets acceptably as a driver-quality classic.
Powering this Corvette is a non-original 350ci V8 that sends its power to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. The original owner’s decision to order the car with power assistance for the steering and brakes should provide an effortless driving experience. The specifications of the small-block are unknown, but with the entry-level ZQ3 version producing 270hp, this classic should comfortably provide a sub-16-second ¼-mile ET. For those seeking a turnkey C3, this car delivers. The seller indicates it runs and drives well, and I’d wager that its engine sounds pretty tough, exhaling deeply through the side exhaust. Therefore, hitting the road for immediate classic motoring fun is a possibility that some might find irresistible.
Black vinyl upholstery was a popular choice among Corvette buyers in 1971, which is what we find here. The interior requires TLC to present at its best, but it is serviceable. The seats sport some seam separations, while there is physical damage to the door trims and console. However, the dash looks pretty good, with no cracks or other problems. The factory radio has made way for an aftermarket radio/cassette player, but there are no further additions. The original owner wielded their pen on the Order Form, specifying air conditioning, power windows, and a tilt/telescopic wheel. The A/C doesn’t blow cold, but whether this is merely because there is no drive belt on the compressor is unclear. Considering the paint and trim combination, getting the system operating before summer hits could be a wise move.
Although it isn’t 100% original, this 1971 Corvette offers a lot to its next owner. The lack of rust issues and sound mechanical health means they could drive and enjoy the car immediately, taking the time to consider and plan their future strategies carefully. It would attract attention in its current form, but that would increase if it wore fresh paint and a spotless interior. The original owner’s decision to load it with desirable options helps its cause and helps explain the twelve bids submitted at the time of writing. Considering the current level, I won’t be surprised if someone hits the BIN button well before the auction ends. Could that person be you?
Quite an adequate driver grade C3….and that’s what I would do, drive it.
Change nothing and just drive it, and have a blast….a well placed bid could make this a nice score!
👍🤓
At the current bid of 12.6K, not a bad deal. At the BIN, not so much.
’77’s were available in black. I chose red August 6, 1976 when ordering and a few weeks later chartreuse was dropped (1 painted chartreuse) and black available.
That wiper door is a nightmare to repair. That’s why I have a 73. No wiper door and much better car all around than 68 to 72 if you actually drive your Corvette instead of winching it on and off an enclosed trailer. Stupid. This is a great project. Unless you are going for Bloomington Gold, matching numbers is a waste of time and money. Corvettes, like all other cars, were built to drive. Don’t know the color of this good restoration candidate, but black not available, as GM sold very few black Corvettes. Find a good 350, put on Holley Sniper FI, Tremec, Borgenson steering and enjoy this nice bumper car.