This 1971 Chevrolet Corvette demonstrates why we should never judge a book by its cover. Its tired paint doesn’t make a positive first impression. This is unfortunate because delving below the surface reveals a rock-solid classic featuring a few desirable options and its original drivetrain. Obviously, a few people have decided that it is worth more than a passing glance, submitting sixteen bids since the seller listed the ‘Vette here on eBay in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The price remains below the reserve at $9,100, although there is a BIN option of $12,900 for those wishing to stake their claim firmly on this classic.
The history of this Corvette is unclear, and although its Classic White paint is well past its prime, there appears to be plenty of positive news for potential buyers. The car is complete, and while the underside shots are not the best I’ve seen, they seem to confirm the seller’s claim that the frame and birdcage are solid and rust-free. However, because there is surface corrosion in several unrelated areas, an in-person inspection is warranted to confirm that there are no potential developing issues. The fiberglass shows no signs of significant distress, and the trim and glass are in good order. The seller states that the headlamps don’t raise as they should, believing that the problem is due to a vacuum leak. Otherwise, there appear to be no problems requiring immediate attention if the winning bidder wished to drive this classic as-is.
Lifting the hood reveals surface corrosion on the air cleaner. Its presence explains why I suggested an in-person inspection to confirm that it is an isolated issue. The engine bay houses the car’s numbers-matching 350ci V8, teamed with a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission and power steering. Chevrolet lowered the compression rate of its V8 engines in 1971 to cope with lower fuel octane, and a quick check of the power and torque figures demonstrate the impact. The 350 produced 300hp and 380 ft/lbs in 1970, with those figures dropping to 270hp and 360 ft/lbs when this car rolled off the line. The result was an increase in the ¼-mile ET from 15 to 15.6 seconds. The car recently received a new fuel tank, sender unit, and suspension bushes. The seller isn’t specific about this Corvette’s mechanical health, although their statement that the buyer could drive this classic as-is suggests it is a turnkey proposition with no known faults.
Buyers seeking a driver-grade classic won’t need to immediately splash any cash on this Corvette’s interior. It is presentable, although the limited interior images make it impossible to make a definitive call about the state of the Black vinyl seatcovers. The carpet is faded in places and the wheel and column exhibit some deterioration. Otherwise, there are no issues with the plastic or dash. The seller states that while the air conditioning system is complete, it doesn’t blow cold. The tilt/telescopic column is loose and will require an inspection to determine what is required to address the problem. Some smaller gauges are inoperative, but that seems to be the extent of the functional issues.
It would be fascinating to know the seller’s reserve for this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. The bidding is heading towards the BIN figure, with my instincts telling me there would be little to separate the BIN and the reserve. This classic shows promise and could be ideal for an enthusiast considering their first restoration project. If you fit that description, do you feel tempted by this classic?
The paint job and laundry list of repairs will get expensive in a hurry. I didn’t see a mention of the mileage either. I’d rather spend $25-30K on a better example that’s already painted and doesn’t need so many things fixed.
Working on a 76′ in the blink of an eye I’m 10k deep on it, without a labor cost. And these classics aren’t that desirable. I was going to flip it, but, I might have to hold on to it for 20 years by the time I’m done, to get my money back… lol Big problem with any t top car is if it leaks the sitting water steams and rusts every little gadget. And let’s not talk about vacuum lines attached to your temperature controls…
I’m not feelin’ this car. Needs paint, surface rust suggests a damp climate, a myriad of nickel and dime problems. (that could potentially turn into $500 to $1000 problems) overall rough condition, and the killer, the dreaded automatic. I wish the seller all the luck in the world, he or she is going to need it.
I like it, it’s a complete running car if you can do all the work yourself it seems like a pretty good deal, I would Definatally consider this one if I didn’t already have too many cars, I’m selling my 67 chevelle ss once that’s sold I’ll be looking for my next project
Mike, when do we get to meet your 67 SS? Please and thanks.
Billy
Billy, in 2020 I finished it this spring
Seems like there’s a big list of things that need to be addressed, whether the car is solid or not. I think the ask price is optimistic. Very optimistic.
Have to agree CraigR. After reading all that was presented to us AND, reviewing closely all the pictures provided. A couple of the interior shots showed obvious C3 t-top H2O leakage. One of the worst problems with this design. Look at the steering column. If appears that at sometime in this cars history it could have been stolen or?? A big giveaway is whether the ignition key and the door key are the same.
Anyway these are a couple things that stand out. Especially the condition of the paint. Kinda appears that if I were this car I would be the color of a coffee bean. Plenty of sun and lots of the local elements.
No doubt the car is tired. I owned a 71 back in 1976. Guess what, the paint was shot by then. It appears to have the base 270 hp 350 with an automatic. Nothing special. Someone replaced some bushings on the rear spring. That’s about a 30 minute job tops. The ac is broken. When I sold my 73 coupe six months ago, the first question was always, does the ac work? I said no. I’m not investing $4,000,, it needed EVERYTHING, so I can get another $1,000 for the car. If you can do the work yourself this is a decent deal. At least he isn’t asking $25,000. I have restored three C3s in the last 48 years. If you cannot do the work, then look for a done car. Just repairing that vacuum wiper door cover will drive you to drinking. C3 Corvettes rust. If you think otherwise, you are mistaken.
I hadn’t noticed the wiper door before. You are correct, getting a malfunctioning wiper door operational can be a gigantic headache.
Why the bright engine color, when everything else looks untouched from factory ?