No Reserve. Those two words are virtually guaranteed to draw attention in any classic auction. However, when the car in question is also exceptionally desirable, the auction action is sure to be intense. Such is the case with this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. The seller listed this stunning beauty to settle an estate, and the highest bidder can drive it away. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Convertible here on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bidding has reached $25,107 as a new home beckons this classic.
Chevrolet performed virtually no cosmetic changes to the C3 Corvette for the 1971 model year. It saw no reason to reinvent the wheel, knowing that there would be more significant updates for 1972 and 1973. This ’72 Convertible is part of an estate, with its late owner a genuine classic car enthusiast. The first owner ordered it in Daytona Yellow, one of the brighter shades on that year’s color palette. It is claimed to have been garage-kept since Day One, with the seller stating that the underside is spotless. Therefore, it is a fairly safe bet that the frame and birdcage are rock-solid. The late owner treated the car to a repaint in its factory shade approximately five years ago, and it still presents superbly. There are no cosmetic shortcomings, and the Black soft-top fits as tight as a drum. The trim and glass look exceptional, and the Rally wheels are wrapped in new BF Goodrich tires.
Tipping forward the Corvette’s hood reveals the 350ci V8. The air cleaner sticker indicates it is the ZQ3 version, delivering a factory-quoted 270hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque, according to that year’s Sales Brochure. A four-speed manual transmission feeds the small-block’s power to the rear wheels, and this classic also features power steering and power brakes. Chevrolet offered more potent versions of the Corvette, but this car won’t be an automotive slug. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 69,780 miles, although it is unclear whether the figure is genuine. Whatever the truth, the seller confirms that this Corvette runs and drives beautifully, with no issues or shortcomings.
One thing the winning bidder won’t have to worry about is raising the top to hide a substandard interior. Trimmed in Black, its condition is astounding. There is no evidence of wear or abuse, and no broken plastic. The console is excellent, and the dash features gauges with clear lenses and crisp markings. The first owner didn’t tick many boxes on the Order Form, but did equip the car with a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The late owner installed a retro-style stereo, which is the only visible aftermarket addition. This Corvette’s exterior will receive plenty of positive comments, and I think the same will be true of the interior.
The listing statistics tell the story of how much interest this 1971 Corvette Convertible has generated since hitting the market. It has attracted nineteen bids, and with ninety people adding it to their Watch List, there is more to come before the hammer falls. It will be fascinating to discover the sale price because, with values climbing, I suspect that the current figure may have to triple before the auction ends. Do you agree?
Due to the vast amount of useless information in my head I know that the color of this car is called sunflower yellow, not Daytona yellow used in 1969-70. This car is a perfect starter C3 unless you live where you need AC. If you can get this car under $35k you are doing good, if you pay up to $40k you are still not doing too bad.
I agree with you, if this were being run through Mecum, would likely surpass $40K. This Vette checks several boxes for anybody looking for a C3. Someone’s gonna get a real cherry…disguised as a lemon! Hope it finds a good home.
Care to loan me $40k? I’ll buy the car and tell you how it is! I’d gladly pay you on Tuesday.
I wouldn’t hand over $40K for any old vehicle, never have, never will. But I do follow the auctions and if this particular vehicle were to roll through Mecum it could easily make it to that number. I’ve had my share of buying and restoring old vehicles, and gonna enjoy what I have left for the rest of my days.
While C2 Vettes are my favorite, the early C3 version of America’s Sports Car catches my eye too. This one looks fabulous, even in yellow which isn’t always my particular shade. I’ll take that pre-malaise 350 too since it’s in front of a shift-it-yourself transmission. Unless the price goes into orbit, whoever buys this will end up with an automotive treat.
Triple the current bid of $25K. You are out of your mind. Way, too many people on this forum wearing their new balances who think this is a high end car. I agree.It’s worth it for anything under 35K
If this is a $75k car… that makes me feel good as I have a similar, Ontario Orange 71 with the deluxe leather interior, AC, optional hardtop, alarm, optional shoulder harness’s, also a 4 speed with the tilt/tele. Granted, mine is definately a “survivor” type of car, only the alternator, water pump and fuel pump have been replaced, and it could use a paint refresh. I wouldn’t pay more than $35k and that’s a stretch without AC.
One of the few cars that looks really good in yellow paint. Should be a blast to drive with that 4sp in there.
Nice Corvette 🏁
I like it! I had an SS Nova this year with this engine in it. Not as strong as an earlier 350 but still a fun car to drive. Somebody’s in forca treat when they buy this. Won’t be me, though!
C3s are only going up in value. So I could find yet another reason to acquire one for the stable. This looks like a nice one although for me yellow wouldn’t be my first choice. I had a base C3 coupe with a four speed for about ten years earlier ago this century. I liked it a bunch but I still remember the downside of barely fitting in it and what a sweat box it could be in stop and go traffic in the summer. Because of these issues I drove it a lot with the T-tops and rear window off. You learn to adjust! Larry Shinoda hit this one out of the ballpark IMO. GLWTS.
Not too much to nit pick on this one – very clean, looks turn key to me.
Over 28K with 4 days to go, might make it to 35K, which should make everyone happy.
This seller is featured here at BF quite often and always brings the good stuff.
Very nice Clean 4-speed Corvette here. Better than the one listed after this one. Nothing to complain about on this one.
This would look great parked next to my 2000 VFRInterceptor Honda in my garage!!
Awesome bikes. 👌
While I think $35k is a decent number it would not surprise me to see someone pay in the $40-45k range.
Just me, but yellow is just butt ugly, and it has an anemic motor. Having said that…the car is extremely clean and presents well. Picking nits, the door gaps are a little off as are the headlight buckets. The hood gaps look spot on.
I have never owned a C3 but I am sure the footwells are as hot as they are in a C4, which I have owned.
Ya gotta pay to play…
Footwells don’t get unbearably hot in a 350 C3. The 454 may be a different story. But, when I redid the carpeting, I put down some insulating material to cut down on noise and heat.
Ebay says (twice) that it is Sunflower. Besides the radio not being original,the valve covers are not either.As far as the headlights being miss aligned, picture looks off a little,( picture #19) and picture #40 disrupts that.
Car sold no reserve for $30,707, nice buy for someone.