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?
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