Although the C3 Corvette began to feel the changes essential for compliance with emerging emission regulations by the time this 1971 Convertible rolled off the line, it remained a potent piece of machinery. That is undoubtedly the case with this classic, with its original big-block V8 producing performance that satisfied most owners. This car is a tidy and solid driver with no apparent needs. While its numbers-matching drive train might attract some, the seller’s decision to list it with No Reserve may prove irresistible to others. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in Miami, Florida. Bidding sits at $16,102, and with No Reserve to contemplate, this Convertible could drive off into the sunset in a few days.
Chevrolet followed its standard practice in 1971 by offering potential buyers a choice of ten paint shades. This car wears Brands Hatch Green, and with 3,445 buyers selecting that shade, it was second only to War Bonnet Yellow in popularity. It is unclear whether it has received restoration or repairs, but its presentation is comfortably acceptable for those seeking a driver-grade classic. The paint shines beautifully, the fiberglass is free from cracks and other problems, and the underside shots confirm this car is structurally sound. It recently received a new White soft-top, while the color-matched hardtop provides effective occupant protection if the weather turns nasty. The chrome and glass look excellent for a survivor-grade vehicle, and the Rally wheels are spotless.
The original owner had a field day with the Order Form, loading this Corvette with desirable mechanical components. They selected the LS5 version of the 454ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The big-block produces 365hp and 465 ft/lbs of torque. Both figures marked a drop from the previous model year, with the result that the ¼-mile ET increased from 13.8 to 14.4 seconds. It was still fast, but it was clear the writing was on the wall for high-performance variants of the Corvette by the time this car rolled off the line. The first important factor to consider with this Convertible is that it is numbers-matching. It recently received a new radiator, brake calipers, a master cylinder, a new exhaust, new tires, and the carburetor was rebuilt. It runs and drives well, with no issues or problems. If a Florida vacation is on your mind, flying in and driving home behind the wheel of this beauty could be an option.
It appears the original owner wasn’t afraid to splash some cash when ordering this Corvette. As well as a tasty drivetrain combination, they equipped the interior with Saddle leather trim, air conditioning, and power windows. A more modern stereo occupies the spot generally reserved for the factory radio, but there are no other visible changes. The interior presentation is excellent and wouldn’t cause the new owner shame if they rocked up to a Cars & Coffee with the top down. The upholstered surfaces are spotless, and the front carpet shows no wear, although the rear carpet has a minor fit issue and might be slightly faded. It isn’t dramatic, and I see no reason for replacing it. The dash is in good order, and while it has the typical scratches beside the heater controls, the console’s condition is acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle.
I can hardly blame you if you find this 1971 Corvette Convertible almost irresistible. It appears to need nothing and is ideal for an enthusiast seeking a tidy driver. I often look at classics like this and contemplate the automotive industry’s future and buyers’ options within that landscape. This car is very much of its time, an era when there was no substitute for cubic inches. Nothing sets the pulse racing like a big-block at full noise, but that experience will become rarer in the future. The world is turning its eyes to zero-emission options, and while I’m not criticizing the trend or brand, a Tesla hitting 70mph on the open road doesn’t possess the audible “clout” of a big-block Corvette. That’s why cars like this deserve to be preserved and enjoyed. The new owner can enjoy its unrefined brute performance while the rest of us can bask in the glow of the glorious tune sung by its V8. That seems fair to me.
I’ll take this one for the girlfriend 💅 she loves standards. And I’ll grab the blue 70
hardtop w 454 you wrote about yesterday Clarkey. 🙌🏁
I’ll be your girlfriend Stan. Now when you start feeling a little frisky you’ll have to go and cheat on me.LOL just kidding
I’m Frogs twin sister Stan, (the better lookin one)! Same rules as sis apply!
Stan, you will have the only Corvette that runs and drives. The girlfriends car will be stuck in the driveway. This seller only sells cobbled together Corvettes that photograph okay but need LOTS of work.
Not sure why Adam feels the need to feature a vehicle from this seller at least once a week. It is doing the BF readers a huge disservice.
Say “Emoji” Stan, bet she’d 👸feel like a queen in that vette! A real winner 🏆 that’s for certain.
Not bad for a used car, Jim. Great color combo when the saddle interior was a new thing. Then you find out it’s a big block 4 speed with air. Not many nits to pick here.
AC belt off so that needs a discussion.
Nice write up Adam.
Would like to know more but work has been put into her to get her road ready.
Really looks nice.
Good luck and hopefully this one goes to a dedicated caretaker and driver!
These are fun to drive. I have the ho hum small block, 4 speed, posi, no optioned model. It was cheap years ago and never game me any problems. Very nice unit here and my favorite color combo.
These big block Corvettes were very nose heavy due to the weight distribution and poor suspension. You have the best engine for modifications to increase horse power? It reminds me ever see massive bodybuilders trying to compete in a marathon?
The small developed leg muscles remind me of chicken legs but I would enjoy a small block built right
In the words of Bob & Doug McKenzie, “Beauty, eh?” Solid driver and fully restorable if you’d want to, but why bother? Stance and wheel offset look as they were intended, no one messed with the rims except to paint them body color. Not bad but not my choice.
Funny how big block Corvettes are criticized for being nose-heavy but no one complains about Porsches being tail-heavy. Both designs favor straight line acceleration. The Porsche may hook up better but I’d guess the Corvette handling might be a little more predictable.
The chrome bumper convertibles are the best of the C3s. The bidding stands north of $16K with 4 days to run. My thought is this car will sell for closer to $30K when all is said and done.
Wish I had that kind of money laying around with nothing else to do.
I’ve owned both and currently own 2 Porsches. There’s no comparison between the two. The big old cast iron vette motors don’t sit over the drive axles. Porsches aluminum alloy motors do which gives it superior grip launch and handling. Negative on the predictable vette handling. Germans know how to engineer and build a super car. Plain and simple.
2 Porsches! Lucky you! Are they 1971 vintage or much newer? With your experience your opinion is undoubtedly valid. 356s and early 911s had a tendency to surprise those drivers unfamiliar with the vagaries of rear-engined handling, i.e. abrupt dynamic changes at the limit.
The point is that the design of the 356/911 is inherently challenging as an engineering exercise. With a significant amount of total mass (even though it’s aluminum) hanging out behind the rear contact patches it can act as a lever to swing the rear around to the front. The genius of Porsche’s engineers is that they managed to gradually overcome these forces of nature and developed a great handling car. As Car and Driver said in a contemporary road test, “Ferdinand Porsche set down the Teutonic teardrop shape before World War II, he hung the engine out behind the rear wheels where he thought it belonged and that is the way that the 911 is built today. Knowledgeable designers now agree that that is not the best way to build a car, not even second best in fact, and Porsche engineers wouldn’t dream of such a layout for racing, but the 911 continues along because to do it any other way would not be a Porsche.”
Well, not totally. Many early 911s have been raced successfully in sports car events. Right up until 1984, when those marginally competent non-German engineers at Chevrolet introduced the C4 Corvette. The SCCA had to create a whole new class to accommodate the total domination the C4s inflicted on the BMWs and P-cars, who complained vociferously.
It’s a fact that it takes a modicum of skill to competently pilot a Porsche and get everything out of it. Same for other brands as well. The most significant option any owner of a performance car can buy is driving lessons. But how many 1971 Porsche/Corvette buyers actually invested in honing their driving skills? And talking about a 1971 Corvette and a 1971 Porsche – neither one is remotely comparable to today’s offerings.
I worked in a Porsche dealership in the early ’70s. I asked why they were so expensive, was told they’re “very well-made”. I couldn’t see the value then. Nice cars but a bit pricey. There are certain buyers who are sold on image and cachet. Put BMW badges on a KIA and they wouldn’t know the difference. I’ll keep driving my Plastic Fantastic at half the price.
Mine are 2013 and 2014 911 991.1. While true cornering can be tricky the key is not getting off of the accelerator in a curve. The 991.2 has rear steering which greatly improves handling as does all wheel drive. The Turbo S has a 0-100 in an insane 3 seconds and is not for the faint of heart. I consider the Porsche the gold standard of super cars.
I had a 71 454 coupe this one year only color Brands Hatch Green with green inside 4 speed. That was in 1976. The air conditioning never worked. Radio a POS even then. But a great driving car and that heavy BB engine did nothing to hamper handling. That is a myth. Look it up.
Definitely a driver, but looks better than expected for the salty air conditions in southern coastal Florida. The paint drips, corrosion on trim tag rivets, and lack of photo of driver’s side frame kick-up are a bit worrying – but on the surface looks like it would be a solid buy if it stays in the “reasonable” price range.
I had a ’72 and I think the color was this, but I called it El Carte Green. Was I wrong there? Put orange lenses in front fog lights and it would look just like mine! Oh, mine had a color matching cloth top.
This is a nice C-3 and if on the market for one I would be VERY seriously considering it. While I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I do not mean to anger any Porsche aficionados, a ’70-’72 Stingray is one of the most beautiful automotive designs ever…and I am not able to say the same for any Porsche. To my admittedly biased eye they either look like inverted bathtubs or overgrown toads. Like an E Type Jaguar, one is driving a veritable work of art on wheels in an early ’70s Stingray. That in itself is an experience that makes a few fractions of a second difference with other marques in the 0-60 or quarter mile, totally irrelevant.
Now now I resemble that remark (toad). Fortunately it is too rich and expensive for the average palate. Otherwise no offense taken.
Money doesn’t buy taste.
My 2 previous 928’s were cheap fun and most 911’s until the past 20 years or so were hideous unless they were all out race cars. Huge tires , bulging fenders and aero treatment made them manly .
I feel the last C3’s that you could get before the malaise era was the LS5 and later LS4 454 option with the manual especially for the 73. The L48 did nothing for the later vettes and that’s why l feel the L48 vettes don’t command the money that those option vettes do but they look good. This Vette has the options that to bring well over 30K in my opinion and it looks to be in condition,looks and color combination. Ya I’d spend over 30K easily for it. Good luck to the buyer and l hope it finds a good new home.
I love everything sbout except the colors , i can’t stand green or beige !