The 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is often thought of as the last of the third-generation bunch that could be considered iconic, but the same holds true for several muscular automobiles from this era that were beginning to lose some of their performance capabilities near this period. While it would be a plus if this 1971 Corvette here on eBay were equipped with a big block, this one’s got a 350, and unfortunately, it isn’t running. However, some good news is that this one will likely stay in a price range that won’t break most bank accounts, and it does have a 4-speed manual transmission. Located in Hialeah, Florida, bidding has only reached $1,175 so far, and there doesn’t appear to be a reserve, so the most optimistic participant will have bought themselves a C3 project.
The seller says this ‘Vette has been with the same owner since 1977, so the car would have only been 6 years old when he took over the responsibilities of caring for it. Unfortunately, this one appears to have been neglected for quite some time, and I’m guessing many seasons have passed since the 350 was last running. There are no hoses, belts, alternator, or distributor cap, and no word on whether the crank will still spin. Probably the most favorable mechanical detail here is the manual transmission, and there’s a good chance it may need some work too. However, this one seems ripe for a big block, if you happen to have one in your garage begging for a fun bay to go into.
Better news is that the exterior appears to be mostly complete, and the ’71 model still featured chrome bumpers on both ends. The blue finish has some fading, and the hood doesn’t seem to fit quite right, but most of the panels appear to be in decent enough shape to work with. It’s also a plus to see the rally wheels still on the car, but is it just me, or does the stance seem a bit off here? It’s reported that a few frame repairs have been made in the past, so I’d check them closely to be sure they were performed adequately before getting too far into the restoration.
Most of the interior also appears to still be there and intact, but the seats are stained, so I hope that doesn’t indicate that there’s been excessive water inside at some point. The door panels also look like they’ve spent years baking in the Florida sun, but hopefully, the price will remain low enough that this one will make economical sense to restore. With all of the needs taken into consideration here, how much would you be willing to shell out for this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette?
I would pay $1500 for it.
If a fella could get this on the cheap, could be in a viable project. The frame situation should be of major concern to any perspective buyer, plus it would be in wise to do some serious investigation into whether or not this old gal has gone for a swim at some juncture. It’s “iffy” at best, but there is a possibility that ít could be saved.
Is it me or is that a whole lotta’ mud in the radiator?
Do think a 454 will fit in this with aluminum heads and manifold?
Since the big block was a factory option, one could replace the small block using factory parts. The one thing that could potentially be a problem would be the height of the intake manifold, so a bit of due diligence would be pertinent.
502 or a 572 crate motor! Get the deluxe with eveything set to go. I did that with my ’66 El Camino about 20 years ago. It was a good decision.
Frame rot.bad on these cars..motor is toast..it has small block springs..a 454 would tilt the front end down
”using all factory parts” would naturally include big block springs.
Two good things, it is a 4 speed. And no STUPID luggage rack.
With that front end droop it’s a pass for me.
I don’t see any “front end droop”, but what I do see is what Mike mentioned in the write up, and that is the weird “jacked up” stance. I’m not exactly sure what would cause that ’cause it sure as heck didn’t come from the factory sitting like that.
If that’s the original hood with no repairs something sure as hell is wrong with the front end. I have seen cars stored on stands and with no weight on the springs they had the 4X4 look when put back on the ground.
I kinda think that I’ll fitting hood is due to some wonky hinges.
I love a small block this one needs love an a chance tbi 295 55s on back that would fix that stants a small spoiler good primer if I could sell my 40 ford truck 8 or 10 thousand be a real driver
As said above, this thing looks like a flood victim although it says clean title.
It’s a project not for the faint of heart. Just a big hearty pass for me.
But, at least the add didn’t catch the guy takin a squirt like before…
If you got a garage, your not going anywhere for a while, and 20 years, then this would be a great project. It’s a total do over.
I’ll bet the regular B.F. readers here saw this post coming:
DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM THIS SELLER!
All of his stuff is cobbled together from parts and pieces. Almost every time, the engine isn’t even hooked up, and the frames are full of rot.
He even changed his location from Miami to Hialeah, trying to throw people off, but the backgrounds are always the same.
You can take a chance, but the Corvette forums have many very sad tales of people getting duped. Google “The Nightmare 1972 Corvette I Bought on eBay — Cobbled Together Junk”. Amazing that this guy can still sell on EBay, or even live with himself.
I wish BF would put an end to featuring this guy’s garbage. So many nice Corvettes out there to talk about