Occasionally, time catches up with enthusiasts, and advancing years mean they are no longer able to enjoy their beloved classic. Such is the case with this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. It has spent a few years in storage, but its elderly owner feels it deserves a new home with someone who can appreciate a C3 with a big-block under the hood. It presents well, and the deal includes parts to lift its interior appearance. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this wonderful classic listed here on eBay in Vero Beach, Florida. Bidding has raced to $20,100, and with No Reserve in play, that new home is only days away.
After performing a few styling tweaks in 1970, Chevrolet left the C3 Corvette largely unchanged for the 1971 model year. Sales had begun to climb following the previous year’s slump and would continue to do so for the rest of the decade. This Convertible looks stunning in Bridgehampton Blue with a White soft-top. The paint shines richly, and if there are any cosmetic flaws, they are fairly minor. The fiberglass is free from cracks, and the top looks pretty respectable. The seller supplies a couple of underside shots, and this is another area that looks remarkably clean. The tinted glass and trim look very impressive, as do the Rally wheels. Overall, this Corvette could seemingly be considered an extremely tidy driver-grade classic.
One change Chevrolet made for the 1971 model year was to reduce engine compression to cope with lower-octane fuel. It was an industry-wide practice, and the Corvette wasn’t immune. This car features the LS5 version of the company’s 454ci V8. The big-block had produced 390hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque in 1970, with those figures dropping to 365hp and 465 ft/lbs when this car rolled off the line. The first owner teamed the 454 with a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering. The power and torque figures may have dropped, but this Corvette would still be an impressive performer. The seller believes that the current owner purchased the car around 2005, which corresponds with the tire date code. He has been unable to drive the car for a couple of years, and with circumstances not improving, he decided to part with this classic. It is unclear whether the ‘Vette is genuinely roadworthy, but the spotless engine bay and lack of apparent fluid leaks are positive attributes. Since it hasn’t sat for decades, any potential revival work should be relatively straightforward.
The Corvette’s interior, trimmed in Dark Blue vinyl, generally looks fairly respectable. Its most significant shortcoming is deteriorating seatcovers. However, that isn’t bad news, because the deal includes new seatcovers and foam to return the seats to their best. I noticed slight damage to the lower door trim corners, but that appears to be as bad as it gets. The carpet is clean, the dash is excellent, and there are no signs of cracked or broken plastic. Some components for the air conditioning are missing, and a Sony radio/cassette player occupies the spot where the factory radio used to be. The tilt/telescopic wheel is a welcome feature, allowing the driver to tailor their seating position for maximum comfort.
I always find it sad when enthusiasts are forced to sell beloved classics, but the harsh reality is that the aging process eventually catches up with all of us. However, it is admirable that the owner chose to sell now, rather than leaving this ’71 Corvette languishing in a shed, deteriorating with each passing day. It has generated enormous interest, with ten bids and ninety-two people placing it on their Watch List. The No Reserve factor guarantees it a new home, but are you tempted to make it yours?
If your going to get an autoloader equipped Vette…🏁
Any Corvette 1963-1972 should be a 4 speed. 327,350,396,427,454. All 4 speed. If you couldn’t drive a 4 speed, you didn’t need to buy a Corvette.
Wow, I’m glad you weren’t around when I bought mine.
Have owned 4 Corvettes, all had that extra pedal. Been driving since 1975. I am pretty sure I was around.
I’m thinking there is a difference between can’t drive one and don’t want to drive one in bumper to bumper traffic at 2-5 MPH. The roads in S.FL aren’t what they were in the 60’s to 70’s. I can enjoy the experience of driving a Vette without slogging through the gears in bumper to bumper traffic.
Exactly.
Personal choice, no wrong answer.
I can attest to walking with a limp after sitting in traffic at the beach in my ’70 manual Corvette. That clutch pedal was heavy!
But, I still wouldn’t want an automatic personally. I don’t care what other people do and have no opinion about that.
Speaking strictly numbers, there were more automatic 454 cars than manual in 1971.
Agreed. I have a 68 with s/b 4spd. I myself, 68 and loved that 3rd pedal for years. Not so much anymore. Still love the car.
No one NEEDS to buy a Vette.
That’s a ridiculous reply. I am going to assume you are a Nissan owner or wannabe owner. Nissan sold less than 78,000 370Z between 2009-2020. Chevy sold between 255,000 and 260,000 Corvettes.
A fun driver and easy fix for the deficiencies.
I agree, for the deficiencies.
I love 3 pedals, but a GM Turbo Hydramatic and a big block 454 in this ragtop sound like a real nice GT experience Curvette.
Gonna need plenty of work, time and money. I had a 71 454 50 years ago. Everything on these cars breaks sooner or later. Automatic in a Corvette. NO.
Well, Joe and 370zpp I think that you guys are missing each other’s points.
They are obvious to me. Would hope that you take a moment and re-read them.
Now, onward to this Stingray. In viewing all of the available photos in the ebay ad it’s apparent that this Vette has been cared for and garaged properly. What a nice big block C3.
Enough said. The car speaks for itself.
Looks like there’s a difference in paint shade on the trunk lid and the rest of the car. Hey my eyes aren’t as sharp as they use to be might just be my imagination.
Hi need a/c to make me happy. Even in convertible. Don’t care if it’s a auto or stick shifter!
Sweet
Very nice shade of blue on this one.
It’s in nice shape top and bottom, so it will be interesting to see where this one ends up. So glad to see a No Reserve early C3 auction for a change.
Do not get fooled by ebay’s Secure purchase , they don’t even help you with a guaranteed fit part that doesn’t !
For the nice blue vette, topless is the way to go , the big block adds to the fun …
This Vett would be fun !!!!!