Being in my mid-fifties and growing up in an area that seemed to be ripe with Corvettes, I went from being enamored by the custom ‘Vettes cruising around the streets in my town during my car-crazed youth to later developing a palate more appreciative of the bone-stock survivors as I got older. Nowadays, I love them both! I can just imagine the heads this customized C3 must have turned in its heyday, and the good thing here is this one’s not just all looks, either. If you’re in the market for an early seventies example and want something out of the ordinary, this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette here on eBay might be worth considering. The car is located in Dongola, Illinois, with bidding sitting at $12,701. If you must have it today, there’s also a buy-it-now option for $27,500.
The seller says he’s owned the car for about a year and that prior to his acquisition the Corvette had been in storage, but beyond this, we don’t get much more information about its background or ownership history, other than there was one repaint some time ago. I’m guessing he means that the flares and other custom touches were added then the car had a respray, and while it’s not perfect those graphics are still quite eye-catching on top of that white base. The aftermarket rear view mirrors look identical to a set I bought at Western Auto back in the seventies, and though they’re no longer my favorites these were sort of a low-budget staple throughout the decade. But for this application, I’m kind of fond of those chrome side pipes, big and little wheels, plus that hood just looks menacing, so let’s take a look under it.
Although compression and horsepower were down a bit from the previous year, this one’s packing the numbers-matching big block, an LS5 454 cubic-inch V8 rated at 365 horses right out the door, not bad at all considering the times and how the federal emissions and fuel requirement standards were changing. The owner believes the 71,000 miles showing on the odometer is accurate, with the motor now running and sounding great, even though it is said to smoke a bit when the car is first started. Plans call for a Quadrajet to be put back on to replace the Holley, but sadly, the original carburetor and breather are both gone. However, the 4-Speed is the original factory component.
While it appears to be mostly all there and intact, the interior could use a good refreshment all the way around, and there’s no word on what is and isn’t working inside. Some good news is the car is also equipped with power windows, and it looks like the factory radio is still in place. Some even better news is that the seller has provided 10 photos from underneath, which seem to depict an overall solid frame and dry drivetrain, always a plus. I realize the body may be a turn-off for purists, but with the original 454 and 4-Speed still in place I’m thinking this one’s a pretty desirable ’71. What are your thoughts?
I can’t figure out why matching numbers would matter on
a modified car.
This is a modified car. It has some goodies to offer: the BBC, flared rear fenders, they work for me, side pipes and a decent interior. It is going to need paint, rims and a hood that fits.
I don’t know is 27 K a good price ?
Buff out the paint and clean it up as much as possible, install some vintage wheels and be done with it. It represents a specific point in time and does so well.
Steve R
Barn finds i apologize for making a fool of myself on your forum but when your a car nut and see like the girl of your dreams for anywhere close to cheap you loose it . You would think after 60 years of age you would get beyond acting 18 but here i am to be punished . If someone has the power to yank my previous post i would appreciate it . If i say 1971 corvette 454, 4 speed, holley dumper , side pipes fast 4 times my mind becomes mush & im in love what can i say.
BA….I am 64 drive a HEMI Jeep Grand Cherokee I feel like 18 when I fire the bad boy up!! My wife hates it says I need to grow up! 😂 I told her sorry that won’t happen! Anyway seeing this Vette… Brought back flood of memories of the 70’s. I seen custom Vettes like this either new or couple of years old. And with blowers sticking out of the hood! Ahh those where the days! Good luck.. 🐻🇺🇸
BA, Do not apologize!
I am with you. Late 70’s we saw EVERYTHING from the 60’s and anything could be had and was aplenty. And that was the culture.
Pulled my 1st motor at 21 in ’79.
This was just what it was at that time, and this Rat would have not been unusual- just awesome and envied.
I chuckled at and enjoyed your previous post, but at your request yanked it- thanks for reading Barn Finds!
You don’t have to apologize – lots of us here post things
that we later regret,or that others here disagree with.That’s
what makes it work.Kind of like one really big,dysfunctional
family.
Sometimes you learn things in the replies.I myself wish
that there was a way to go back & edit posts,
Barn Finders put the “fun” in dysfunctional!
BA…I too went a bit crazy seeing this wonderful ‘time freeze, magnificent, piece of eye candy’! Normally I like my Corvettes factory-correct and had many that way over my 72 years. Somehow, this custom one is done amazingly well and has just the right look. Because I can no longer drive a manual and can’t get in/out of Corvettes anymore, I know I won’t buy it BUT I still CRAVE this car…even just to park it in my garage and look at it. BA, your enthusiasm is totally understandable.
Ahh, the days of custom paint. Had a memory of painters shooting cars with clear mixed with heavy flake, (before clear coat) or spraying paint through lace. Some of the old painters were pretty talented.
Needs a complete interior and a replacement rear valance, Hood fit can be adjusted. Touch up the paint give it a good clean and roll. But not for $27 large. For this custom, maybe 15K on a good day. I’d want to inspect everything metal and wire in that cockpit though… center consoles generally don’t rust unless the t-tops have been leaking.
We get old but we don’t have to grow up!
And there it is, the bottom line: We get old but we don’t have to grow up.
✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔
I’m a day late and a dollar short with my comment, but BA and others, this Corvette is a snapshot in time. Years ago it was cars such as this one that fired up the imaginations of young boys who dreamed of being cool enough to drive such a wild car. I had several ATX toy electric race track cars in various colors just like this one. I too am getting to the age when what people would think of me for driving this car is no longer a concern. Also, excellent write up.
These were common in 1976, when I bought my first Corvette, a Brands Hatch Green 454 4 speed, air conditioned coupe for $5,300. Car was never hit, all original driveline, all original important stuff like starter, alternator, radiato..But, I preferred stock cars, no stupid flares or blowers or other kiddi mods. The only non stock stuff that a 20 year old would want was on the car, aftermarket Appliance mags and Hooker chrome side exhaust. It was a POS with everything needing replacing. The radio didn’t work, bear in mind this car was 5 years old when I bought it. By 1978, while in college, I just could not keep it anymore. Traded it even up for a mint, loaded 1976 Olds Cutlass Salon with Hurst Hatches. The original owner, a laywer, traded it in for a then new Silver Anniversary Corvette, where I detailed cars part time at Penn State. I should have never sold the Olds. One of the best and most comfortable and best looking cars I ever owned. I have had 50 cars in my life and currently have a 73 Corvette, 97 Plymouth van and 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. I miss that Cutlass.
Well I’m 78 going on 19 and this car is bad ass!
I’m 81 and looking at this car is like looking at pictures of me in the typical clothes that we wore at the time when this car would have been cool. What were we thinking? I can only hope that good taste and style never gets that far off again. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always been a car guy and would have loved the paint job on this Corvette back then, but now not so much.
It will appeal to a very specific buyer, as my years have taught me that most Corvette owners are purists.
That probably happened around 1989 when base price first went over $30,000.
All this needs is a set of Cragers.
I was very disappointed when I saw the interior, what a letdown.
It needs to be purple velour to match those groovy stripes.
Same here! Definite case of Corvetteus Interruptus. You gotta finish what ya started! Or like the bank ads used to put in the fine print- “Substantial Interest Penalty for Early Withdrawal”
Not a 1971 but must be earlier model. Front fender side grilles are not OEM. I owned a new 1971 coupe, and the side grilles are egg crate style.
Probably replaced the nose/fenders at some point. The ad shows a ’71 VIN number.
Thanks guys for the kind comments just a dream car (for me) for what I think is chump change (not for me obviously) I was throwing my phone number around like I was a lady of the evening & ready to sign my life away lol this Corvette has got it all IMHO(hey im color blind when you say original LS5 454 4speed) & don’t get me started on the rest or God only knows what I’ll do next!
BA…don’t worry about it. I almost phoned you just to discuss this car. When I get some coffee in my, I do the same stuff. Its just your passion spilling out.
Ended at $15,700, Reserve Not Met.
And most likely never will be.
It’ll be back
Beautiful peace of corvette history. Personally I love modified corvettes. Most corvette owners don’t like modified Vettes. Personal taste. It would be a shame not to keep this Vette just like it is. Plenty of stock C3 to enjoy