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?
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