In 1971, potential buyers could walk into their Chevrolet dealership and drive away in a Corvette that was more potent than our feature car. However, that step up the ladder came at a considerable cost and would help to explain why so few people chose to tread that path. This Corvette is an absolute beauty, and it should satisfy most potential buyers who are seeking a classic sports car with a touch of Tabasco. If it all sounds too tempting to resist, you will find the Corvette located in Vacaville, California, and listed for sale here on Craigslist. The price of admission to the world of genuine muscle is $31,000. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder MattR for spotting this fantastic survivor for us.
When we start delving below the surface of this Classic White Corvette, it soon becomes apparent that the original owner wasn’t afraid to spend a dollar or two to create the car of their dreams. Choosing this paint shade adds a touch of subtlety to the vehicle and doesn’t offer a hint of its capabilities. I believe that the car may have received at least a partial repaint at some point, but the owner provides no information about this. The vehicle presents superbly, with few flaws or imperfections in the paint. The fiberglass that it has been laid over is equally impressive. There are no signs of cracks or crazing or any prior accident damage. When we drop to our knees and take a look at the Corvette’s underside, we find that the frame has a light dusting of surface corrosion in a few spots, but nothing that looks nasty. If the car has spent its life in California, that is probably no great surprise. However, I would probably attend to the corrosion as a priority, especially if its next home happens to be in an area that can punish classic steel. The trim is in excellent order, as is the glass. Overall, this classic would turn heads, but it is still restrained enough not to attract the wrong type of attention.
If the exterior of this Corvette makes a positive impression, the interior ramps this up a notch or two. The original owner ordered it trimmed in black leather, and its condition is impressive for its age. There are the usual and almost unavoidable minor marks on the console and some fading on the carpet, but that seems to be about all that I can fault. The upholstered surfaces look excellent, with no appreciable wear or physical damage. The dash is close to perfect, as is the wheel. The original owner liked their touches of luxury, which explains the inclusion of air conditioning on the Order Form. There is no compressor on this car, but the rest of the system remains intact. The other major nod to luxury is an AM/FM radio.
It seems to be a case of leaving the best to last because when we lift the hood, we find that the original owner ordered this ‘Vette with a 454ci V8. This is the LS5 version, which pumps out 365hp. Rounding out this package are a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. This combination offered its owner impressive performance and allowed the Chevy to demolish the ¼ mile in 14.5 seconds. That’s not anything to be sneezed at, but it wasn’t the best that the Corvette range had to offer. Stepping up to the LS6 brought 425hp to the table, and in automatic form, slashed the ¼ mile ET to 13.9 seconds. However, the extra performance came with a steep premium. Ticking LS5 on the Order Form added $295 to the Corvette’s sticker price, whereas the LS6 cost an eye-watering $1,221. Considering it from a bang-for-your-backs perspective, it isn’t surprising that 5,097 buyers chose the LS5, but Chevrolet could only convince a mere 188 buyers to slap down the extra cash for the LS6. If you haven’t had enough good news, I’m happy to provide more. The Corvette is a numbers-matching classic, and it is in sound mechanical health. The seller says that it runs and drives perfectly and that it sounds amazing. I’m having no trouble believing that last comment because these Chevy big-block always sound good when healthy.
We’ve seen a few C3 Corvettes here at Barn Finds recently, and that makes it feel like we might be treading familiar ground with this 1971 model. But I also think that when the car in question is this nice, it is ground worth revisiting. There’s no denying that the C3 Corvette is one of the staples of the classic scene, and buying the right one is as good as having money in the bank (or better!). The pick of the bunch is a chrome-bumper vehicle with a big-block under the hood and air conditioning. This car ticks all of those boxes, but the automatic transmission will have a slight negative impact on its potential value. However, there’s a lot to like about this car, and the asking price looks pretty competitive in a market where values continue to grow. Is that enough to tempt you to pursue it further? If so, I could hardly blame you.
Enzo Ferrari once said, ‘the early C3 Corvettes are the most beautiful car in the world.”
He was talking about the e-type Jaguar.
https://rmsothebys.com/blog-editorial-videos/blog-editorial-videos/ferrari-friday-enzo-and-the-most-beautiful-car-in-the-world/
I know Mike, my comment was meant as a joke. Everytime an E jag is posted here that comment comes up. And I believe Enzo’s quote is still considered a rumor as your link states. I have owned my classic white 72 Stingray for 21 years and still think she is beautiful! Take care, Mike.
@leiniedude:
Thanks for the explanation. I’m glad I wasn’t living in an alternate universe. Yes it is considered a rumor, only because there is no recording of him saying it. There are direct witnesses who say that they heard him say it. In any event I have a hard time believing he would say that to a competitor as he always struck me (from his public persona) to be an arrogant individual. Best wishes, leiniedude.
You are correct! Enzo Corvette Nah!
I wonder what he would say about the rear styling of the last 2 generation vettes, if he were still alive.
What’s not to like? White outside, black inside early C3 with a big block, in overall excellent shape. By the pictures, it looks like a good buy at the asking price.
automatic
Unless one can’t physically drive a stick.
Nice!
It’s been on c-list for a couple of months already. Surprised it’s still unsold by now. Really like it myself. A white 4spd 454 was only 13k a @5yrs ago like this one. Sold quickly, then prices started going up as interest has increased for these. Want it too, but..oh well. Good luck to buyer. Enjoy it!
AC????
Looks like a trolling Craig’s Ad with the listing of every sports car ever.
Solid value for what looks to be a very nice ride.
There is an L88 hood on the car which it did not come from the factory with. AC is nice, but I don’t see a compressor for it under the hood. Has headers and different carb. But that is the only thing I see wrong with it. Or not factory anyway. Beauty of car though. Decent price as well.
Ed, side grates are not painted. Wrong Air Cleaner, wrong distributor, no radio shielding, couple of other small items that I would need to get closer to inspect. This might be a nice 71 Big Block Corvette but Survivor (very over used term) this is not. So let’s go with nice clean Big Block Corvette that would be nice for most people but not the purist without significant outlay of cash. I have a 72 LS-5 so have some experience here.
I always forget the ignition shielding for some reason. I have a 68 L88 clone and that is why the hood jumped out at me. Wonder if he still has the old one like the carb and intake. Glad he kept the WW wiper door intact. I converted all my vacuum stuff over to electric, Still think its a nice car for a decent price.
The reason for that L88 hood is probably because it has an aluminum hi-rise intake manifold and different carb. In the last picture it shows a stock manifold and quadrajet, Looks to be a very nice C3, I like it but I’d have to get an A/C compressor and get that A/C functioning again .
Joel S is correct. I had a 71 LS5 coupe 45 years ago So I know what should be and should not be correct. The LS5 was a torque monster. Mine was green. 4 speed with 3.08s. The factory C60 never worked even when the car was just 5 years old. But fast and ate plenty of gas. Now have a 73 coupe. Far better riding car.