This 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible has a lot to offer its next owner. It presents extremely well, and the engine bay houses its original big-block V8. The buyer will need to add the finishing touches, but the parts for this are included in the sale. If a classic sports car ticks the right box for you, the Corvette is located in Byron, Georgia, and is listed for sale here on Facebook. The sale price has been set at $20,000. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Jeff T for referring this beauty through to us.
The Mille Miglia Red Corvette comes with an oh-so-familiar story. This is a buyer that has too many projects and too little time. That means that he has to part with a classic that isn’t far from being complete. The paint on the Corvette shines magnificently, with no evidence of any marks or scars. The fiberglass looks free from cracks or problems, while the chrome and trim are very acceptable for a driver-quality classic. There is no evidence of a soft-top, but the Convertible does come with a hardtop that is also finished in Mille Miglia Red. The owner doesn’t supply any information about the state of the frame or birdcage, so we need to hope that this is a case of no news being good news. The side pipes aren’t original, but they add an extra touch of aggression to what is already a pretty tough car. The wheels and trim rings show no signs of problems, while the glass appears to be free from defects.
The Corvette is a numbers-matching vehicle, and the engine bay is stuffed full of big-block goodness. In this case, it is the 454ci V8, which is backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission. It isn’t clear which version of the 454 we are dealing with here, but the worst-case scenario is that it will be producing 365hp. This drivetrain configuration should be capable of demolishing the ΒΌ mile in 14.5 seconds, which isn’t exactly hanging around. Even if this is the LS5, there is a possibility that it might be producing a few extra horses. The aftermarket headers and side pipes would have it breathing a bit better, and that is never a bad thing. The owner says that the Corvette runs and drives well, so getting it back on the road sounds like it will be a reasonably simple undertaking.
The owner stripped the Corvette’s interior to restore it but hasn’t managed to bolt it all back together. This is a task that will fall to the buyer, but it promises to be a satisfying one. That is mainly because they will be dealing with all fresh components because a new interior trim kit is included in the sale. That means that the finished product will look factory fresh, and the Black trim will really “pop” against the Red exterior. It isn’t clear what optional extras were ordered on the Corvette, but the presence of speakers suggests that there will be a stereo of some kind to add to the sweet music produced by the big-block.
Tackling someone’s unfinished project build can be a daunting task, but this 1971 Corvette Convertible doesn’t look to be a bad one. The car presents nicely as a driver-quality classic, while the original big-block and the new interior adds to the attraction. If it is as good as the listing seems to suggest, it should represent a very competitive buy at the asking price. A chrome-bumper Corvette with a 454 has to rate as a desirable car to park in your garage. Finishing the interior would be a great way to fill in these last few weeks of winter. When the sunshine hits again, you would be ready to hit the road in a potent American classic. That has to sound tempting.
This car is scary! The reason there’s no soft top is because you couldn’t use it if it did have one. It looks like the convertible deck lid has been molded closed! I don’t know what’s going on with the hood? Even if it’s not bolted on, it should still fit, and not be a couple inches high in front. I have my doubts about it being a matching numbers too, that doesn’t look like a big block radiator or core support, and big block Corvettes have a unique alternator & PS set up, while this car appears to have passenger car brackets. $20K for a poorly modified, partially disassembled 71 Corvette of questionable origin, I don’t think so!
I agree with gb, this car needs quite a bit of help. The word “original” should be removed from the ad, this car isn’t original. I think the reason that the aftermarket L-88 hood doesn’t fit is because it was made for a ’73 or later car. I hadn’t noticed the seams missing from the rear deck, good catch. Considering everything, I would still consider buying this one, as long as the birdcage was solid and the price was lowered. Corvette roadsters with chrome bumpers and big blocks are always fun, I would even add a third pedal.
The first time I heard the term “resale red” was on Barnfinds.
Some sellers think painting their car shiny red will disguise all its faults.
Shouldn’t a ’72 still have a points distributor instead of electronic ignition?
Unfortunately Steve, it often does. At least for anxious buyers.
I think the whole rear is an aftermarket piece…no deck lid and it looks like the rear side markers are gone. As stated the radiator looks wrong and the alt is on the wrong side (I think). Side mount headers sound great for short distances, but not with an automatic.
All said and done if everything checks out ok, all the parts are there, and you can do the work yourself it would be an ok buy.