This 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a stunning classic. This is unsurprising because the seller spent five years refurbishing the car, including fresh paint and an interior retrim. However, it retains its numbers-matching drivetrain, with its big-block V8 promising an exciting motoring experience. All good things must end, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Stingray listed here on Craigslist in Federal Way, Washington. The seller set their price at $46,900, but they may consider appropriate trades.
After introducing the first significant cosmetic changes in 1970, including integrated fender flares to protect the lower extremities from stone chips, Chevrolet performed no significant visual updates to the Corvette in 1971. Sales climbed during this model year and would continue to do so throughout the 1970s. The seller purchased this car approximately thirty years ago. They immediately commenced a refurbishment, spending five years lifting the Corvette’s appearance and mechanical health to meet their lofty standards. Three decades may have passed since the work ended, but the car still looks stunning. I refer to it as refurbished, and not restored, because the seller performed a slight color variation. It still wears what is essentially its original Bridgehampton Blue, although adding a candy touch helps it to really “pop.” They fitted new bumpers and badges, and the overall impact is impressive. This Stingray will undoubtedly turn heads, and its garage-kept history has kept it rust-free. However, this Corvette is far more than a pretty face.
I love delving into manufacturer Sales Brochures because they can be a valuable source of information, direct from the horse’s mouth. For instance, Chevrolet confirmed that the LS5 version of the 454ci V8 hiding under this Corvette’s hood delivers 365hp. The seller retains this classic’s Tank Sticker, confirming that the first owner teamed the big-block with a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.08 Posi rear end, and power steering. The refurbishment included an engine and transmission rebuild, but this beauty is numbers-matching, down to the ancillaries like the carburetor, distributor, and alternator. The odometer shows 46,000, and the seller confirms it has rolled over. They recently rebuilt the suspension and installed a range of new brake components. Potential buyers can consider this Corvette a turnkey proposition.
The first owner didn’t focus exclusively on outright performance, as it features an interior with air conditioning, power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio. The seller followed a faithful path when refurbishing this aspect, retrimming the interior in Black vinyl. The car hasn’t been a garage queen under their care, clocking around 30,000 miles over the past three decades. However, the lack of wear and other deterioration tells a story of a classic that has been treated respectfully and never abused. It has no apparent needs, and there is no evidence of aftermarket additions.
This 1971 Corvette Stingray looks stunning, and I’m sure most Barn Finds readers will forgive the slight color change in light of its numbers-matching status and overall presentation. It carries the hallmarks of a classic that has been cherished in the thirty-five years since the seller first parked it in their garage. The price looks realistic for a Corvette of this caliber, and with these cars remaining one of the market’s stars, this gem could be an excellent long-term investment. For me, it’s a matter of forgetting the potential future return and slipping behind the wheel to experience classic motoring joy. After all, that’s what these cars are all about.
Really? They need to research current values on these big block 4 speed corvettes, big time…
How much is it worth then ?
Very nice Adam and Curvette. This is a really nice looking Vette. Essentially original, no aftermarket Mako, custom, or limo kits. Just a plain ol Vette that doesn’t need any help looking great.
In 1971 (just graduated from high-school) my ride was a,’55 Chevy convertible. I had just pulled into our long driveway a little ways and got out to check the mail. I had no sooner got out when the twin to this car pulled in and stopped. IT WAS GORGEOUS! Out stepped my in insurance agent. (Rex was a friend of the family who drove a VW Beetle and a ’61 Biscsyne. And since my folks were split up then. He felt obligated to offer fatherly advice. ) “Rex! When did you get this? Never mind the car. I saw you up on Monee-Manhattan Road (the road everyone used for top end runs) the other day. You had 7 girls in the car and you had to be driving 80 MPH!” (It was actually 5 girls and I had shut it down after tunning at 100 mph.) So after reading the riot act for at least 10 minutes about having an accident, and killing those girls. And how it would be on my conscience for the rest of my life. He finally said, “I have to go”. We lived on a very busy 2 lane highway. Be backed out and lit the tires up in all 4 gears. The rubber on the pavement was very impressive. It was so impressive that my Mom noticed and gave me hell for doing it!
“But Mom Rex did that!” ” Ya right! Rex did that with his VW!”
1973 I had a similar experience only with the Chief of Police in our KC area small town. He pulled in behind me in my 67 Camaro SS at my dad’s shop. He brought it to my attention that he followed me in his unmarked car while I lit up the tires, pulled out in front of him and then drove 25 over the limit into town the week before.
He lectured me…I was just hoping he would leave before my dad or anyone else saw him there. When leaving he said you might mention this to your dad as I will do the same. He tricked me into telling my dad. Good times…OUCH!
I bought a 71 454 4 speed coupe with 3.08 rear 50 years ago for $5,300. No hit body. Mine was Brands Hatch Green. Sold it 1978 for $6,500. Fast. But plenty went wrong by the time I sold it with 62,000 miles.
Adam, the ergonomic way you write of this very nice example Stingray reminds me of a time way in the past of a friend in the Air Force speaking of a new entry stripper that just started dancing at our favorite topless bars.
Absolutely phenomenal!
Nice job. You make me want to go indebt.. Again.
Truly is one of the nicest C3’s around my backyard.
I like the ownership history on this one, and accounts for some of the big ask on it. Someone didn’t just grab it and throw a quick cosmetic restoration on it.
35 years ownership means the seller knows everything about the car and will want the new owner to love it like he/she did.
I owned my ’70 Corvette for almost 30 years. I wish it looked this good when I owned it.
Good write up, Adam, despite the ubiquitous “they”/”them”/”their”…
Whats up with the stomper pedal on the floor??
R u possibly looking at another car? Please explain stomper pedal..?