We’ve seen a few classics come across the desks here at Barn Finds in recent times that have generated significant interest from enthusiasts, and this 1971 Corvette Convertible is a great example. This is a numbers-matching survivor that is said to wear its original paint. There are currently 135 people who are watching the listing, while 15 people have submitted a total of 52 bids. Given the fact that there is still plenty of time remaining on the listing, this represents some pretty serious early interest. Located in Palm Coast, Florida, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. All of that activity has pushed the price along to $23,200, and the reserve has been met.
What you are looking at here is a 49-year-old Corvette, and what it is wearing is 49-year-old Ontario Orange paint. The paint has held together well over the years and looking around the car, there are no signs of any serious scratches, scrapes, or cracks. The fiberglass looks like it is free of any stress issues, while the doors and hood seem to have tight and even gaps. There are several photos provided by the owner of the Corvette’s underside, and there are no signs of any rust problems. The vehicle has a black soft-top, and this seems to fit into place very tightly. The exterior trim and chrome present well, while the glass looks good. This is not to say that the car is without fault. The windshield wipers, which did develop a reputation for being occasionally troublesome, seem to have chucked a fair old tantrum on this car. The owner has replaced the vacuum valve twice, but they still refuse to play ball consistently. Having given up in despair, he has given the windshield a Rain-X treatment and avoids using the Corvette in wet weather. Adding to this pain, the windshield washers also don’t work. Still, if you can’t wipe it, why wash it anyway?
The owner refers to the Corvette as an original survivor, and the interior would seem to confirm this claim. It appears as though there have been no aftermarket additions to the interior, and the Black trim presents extremely well. If I am going to nit-pick, then I would suggest some detailed cleaning to really make that extra bit of difference. I’m not talking about anything major here but if you look at the seats, you can spot some accumulated dust and fluff in the seams. If that was cleaned, it would actually be noticeable. As I’ve said previously, it is these little details that can make a big difference. It isn’t a car that is loaded with optional extras, but everything inside the car works as it should…except the clock (surprise!). All up, I would actually say that the interior of the Corvette presents as better than average for a survivor of this age.
What a shame that we receive no engine photos, but what we know is that the Corvette is a numbers-matching car. It features a 350ci v8 backed by a 4-speed manual transmission, while the car also scores power steering. It isn’t clear which version of the 350 is under the hood, but even the standard engine’s 270hp is enough to propel the Corvette to a sub-16-second ¼ mile ET. The owner purchased the Corvette 2-years-ago, and he has treated it to some TLC during this time. It has received a new timing chain and valve seals. The tires are new, while the shifter bushings are also new. The owner says that the Corvette runs and drives nicely, and he has comfortably taken it on some fairly extended trips.
This Corvette is a car that ticks a lot of the right boxes for many potential buyers. It is numbers-matching, it’s original, and it is a “chrome bumper” C3 Corvette. Owning a classic where you can slip out to the garage on a sunny Saturday, jump behind the wheel, and hit the open road, has a huge attraction for a lot of people. The bidding on this Corvette proves that. Someone looks set to score themselves a very nice survivor.
It sure is a great color and original is always preferred in my world.
I’ve never seen these with original paint not show bonding strips and headlight surround rivets faintly or drastically in the reflections. The shark bodies are looking better every year.
Yeah it is a good looking vett!! 4 speed and mostly original!! The price point isn’t crazy yet either!!
A beautiful Vette. I don’t know about other states, but a car won’t pass inspection in PA without working windshield wipers.
$400 converts it to modern electric power and loses all the vacuum. Biggest issue making them work is nobody replaces the check valve, or they put it in backwards.
Not all states have an inspection program.
Lovely car..seems a lot of these cars have washer/ wiper problems are parts hard to find?price is not out of control on these yet..seems like a decent investment
The problem with the wiper system on these cars is the vacuum operated door that hides the wipers. Availability of parts for the wiper door is not the problem, it’s knowing how to trouble shoot and sort out the system.
The seller may not say in the ad which 350 it is, but it can only be the base L-48. The LT-1 came with a high rise aluminum intake, and used the same raised hood the big block used. This car has the regular small block hood, that came with the base engine. The LT-1 intake/carb/air cleaner combination won’t fit under that hood.
Ontario Orange is one of my favorite colors. This looks like a pretty nice 71, it will be interesting to see what it goes for.
This would look great with the vinyl hardtop.
Needs the nightmare weatherstripping replaced. But not priced out of line.
Nice car the residue on the seats could be from the original seat foam deteriorating as both my 72 and now my 70 original car have the same going on
Looks like there was some repaint on the front if you look at the right door and fender you can buy all replacements on line for corvettes corvette central etc. weatherstripping is no big deal been restoring these cars for years.
Nascar if I say so myself..
How hard is it to fit a later longer hood where the wipers simply “hide” under the curved lip edge of the hood? That’s what Chevy should have used at the beginning of this gen, tho it’s fun to see the parking ticket officer looking for the wipers HERE to place the ticket. lol
Is there a reason for wipers on vettes & 60’s toronados that move in opposite directions to each other? Not sure if any modern cars still have those.
Stupid mention on my part, but true… I’m the same age as the car and it looks better than me ! In all seriousness, very nice example. With the Muncie 4-spd ? yes please !
SOLD for $24,800.