With its shiny pearl paint, big block hood, chin spoiler, and hood-mounted gauges, this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette in San Angelo, Texas brings a cool ’80s vibe to the party. The well-kept classic comes to market on Facebook Marketplace where it can be yours for $25,000 or a possible trade for a ’28 to ’33 Ford Coupe. The chrome bumpers of the early C3 (third-generation Corvette) and four-speed manual transmission add value for ‘Vette fans who appreciate controlling gear changes and/or don’t fancy the larger bumpers of the later C3. Running and driving condition is not mentioned in the spartan listing.
The bling continues in the engine compartment with plenty of chrome and polish. The original LS5 (454) car lost its original big-block, but another 454 cid (7.4L) V8 stands in its place.
This picture almost got the entire car in the frame. So close! I’m no Ansel Adams, but if you don’t see the whole car, take a step backwards. Otherwise buyers may wonder what’s wrong with that left rear corner that you cleverly kept hidden. Other than the classic peeve of having to access the trunk through the passenger compartment, there’s little to complain about back here.
The tan interior looks well-kept. Drivers are unlikely to need the redundant tachometer, though it provides a ready reference for the passenger. Unless this ‘Vette packs more than 500 HP, shifting at redline is unlikely to bring the best ET compared to simply shifting when big block’s power drops off and grabbing a heaping portion of torque on the upshift. I’ve never owned a big block four-speed car, but I intend to. The requested trade, an early Ford coupe, represents an extreme contrast to this 454 sports car, perhaps an enticing swap for both parties. Can you see yourself rowing through the gears in this big-inch ‘Vette?
Ansel Adams, Nice! A lot of gauges going on here, agree with the tach comment. Looks like an A/C dash. She looks good in white, my 72 is Clasic White. I like the color on C3’s but anything later makes me think Barbie Ferrari. Ditch the spinners and gauges and drop the hammer.
That’s a nice lookin car Mike……..
Is an AC car missing the compressor. I see the block that hooked up to the back of the compressor in the engine photo.
What the hecks the miliage
I’d be wary, every aftermarket part visible in the engine compartment to the tachometer is the cheapest white box Chinese parts available at the local swapmeets. Guys that buy these sort of items aren’t doing this so they can splurge on more critical components, this is the approach the took for the entire car. It looks flashy, but there is no substance to back it up.
Steve R
Exactly Steve. If cheesy add ons made the car faster this thing would travel at light speed. Tacky.
I was thinking the same thing maybe 15k . 25k if it was a roadster and original.
Steve R I get the same vibe. The car stands out on it’s own being a big block with a manual trans and chrome bumpers. Normally that is a good thing. However the guy ruins it.
It has been raked through a swapmeet for sure. I always wondered where those guys get all that stuff. More perplexing is who actually buys that crap?Now we know.
I worked in automotive at a store that predominantly sold performance parts for many years. There were certain customers that had to have Spectre hose coverings they were typically the same ones that wanted every cheap chrome part that would fit their car. Those customers would never listen when you tried to explain that a few well chosen dress up pieces would be less expensive and have more visual impact. At the time most car magazines were pushing a “chrome everything” narrative, mainly because it drove advertising revenue. Due to that, more than a few people spent their hard earned money creating rolling clown shows.
Steve R
Very well worded Steve and interesting observation. Ahhh your vast knowledge comes in part from a speed shop. Life came to you from across the counter. My guess you would have many stories to tell.
Sounds like we are going to have six more weeks of winter and at least six more weeks of Grouchy Old BF Men. Social Security checks late again guys?
Sorry Ike, I still work and too young to take advantage of SS. I like snow.
I get it. I’m 68, still not collecting SS, and heading out now for some snow shoveling. Have a great day!
Oh God, that’s funny!!!! Ike, best one yet, good call.
The gauges in front of the windscreen are as cheesy as it gets.
You must be new here. This site has more bad cheese than the Quality Dept at Kraft Foods.
The hood mounted gauges and the extra tach.
That says it all and it aint good.
I like buying Corvettes like this, because most people will pass on it and the price will soften. Often times, when an owner customizes a car, they really love it, and as a result take good care of it. As long as there is no rust, and most of the “personalized” stuff is bolt-on, that’s golden. I bought a ’74 big block roadster last year and toned it way down. Looks pretty GM stock now, with most of the aftermarket pieces gone, I like it more.
I wonder why all those idiots wouldn’t listen to you, Steve? Most of us here on the list think you know what you’re talking about….
Exactly Steve. If cheesy add ons made the car faster this thing would travel at light speed. Tacky.
I love this car, minus the gauges, chin spoiler, and pearl paint, if I had room in my garage and my wife allowed one more car, back to stock we go, it amazes me how people buy all this tacky junk, and add it on to a perfect car, but you’ll buy it cheaper like this, than if it was stock, we all have garbage cans