Sometimes you need to look closely at a classic car to determine whether all the puzzle pieces are present to create something genuinely special. This 1971 Corvette seems to tick most of the boxes. It is a rock-solid vehicle that is essentially complete. It features a freshly rebuilt big-block under the hood, but the seller’s decision to list it here on eBay with No Reserve may make those who are wavering sit up and pay attention. The Convertible is located in Miami Beach, Florida, and solid bidding action has pushed the price to $6,500.
The history of this Corvette is unclear, but it appears that one of its owners was fond of adding custom touches. The revised headlamp treatment won’t appeal to everyone, but it isn’t a radical change. Reversing it is possible, thanks to the availability of high-quality reproduction parts through companies like Eckler’s. For those who are unconcerned, it provides a crisp appearance that would attract attention. The Mille Miglia Red paint is presentable if the new owner chooses the driver-grade route, and although the Tan soft-top is very dirty, there are no signs of rips or other problems. The seller says the frame is solid, and the lack of visible corrosion across various aspects of the vehicle suggests there are no rust problems that could compromise its structural integrity. The chrome and glass look acceptable for a driver-grade classic, with the same true of the Rally wheels.
The serviceable theme continues when we examine this Corvette’s interior. The new owner is unlikely to walk away with show trophies in its current state, but it has no immediate needs. The entire interior would benefit from being detailed, and I think that approach would make a big difference to the presentation. The Black leather seat upholstery is dirty, particularly on the passenger side. However, a deep clean and condition may achieve pleasing results. The only item that appears to need replacement is the rear console section. However, with reproductions retailing for under $100, that is not an expensive problem. The dash looks good, as does the carpet. Another item requiring attention is the installation quality of the aftermarket CD player. It is common to see rough jobs like this, but an adaptor to lift the appearance sells for around $50 and would provide an almost “factory” look. The original owner’s decision to order the car with leather, power windows, and a tilt/telescopic wheel, suggests they were intent on creating a total package with this classic.
When I referred to the “total package” approach with this Convertible, I considered the interior appointments allied to what the original owner selected to occupy its engine bay. Lifting the hood reveals the company’s LS5 version of the 454ci V8. This big-block should send 365hp through a three-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. Performance was all you might expect, with this car capable of storming the ¼-mile in 14.5 seconds in its prime. The seller states the engine is freshly rebuilt, and it seems it hasn’t roared into action since the work ended. It requires some reassembly, but that brings us to one great unknown with this classic. The engine bay is missing the air cleaner, exhaust manifolds, ignition shielding, and several other components. They aren’t visible in the supplied shots and don’t rate a mention in the listing. The buyer may need to brace for a shopping spree to source the necessary parts. It could be an expensive process if they crave a stock appearance. The most costly item could be the shield kit, which retails for approximately $500. With that thought in mind, it would be worth asking the seller questions to determine how much this aspect of the build is likely to cost.
This 1971 Corvette Convertible leaves a few questions requiring answers, but for all that, it could be a rewarding project. The custom headlamp treatment won’t appeal to everyone, but reversing the changes would be possible with the ready availability of parts. The drivetrain combination promises impressive performance, and its overall presentation and solid nature suggest it could be revived and enjoyed as a drive-grade classic in the short-term. Would that be your approach, or would a fresh coat of paint be impossible to resist?
My first question would be ” how long has the engine been sitting there with all the uncovered openings?” As for the headlights, there are clear covers available to finish the installation that would greatly enhance the aerodynamics. Front end is a bit higher than normal probably due to no exhaust system etc. Think I’d approach this one very carefully.
My second question is how does the author know it is “a rock-solid vehicle that is essentially complete” ? Was the a personal inspection?
It looks to me that the valve covers aren’t bolted down and the distributor is poking out a couple inches high. It looks to me they slapped those on for pics and that engine does not run. Rebuilt? Maybe. Are there receipts, or did those get lost?
The intake isn’t even bolted on. All this was set on there for a pic. This was a long block installation at best.
My second question is how does the author know it is “a rock-solid vehicle that is essentially complete” ? Was there a personal inspection?
The seller has sold quite a few Corvettes. His feedback is pretty decent, there are a few dings, but you can’t please everybody. It appears he describes the cars accurately, and 99.6% of the buyers are happy. That being said, hopefully someone knowledgeable could inspect it or take a trip to Miami yourself. Personally don’t care for this one, but a few previous offerings were tempting.
as long as Mr. Clarke continues to post cars from this EBay seller, I will continue to post the following – Buyer Beware!
Seriously, you guys at BF need to stop featuring cars from this seller.
I’ve been hinting that this seller is up to no good, but you keep showing his stuff anyway.
Here is some interesting reading, just in case anyone here ever actually deals with this guy:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-general/4651267-buyer-beware-1968-convertible-projects-in-miami-on-ebay.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/transactions-feedback/4425366-beware-of-ebay-seller-arminhott87.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-general/4383141-buying-c3-1982-collectors-to-restore-with-2-teenagers-4.html#:~:text=Thank%20You%20so%20much%20guys%20%2D%20looks%20I%20dodged%20a%20bullet%20with%20your%20help.
Make up your own mind.
@PRA4SNW- Nice post. I called Mr. Clarke’s “rock solid” comment a tad over the top. He comes dangerously close to shilling for the seller on most Corvettes he writes on.He should stick to reporting on the verifiable facts and also spend fewer words speculating on restoration cost and potential market value. 99% of the readers are smart enough to know what they are looking at.
My guess is this wiil be the post that gains me a lifetime ban from BF. See ya!
I hope that isn’t the case, Frank. I enjoy your posts and they appear to me to be honest, based on experience.
There are others here that really have made lots of posts that contain very little usable content.
Whoa, red-big block-topless-driver- You. Have. My. Attention
I love a perfect paint job but i don’t collect porcelain dolls !
I need to drive my play things and since time is running out for ALL of us
I don’t need a trailer queen anymore
I can’t believe that i am actually considering pulling the trigger on this one ..
Claudio, before you pull the trigger, please click on the links in my previous post regarding this seller.
If you still go ahead with the purchase, please keep us informed on the experience.
Thank you for the warning!
I was getting all worked up and then i remembered ALL the problems i had with transport, border, inspection and more and more
So i am in the process of buying a triple black 60k 2008 corvette, pay and drive , will sell my 89 vette and 2000z3 in the spring
Its not finalized yet but getting closer
Claudio, can’t go wrong with a C5 Vert Vette!
I owned my 70 Vert for almost 30 years and although I love them, I think my next Vette will be a C5, convertible of course!
Finally a BBC to go along with the Big Block Hood, this could be a sweet deal if the price stays decent, buyer wise. The seller seems to have a pipeline for these Corvettes, they have one listed here quite often ? I like it & I’d buy it if things were different medically.
Id love this car because I had a LS5 71 coupe. Living in Michigan and not being able to check it out first hand leaves me out. Would be fun to have a winter project though. Could move my Wife’s Kia out to make room in the garage! LOL
Someone is not being truthful on this, just walk away