As with most projects, this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette has both pros and cons to consider, one of the former being that the engine and transmission are still factory components. It’s also currently running, and it’s a convertible, so I’m thinking the positives probably outweigh the negatives here. However, there’s still plenty of work to be done, but it sounds like the 350 is already prepped for the next owner to enjoy some trouble-free operation. Priced at $15,500, this one is located in Cape Coral, Florida, and can be seen here on eBay, with our thanks going out to reader Curvette for finding this Corvette and sending in the tip!
Four engine options were available in the Corvette for ’71, including a pair of big blocks along with a couple of different variants of the 350. It would add some desirability here if this one were equipped with a 454, but the 350 is hooked to a 4-speed manual transmission, so that’s certainly a plus. It’s recently undergone extensive fuel-system work, such as a new gas tank, sending unit, fresh lines, and a new fuel pump. There’s also been a tune-up performed, with the engine starting easily and sounding strong in the video provided by the seller. One anomaly is the 350-horsepower sticker on the air cleaner, since the two factory ratings for the small block this year were 270 for the base offering, or 330 for the LT1.
The only information we get about the body is that the hardtop is the sole roof present, with few other specifics, so we’ll have to rely on the photos to do the talking here. For the most part, the fiberglass actually appears pretty good, but there’s a small crack on the driver’s side quarter near the top that will need to be repaired. There are also holes in the rear deck where a luggage rack has been removed, but sourcing a replacement and reinstalling it will easily solve that problem. Up front, some paint is flaking off, and the area behind the headlight doors and part of the left fender appear to have been partially mended, so these sections will likely require additional work before this ‘Vette is ready for a respray.
Things inside will also need sorting out, but some of the removed components are included, so hopefully many of them will be in good enough shape to salvage. The seller also mentions that the frame isn’t rusty and is free of rot, so perhaps the next owner won’t have very much work to do down under. Overall, this Stingray seems to be at a pretty decent starting point, though there is undoubtedly still a lot left to do here. Is this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette one you’d consider taking on as a project?
The C3’s don’t sell for a lot of money, this needs a lot of work and has a rebuilt title. It has the base engine, which is the 270 horsepower passenger car version. Potential buyers really need to go over this car with a fine tooth comb and do their research before spending their money.
Steve R
My first question is what’s the reason for the rebuilt title. Manual brakes, manual steering, no A/C, but it is a 4 speed chrome bumper convertible (that needs cosmetics.) $10,500 seems OK in todays evaporating dollars, after all, what’s getting cheaper?
The rebuilt title would scare me away because there’s really only 4 reasons why the insurance would pay and total it. #1. accident, #2. theft recovery, #3. extreme vandalism, or #4. flood damage. All 4 can raise serious issues with the car and I’d make sure it’s a 71 350 Vette motor and isn’t an 82 267 Chevy Wagon motor first thing lol!
I vote for number 4. Flood
No A/C in a Florida car. That’s a test of endurance.
I see a considerable amount of rust under the hood and other places. No mention of mileage on the OD ? The seats are later 78/82 style. A clue to water damage. some under frame shots would help. Keep Looking and move on. Not a 10K car. IMO
”Is this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette one you’d consider taking on as a project?”
NO!
Ten-Five ? What a dumbass.
This is a strange one. I had spotted this car a few days ago on ebay. The price was higher, maybe 12k, don’t recall the exact price. Then it’s down to 10.5k. And now it’s listed at 15.5k. A little weird, no?
To many calls at 10.5, so up the price??
At first glance this looks like a decent chrome bumper project car, but looks may be deceiving. No steering, no brakes, no AC, base motor, other than being a convertible, this is about as least desirable of a 71 as you could find.
The tan parking brake console has power window switches, but the black door panels have manual cranks (I’m guessing the console is a doner from another car). From all indications this is an original base motor car, yet the 7 leaf rear spring and differential stub axles with caps instead of u-bolts on the universals are both big block parts. The VIN on the block pad matches the car’s VIN, but the rust is so pad on the pad it’s impossible to know if it’s original or has been restamped. In spite of all the surface rust under the hood, the pictures of the cowl area and number two body mount look surprisingly solid.
If I had to guess I’d say the rebuilt title is quite possibly the result of being under water. The Cape Coral/Fort Myers/Naples area saw a lot of hurricane related flooding a couple years, and a lot of collector cars were effected. Because it was salt water, in most cases the insurance companies didn’t even consider repairing/restoring the cars.
I came here to say just that. Cape Coral as a whole took a lot of hurricane damage. That entire area of the Gulf Coast was to a greater or lesser economic extent under water.
Shame. I’m sort of looking for a Vette as a retirement present to myself and my wife. Since we’re still 2 to 3 years away, taking one as a project is an option. Not this one though.
The seller says he bought a year ago in Georgia. His entire eBay store is Corvette parts. If you factor in his price increase from $10,500 to $15,500, it’s better to look elsewhere.
Steve R
Looks like she’s been swimming!
Money pit. No options. Boring. If it was a legit LT-1 or LS6, I’d be on it like a duck on a june bug
Unless you’re specifically looking for this car, the price is way too much with all the work needed, there’s better rides on Ebay and elsewhere