While it may not be showroom fresh or 100% original, there are some sound reasons why this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray deserves a closer look. It presents nicely, with no immediate cosmetic needs. The interior is equally impressive, while the car is in sound mechanical health. If you’re teetering on the edge and only need a slight push to pursue it further, the seller’s decision to offer it with No Reserve might prove the deciding factor. The Stingray is listed here on eBay in Miami, Florida. The bidding sits at $18,000, and with No Reserve in play, the Corvette is days away from finding a new home.

If complete originality is a crucial consideration in your search for a classic, this Corvette may not be your cup of tea. Its panels wear Elkhart Green paint, a shade Chevrolet only offered from the 1972 model year. That means the vehicle has undergone a color change, although there’s no information on when this occurred. I’m willing to stick out my neck and suggest it may have been recently because the paint shines impressively with no evidence of chips, scratches, or other defects. The fiberglass looks good, indicating that the painter probably repaired any cracks or other problems before applying the Green paint. The seller says the frame is clean, although there is no information on the birdcage. The lack of visible corrosion suggests that aspect of the Stingray should be structurally sound. The chrome shines as nicely as the paint, the glass is spotless, and I can’t spot any issues with the Rally wheels.

The Corvette’s interior presents well for a driver-grade car, and there are signs it is another aspect of this classic treated to some recent TLC. The seatcovers look new, with no wear or stretching. The same is true of the carpet, although the remaining upholstered surfaces and plastic appear original. There is a crack in the driver’s side of the rear console and some problems with the dash top on the passenger side, but nothing requires immediate attention. The factory radio has made way for a more modern radio/cassette player, but I can’t spot any further additions. Life on the road would be pretty pleasant thanks to the original owner’s decision to order the ‘Vette with air conditioning, power windows, and a tilt/telescopic wheel.

We’ve reached the point in this Corvette’s story where we delve into the great unknown. The engine bay houses a small-block V8, which should be the legendary 350. Bolted to the V8 is a three-speed automatic transmission, while the original owner added power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller doesn’t indicate which version of the small-block this is but states it is numbers-matching. I have some concerns about the visible rattlecan work because there’s plenty of red overspray on brackets and other components that should be black. I subscribe to the belief that if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. In the case of this motor, I would have been happier if the person responsible had left that area untouched. The seller recently treated this classic to a new master cylinder and brake calipers. They say the car runs and drives well, with no problems or apparent needs.

This 1971 Corvette probably won’t appeal to a purist due to the changed paint color. However, it is a strong candidate for an enthusiast seeking a tidy driver that they can enjoy immediately. It has already attracted thirty bids with time left on the auction for fresh bidders to throw their hats into the ring. I won’t be surprised if it hits $25,000 before the hammer falls, although auctions can be an unknown quantity. Sometimes a car will peak early, allowing somebody to sneak in and grab it with a single well-timed bid. Do you think that will happen here, or will the action remain hot and strong to the end?