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Upgraded Small Block: 1971 Chevrolet Corvette

The third generation of the Chevrolet Corvette began with the 1968 year model and ran all the way through 1982, so the 1971 coupe being offered here is still pretty early in the C3 run.  While the compression ratio of the 350 was lowered in 1971 to accommodate lower leaded fuel, in stock form it still produced a respectable 270 horsepower, although this was down 30 HP from the previous year’s model.  This small block Vette appears to be in really nice condition, and if you have been looking for a nice early seventies C3 driver this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette would definitely be worth taking a look at.  It can be seen here on Craigslist with an asking price of $21,000 and is located in Lake Stevens, Washington, a little over 30 miles North of Seattle.  Barn Finds would like to thank reader Matt R. for the great tip on this one.

Looking around all of the photos that the seller has provided, it’s really hard to find much to fault about this Corvette, although the center piece of the grille looks like it may have tapped something at some point.  One easy fix for this center area could be adding a license frame and putting on a “1971” license plate, or if the next owner wants it repaired it shouldn’t be a big deal.  Mileage is listed at 89,000.

The base 350 was the lowest output 4-barrel that Chevy built in 1971, and the seller claims that it has had some upgrades, although they are not specified.  The engine is claimed to be the original motor that came with the car, and it is paired with an automatic transmission.  The car also has power steering and power 4 wheel disc brakes.  The car is also said to have a nice condition original interior, although no photos of the inside are provided.

The number of photos showing the underside of the car is impressive, and clearly show that there are no rust issues underneath and that the frame is in good condition.  Everything looks nice and dry on the bottom side with no apparent fluid leaks and nothing to be obviously concerned about.  While the exhaust system doesn’t look like new, it does appear to be in good shape, as do the front-end components.

To be 50 years old, this is one really well-preserved Corvette and I’m guessing it is going to find a new home pretty quickly.  What are your thoughts on this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette?  Do you think $21,000 is a reasonable price to pay?

Comments

  1. Avatar Stephen

    Why get your hands dirty. Nice car. AC needed. 4 speed preferred.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Steve Clinton

    IMHO, the 70 through 72 design was the best-looking Corvette ever.

    Like 14
    • Avatar Richardd Adams

      What Steve said ……..

      Like 1
  3. Avatar ccrvtt

    Having helped my son-in-law shop for a ’76 recently this seems like a very reasonable asking price for a chrome bumper car. It seems that the majority of the horsepower challenged C3s of the early smog/fuel crisis era have been breathed on for better power. That shouldn’t be an issue, in fact it’s to be expected and welcomed.

    My attitude toward the C3’s styling has come full circle from when they were first introduced. I liked the originals but as time wore on and GM kept cranking them out (and selling every one they could produce) the look got stale and over wrought. Bill Mitchell preferred their flamboyance to the subdued C4 which I liked better. But the C3 is gaining popularity as a collector car while the C4 gets no love.

    At any rate, C3s are like Vipers to me – they look good in pictures but you have to see them in the flesh to appreciate the visceral response.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Stephen Coe

    My Corvette is 76, I’ve add 700R4 true duel exhaust, KONI shocks all poly bushings and a square bore carb. Now gets 28-30 mpg and is a pleasure to drive

    Like 6
  5. Avatar Jeff

    21k is very reasonable! Chrome bumpers up to 72 one @73. These cars are great! Easy to maintain,fun to work on,great to drive. The C3’s are on their way up,especially 68-72 big block,small block. Once you have one,it’ll be hard to give it up.

    Like 4
  6. Avatar poseur Member

    i got to spend some time enjoying a War Bonnet Yellow (humans see it as gold) 71 with 4-speed 270hp 350. Surprisingly it felt like plenty or power, made all the right sounds and was fun as heck to drive.
    While i would prefer an LS6 or LT1 it’s a great way to affordably enjoy Vette life.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar bobhess Member

    Beautiful!

    Like 1
  8. Avatar 370zpp Member

    Back in the day, we put a set of headers on my 71 ragtop, 350. Never noticed any real power increase but they did keep the floorboards warm.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Steve S

    I know a guy that had a 72 Vette. It has a 383 under the hood and side pipes for the exhaust. He sold it in 2008 if I remember right. It had a vacuum leak somewhere for the head lights since they popped up slow he couldn’t find where the leak was.

    Like 0

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