There are few sights sadder than a desirable classic that has spent years exposed to the elements. Unfortunately, that is the fate that has befallen this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. There are very few signs of how it would have looked in its prime, and it will require a mountain of work before it returns to its rightful place on our roads. However, it has generated reasonable interest, confirming that enthusiasts may find its restoration irresistible. The seller has listed the Corvette here on eBay in Poolesville, Maryland. The car has received no bids in an auction that opened at $4,800, although it appears there may be No Reserve for bidders to contend with.
The history of this Corvette is unclear, but the photos suggest it has been in its current location for years. That means it will have been exposed to the elements, which could be bad news for the frame and birdcage. There is corrosion visible in some shots, but whether there is penetrating rust is impossible to determine. However, the body looks surprisingly good, wearing Gray primer, suggesting it is a stalled project build. There is little trace of the original Sunflower Yellow, and most of the exterior trim is missing. On the plus side, the deal includes an Eckler rear panel and a big-block hood from the same company. Even if this ‘Vette is beyond salvation, it appears to be an excellent parts source.
The interior is a case of “what you see is what you get.” Most of the dash is intact, as are the gauges, steering column, and the AM/FM radio. The saddle upholstery and seat frames are long gone, adding to a long shopping list if the winning bidder follows the restoration path. The first owner didn’t load it with options, although they did equip the car with air conditioning. The engine bay houses a 350ci V8, bolted to a four-speed manual transmission. The seller admits they know nothing about the car’s mechanical condition beyond the fact that it rolls and steers. As with the rest of the car, it raises more questions than it answers. However, if the engine turns freely, it might be worth rebuilding as part of a project build.
I’m an optimist, but I am also a realist. I acknowledge that returning this 1971 Corvette to its original form is a major undertaking, and it won’t be for the faint-hearted. Its viability as a project candidate depends on the condition of its frame and birdcage, because significant rust in either will likely make it financially questionable. Therefore, its future may rest as a donor for other projects. I always advise in-person inspections before committing funds to a purchase, but would you roll the dice and hope for the best?
The seller listed it last week with 17 pictures, rather than 9 this time, including pictures of the engine and rusty front brakes. It’s hard to see $4,800 for this, even though it’s a 4spd. Not sure why they didn’t include pictures of the engine this time, unless parts were pulled, you’d think he’d realize anyone that wasn’t an idiot would check his completed listings and compare it to this listing, that’s standard operating procedure. This would make for a decent $1,500 parts car assuming it still has the 1971 Muncie.
Steve R
Looks like it will buff out and the top will godown once in the future.
The fiberglass sealer is missing on many spots which protects the integrity.
Its toast and maybe some inside parts and possibly vert frame is salvageable and unseen items under hood.
No bids huh 🤔
Its a mystery..
Well that’s junk.
I’d like the foot pedals and manual to covert my 71 LS5 from auto. Maybe the nose if it’s not busted up.
Another “I wuz gonna get around to fixin her, so’s I left her out there under the big ‘ol oak tree,” success story.
Only worth something if a legit LT-1 or LS6. Otherwise parts car. Have restored two C3s, including a 71 LS5. You should see my credit card bill. No more. Buy a done car.
Another wasted pedal car Vette. Sad !
I agree with your comments!! Just another high priced parts car. What a shame.
What a turd. $750 parts car (without many parts).
Over the years I’ve spent a lot of time on rural Northeast roads… and if I had a quarter for every rotting, hopeless, faded dream, C3 or C4 I spied parked beside a garage or shed, I could probably go to the nearest dealer with that bag of coins and get a new one.
RUFF…
E-Z fix-er-upper. Ran when parked.
Great patina
Poolesville is not all that far from me but I wouldn’t be interested in this woeful vehicle if the seller delivered it to me for free. Talk about a money pit. For starters I don’t believe that the instrument cluster, steering column and steering wheel are correct for this year Corvette. They appear to be from a later year. Then I see that redneck engineering has been utilized to compensate for the obviously missing gas filler door/cap. That’ll keep moisture out of the tank for sure. I would be surprised if the structural metal has not deteriorated to the point of being nothing more than scrap. The fiberglass is toast. I guess the drive train is worth something but who knows? So what do you really have to work with here? It’s missing more parts than it actually has. And to think that at one time this was something quite nice. I would like to know the back story on what happened to this sad Corvette. It certainly didn’t deserve this fate.
i see moldy junk. 100.00 max!