While the C2 Corvette is frequently cited as the most iconic generation of America’s sports car, the following C3 Corvette generation often flies under the radar due to the emissions-choked V8 engines found under the hoods of later models. That said, early “chrome bumper” C3 Vettes are much more desirable than other units. However, one such example was recently sold for a surprisingly affordable sum.
Posted for sale online, this 1971 Chevy Corvette Convertible sold for “just” $26,000 on Thursday. While this is certainly a decent sum of money, it’s less than the base price of the 2024 Chevy Equinox. Although it can vary quite a bit, the average valuation of a 1971 Vette typically sits around the $50,000 mark. So, why did this particular example sell for nearly half that amount?
Well, that’s a tough question to answer. According to the seller, this convertible is a survivor. More specifically, the interior and drivetrain haven’t been restored since the Vette rolled off the assembly line, and the seller describes the Sunflower Yellow (color code 912) exterior paint job as “mostly original.” We’re guessing it’s received touch-ups over the years. In fact, the yellow exterior and black interior is a rare combination that not many buyers opted for.
“The car is in amazing condition and was always well kept,” the seller claims in the ad description. “There are some small chips and light paint checking noticeable up close, but for being 53 years old, this car is in great condition. I see a lot of original Corvettes, and this one is much nicer than most. It is truly a time capsule. It gets a lot of attention everywhere it goes.”
Interestingly, the seller even believes that the original engine, the naturally aspirated 5.7L V8 ZQ3 gasoline engine — which was rated at 270 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque when new — has never been pulled from the engine bay. Of course, this output is routed to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission.
It’s worth noting that the seller put $14,000 worth of work into the car back in 2007 and plenty of documentation.
So, what do you think, dear reader? Did the buyer get a smoking deal on a nice condition 1971 Chevy Corvette Convertible, or is the price about right? Be sure to vote in the poll, and let us know why you think this Vette sold for $26,000 in the comment section below.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Corvette news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
There are lots of nice looking C3 Vettes. The devils in the details. Get under the car the problems appear.
My cousin has the same year he bought new. Original Everything to this day.
Looks like it would be a nice start for a Resto mod. Maybe a 530 hp LS and a T56. Do some interior work, carpet, steering wheel, door cards, etc. Then just drive it.
The car market in older restorables compared to newer more powerful corvettes. Compare what you can buy a C5 or C6 for sounds like a good deal but about what a clean C3 goes for without big horsepower or rare desirable options.
I posted a comment on this car when was listed and my opinion hasn’t changed. Early model (pre C8) shouldn’t be an automatic. Pure and simple. Still a pretty car though.
27k is what it’s worth. Base low compression engine, automatic transmission. If it had A/C at least that would be a trade off for lacking power and a 4 speed. It’s really not that clean as the driver seat has tears, the wood grain door panels are worn, paint damage at rear wheel arch and and what else needs to be done? It is a beautiful car
I posted a comment on this car when was listed and my opinion hasn’t changed. Early model (pre C8) shouldn’t be an automatic. Pure and simple. Still a pretty car though.
What if us older guys can’t use our clutch leg anymore, but we want to get back in the cars of our youth? There needs to be a few automatics around for us, no?
Keep it stock, don’t ruin it by doing a resto mod. Except maybe put in power windows.
I feel this is a fair deal for both parties. The pedestrian engine combined with the very good condition of the vehicle put it between 25k and 30k. A good buy, in my eyes, at 26k
Well, here is my take on “older guys” and Vettes with an automatic. I will be 75 in August, have had a major stroke, as well as having 1/2 of one lung removed, and I still drive a 2000 FRC 6 speed. Can’t get in or out as well as I once did, and only drive it 6 or 7 times a year, but when I do, I invariably think about how b!tchin” a car it is. Maybe automatic Vettes are the way to go for some, but not me.