‘71 Big-block Coupe with 31k
This white C3 with 31,223 miles and a 454ci engine is an original survivor
I love white Corvettes but have never owned a white one. This ‘71 coupe, with extremely low mileage and a big-block engine, received careful preservation at 28,000 miles using OEM parts. It’s a true survivor with original paint and interior. From the photos supplied with the ad, aside from minor spidering of the paint, I can’t find much fault with this Stingray.
The ad description indicates that this car has never been driven in the horrible upstate New York winters that are known for copious rust-inducing salt on roads. Therefore, frame and birdcage rust should not be an issue. The period-correct appearance is accentuated with Coker bias-ply Firestone tires.
This car was apparently ordered with every option available in the 1971 model year except power windows. Included in the sale is substantial documentation including the tank sticker and original purchase order.
Although it was originally delivered to Vancouver, it was built at the St. Louis Corvette plant to full U.S. specifications and consequently has a U.S. gauge cluster. It’s been shown extensively and was renovated at 28,000 miles by a classic car restoration shop using OEM parts to preserve its originality. This car has been stored over the years while it has been a show car.
I think the brown interior is in amazing condition considering the age of the car. The seats, trim, and controls all appear to be original, and the ad description reveals that everything functions as expected. Although the A/C is technically operational, the seller admits that it doesn’t provide enough interior cooling to be considered usable.
With the three speed Turbohydramatic transmission, I would consider this C3 to be a cruiser rather than a high-performance Corvette. Given the low miles, it should be reliable for many years to come.
The LS5 454ci/365hp engine remains stock and is said to run very strong and reliably. 1971 was the first year for lower compressor ratios which resulted in lower horsepower. The engine reportedly exhibits no fluid leaks, requires no service, and runs very fast and reliably.
The audience for this Corvette is obviously either a collector or someone who values originality, documentation, and low mileage. I see this Stingray as a show-quality car rather than a daily driver.
Early C3 values are on the increase, and the demand is especially strong for well-preserved big block cars like this one. For somebody with a taste for originality and the means to continue maintaining it, this Corvette could certainly be compelling.
With almost two weeks left in this EBay auction, the bid is already over $40,000, so it’ll be interesting to see where the selling price ends up.