’71 Numbers-matching Survivor Convertible with Factory Hardtop
If you value originality as much as I do, you’ll like this C3
I’m all about originality, and this Mille Miglia Red ‘71 with a contrasting black soft-top really appeals to me. Although there are a few flaws and imperfections, the exterior surfaces appear to be in very good condition and the overall presentation is excellent for a genuine 54 year old survivor. The exterior trim looks to be in generally good condition and the original tinted glass is excellent. A big bonus in the inclusion of a color-matching factory hardtop.
The ad description doesn’t indicate whether there is rust in the frame or birdcage, and no photos are provided to show these areas. I think most buyers would especially want to know the condition of the frame kick-ups over the rear axle.
The description states that this is a numbers-matching C3 and that the engine, transmission, and rear end were rebuilt by the previous owner. The seller claims that the car runs and drives extremely well and is a turnkey proposition. I’ve always loved the factory Rally Wheels so I’m happy to see that they have been retained.
I find it hard to believe that no photos of the black leather seats and interior are included in the ad - it would certainly be nice to know if the inside of this car looks as good as the outside.
Even though the lower-cost t-top coupe was a more popular choice among buyers, accounting for about two-thirds of sales in 1971, this car also provides the versatility of a quieter closed cabin with the hardtop or wind-in-your-hair open top driving as a convertible.
It was originally ordered with factory air conditioning, but some components were apparently removed by a previous owner.
This C3 was ordered with the 350 cubic inch / 270 horsepower engine backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Engine compression ratios across the board were lowered in the ‘71 model year to run on lower-octane unleaded fuel. This resulted in a ten percent drop in engine power from the previous year’s 300 horsepower.
Although the base 270 hp engine wasn’t the most powerful offered in this model year, I think that with the four speed manual transmission, the overall performance would be more than adequate.
This car would definitely be worth a look for anybody in the market for a C3 who values originality. With the factory hardtop and four speed, the asking price of $28,500 seems pretty realistic in the current collector car market. I think this dual-chrome-bumper Corvette would provide a lot of smiles per mile.
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/d/bryn-mawr-1971-all-original-1971/7840352648.html
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