I know this forum is ripe with, "How much for this 'Vette?" I'll add mine to the fire and appologize up front. I'll try and separate everything so that it's easier to read.

'71 350/270 4-speed coupe w/ A/C (not working), PW (functionality unknown), PB. Personally verified that all numbers match. Motor was rebuilt, and the cam changed to a lower compression so it could run unleaded fuel. Doing so caused a drop in the vac system, so the headlamps and wiper door do not function properly. Block has approximately 70K miles on it. Vehicle is started at least once a month and probably driven less frequently.

Frame is straight. Never wrecked. Very little rust on frame. None on birdcage. Body mounts looks great. Brakes have been replaced all around. Tires are fairly new.

Paint is not original color (currently red). About a 7-footer. 15-foot blemish measuring approximately 2" x 4" on the driver headlamp. Weatherstripping needs to be replaced.

Interior is marginal at best. Fiber optics and (duh) clock are not working. Needs new carpet if it were going to be a show car. Driver door pannel probably needs to be replaced. Seat belts need some help. Seats are in decent condition w/ newly installed leather seat covers.

I think fair price is $16,500 considering it needs at least $3K of parts.

I would also like to salute our military forum members, both active and vets, on this Veteran's Day weekend. God Bless you guys.

 

I might be wrong, but $16K is waaay too much for a '71 coupe with the base engine in that condition (which I certainly wouldn't even call a #3 car from your description, perhaps a #4).

The 350/270 only had 8.5:1 compression, so I doubt they lowered the compression any, although it's likely they did a valve job to allow running on unleaded gas.

Ask them exactly how changing the cam lowered the compression , because that should be interesting.

I have a hunch they said that the AC "just needs a recharge"; if so they should recharge it so that potential buyers can see that it works. NADA has these cars in #3 shape at about $15K (plus a little bit for the 4-speed and working AC), but that with all systems and accessories functional and working, with only a little wear and tear inside and out.

 

....judging by your description, I would say you would be looking at more than 3k for parts, especially if you plan to sharpen up the interior.......

 

Take a look at mine in the for sale section. Email if you want more info, sedowney@yahoo.com

 

[QUOTE=Civis
The 350/270 only had 8.5:1 compression, so I doubt they lowered the compression any, although it's likely they did a valve job to allow running on unleaded gas.
[/QUOTE]

It came from the factory able to run on unleaded......that's the reason they lowered the comp.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll follow up and let you know was the is all about.

So $16K is too much? Car runs good. I even drove it a few years ago, and see the fellow driving it around the neighborhood every few weeks.

 

$16K is a good price if it is what you want. If you are looking for an investment go see a stock broker. At $16 K you shold be able to easily get your money out of it if you do the restoration work yourself. If you ship it out for work forget breaking even.

 

But, $3,000 sounds low. By the way, we like pictures. My guess is that it'll be a bit more than that. Mine was about 20K and was in pretty good shape (new paint job, good interior, mechanically sound, no rust and low miles). I looked for quite a while before finding mine.

If you've found one you like and are comfortable with the price then congratulations. I paid for an apprasial which turned out to be on the plus side which made me feel good.

I'd like to hear more about that cam. My understanding is that 1971 ushered in the factory detune slide.

 

Although not the main thrust of your post, I whole-heartedly agree!

 

The price on that car is in the ballpark with no. mathching and a good frame and birdcage. I would be more concerned about he BS of lowering the compression, if a seller lies about little stuff what else might be there? 71 was first year designed to use unleaded and mine runs fine on it. Good luck.......ED

 

Between 10,000 and 15,000 remember it is a base car.

 

I'm going to try and speak with him later this week. The car isn't explicitly for sale... yet. The two of us have talked about purchasing his car as he is now building a hotroding an old Ford truck and doesn't have the time for the Vette any longer. I wanted to make him an offer in a few weeks and needed a place to start.

Prior to making an offer I'll have at least one or two more opportunities to look at the vehicle and go over it again. I'm just not super comfortable with prices for the chrome bumper C3's yet. I have more experience with the later models in that production run. But hey, that's why I asked you guys!

I'm all ears for more opinions.

Thanks again.