I sold my C6 and am looking for a 68-72 C3 conv. I do not need numbers matching, but would like a nice, clean looking, driving vehicle. I ran across this '71 that seems pretty decent. But I am not the experts like y'all are. The price is $26k. What do you think...here's the descriptionL

1971 Corvette Convertible
Black exterior, Black vinyl interior, Black convertible top.
Newly installed NOM 290hp Chevrolet Performance Parts 350ci crate engine, automatic transmission, posi rear-end.
Features include power steering, AM/FM/Cassette stereo, luggage rack, alarm.

This car's paint looks to be older, as does the convertible top, front chrome bumper, exterior door handles, weatherstripping, taillights, rally wheels, and trim rings, all of which are avg. Rear chrome bumpers are vg, as is the luggage rack, and radial raised white letter tires show an average of 10/32nds tread depth remaining. The interior of this 1971 Corvette Convertible shows good condition seats, seatbelts, and center console, and vg door panels. Gauges, carpet, added wood storage bins, and dash appear to be older, and are avg. Other interior additions include an aftermarket chrome spoke steering wheel with rubber rim, wood shift ****, and a Custom Auto Sound AM/FM/Cassette stereo. Motor is a BRAND NEW Chevrolet Performance parts 350ci crate engine. Correct intake manifold is in place. Additions to this engine include a chrome air cleaner, LT1 style valve covers, yellow spark plug wires, and a chrome breather. Suspension has been rebuilt at some point, as well as the trailing arms. Flowmaster mufflers have been added as well. Frame is solid and rust-free, and the body appears to have never been hit.

What do you think??

 

You need a lot more detail, pictures, etc to get a solid number. 26 sounds a bit high for a wrong motor, wrong color car that at least needs a lot of detail under the hood.

Any more photos? How's the frame? Old body work? What was the original color? What does the interior look like?

 

There are more photos. And it looks in fairly good condition. I do not know what the original color was, I assumed it was black. The interior is decent, though the steering wheel and shift *** are custom and need to be replaced.

 

rag tip is in great condition

 

Glen

The most important would be the frame in my opinion, have them send you a picture of the #2 body mounts behind the interior kick panels and in pictures of the frame in front of the rear tire. You have to be careful for rust in these areas. I think it is a little steep in price. They probably bought the car for under or around 20 and marked it up. The carpet looks to be sun faded and the seat cushions look worn out. Make sure they have documents for the history and receipts for the "new engine".
I have heard mixed reviews with "buy a vette" about misrepresented cars. Have you looked at the cars for sale in the C3 section. I would start there. You can get a lot for your money at 26 grand.
Good luck to you

 

Hi GJ,
Welcome!
I REALLY like 71 Corvettes but don't think very much of this one. Many people love that description….."triple black", but not when describing a 71. If you want "triple black" think 69.
It's a 71 and a convertible, but not much of a car after that.
I think all the pictures show a car that was sort of thrown together. I don't know if that's because the people who've been working on the car didn't care or didn't know any better.
I'd say the dealer is asking MORE than just few thousand dollars TOO MUCH for what this car appears to be at this point.
Regards,
Alan

 

No factory black for 71. The car has been painted. The trim tag on the driver's door hinge post will have the original color code.

 

NOM, color change, misc. other non-original items are fine, if you're okay with that..but the price should reflect it.
Price seems high.
Frame/bird cage rust is a deal killer.
Time spent looking for the "right" car for you, is time well spent.
Good luck!

 

Thank you for the insight. I will definitely take a look at the frame and #2 body mounts (of course, I'll do a little research to discover exactly which ones those are . lol. - you have given me a good description, though). I agree about the carpet and was thinking the price too high. Upon reflection, now, they had to replace the engine, so the seller probably did not pay attention to much detail and got tired of it when the engine failed. Thanks!

 

Great to have you experts chime in!

 

"Thrown together" ... I think that is a good insight. Thanks!

 

I did not know (until just now) how to "thank you" (that little button). So thanks for the insight, and I did put a couple more pictures up. You and a couple other guys have given me some GREAT feedback. Thanks, yet again.

 

Glen,

Good move stopping here BEFORE you threw down a boat load of cash!

As the posters said above there's a lot "not factory correct" here. But at least it's a Corvette, right? Just a little joke! Many people couldn't care less about factory correct and would simply love to cruise in a nice convertible...So, this car is for someone.

Best advice is for you to take your time, and learn a whole lot more. Then bring the best expert you can come up with, along with you to evaluate your finds.

Posting here will be a great resource for you, but lots of really good pictures are needed. Even then they can be sometimes hard to really make a call...

Good luck

 

I think I am looking in a different direction now. Thanks so much.

 

Appreciate the advice!

 

Being a rookie, I can tell you the experts above are giving you a warning about that car. There are SO MANY UNSEEN problems that we cannot see because we are not experienced.

I have a similar project car that will have a total of $16,000 invested in it after the final stage of painting is done. That may give you an idea of the value of the car you are looking at.

Like the experts above said....there are cars with complete histories and documents/paperwork to show/prove that a car in THAT price range is legitimate.

Like me, you are not concerned with perfect originality....but the seller is asking a "perfectly original" price. He MAY have that much invested in the car, but it doesn't reflect the physical condition in my rookie opinion.

 

Everyone above is correct. There is a sticky in the general section for 10 things you should know before buying a vette. And the tread depth on the tires isnt relevant if the tire is over 10 years old. They could have a catastrophic failure due to age. Theres a scary thread on that here as well. Good luck.

 

The car is at buyavette which as a dealer goes is pretty reputable. If you look at their prices that includes free shipping and a warranty. I agree with others comments on this car but they will sell it for much less if you don't want the warranty/shipping.

 

There's a lot of knowlegable folks here.

As WB said, good move on your part asking questions before spending the money. A lot of first time buyers ask questions after the fact that seem a little late sometimes.

 

Thanks for the insight.