C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Quick rough value check

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 20, 2020 | 10:52 PM
  #1  
wwiiavfan's Avatar
wwiiavfan
Thread Starter
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 574
From: Wisconsin
Default Quick rough value check

Guys, looking for a quick rough guess on value of a ‘71 t-top coupe I just came across. I haven’t been able to view it in person yet, but from the pics it looks to be in good driver condition. Black on black, 4-speed, rallies, comes with numbers matching 350, currently has a fresh crate motor. Says it was a Florida car up until recently so not expecting a ton of rust.
Anyone care to hazard a guess on price range?
I would do a full lift inspection and look behind kick plates before making any kind of offer.
Thanks.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2020 | 11:41 PM
  #2  
DKM-106's Avatar
DKM-106
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,445
Likes: 906
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Default

Of course you couldn't get a black corvette from the factory in 1971, 1969 was the last year for the chrome bumper cars. There were some special order paint cars in 70-72 that were painted black at the local dealer. So assuming it's a color change and if the condition is a nice driver with solid paint and frame I would say high teens. Also depends on the options such as tilt-tele, a/c ect which will increase the value. Good luck and feel free to shoot me a PM if I can help in any way!
Reply
Old Dec 21, 2020 | 07:49 AM
  #3  
Last Triumph's Avatar
Last Triumph
Drifting
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 351
Default

Saw it on Facebook at $17k, looks to be priced about right from my own research. Nice that it comes with the original numbers matching motor.
Reply
Old Dec 21, 2020 | 04:29 PM
  #4  
vettebuyer6369's Avatar
vettebuyer6369
Administrator
25 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,972
Likes: 6,197
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Default

Moving to General discussion.
Reply
Old Dec 21, 2020 | 06:04 PM
  #5  
wilcar's Avatar
wilcar
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 188
From: Wabasha Mn
Default

Originally Posted by wwiiavfan
Guys, looking for a quick rough guess on value of a ‘71 t-top coupe I just came across. I haven’t been able to view it in person yet, but from the pics it looks to be in good driver condition. Black on black, 4-speed, rallies, comes with numbers matching 350, currently has a fresh crate motor. Says it was a Florida car up until recently so not expecting a ton of rust.
Anyone care to hazard a guess on price range?
I would do a full lift inspection and look behind kick plates before making any kind of offer.
Thanks.
Not all Florida Vettes are rust free! Cars close to either cost can have major rust issues. I lived in the Tampa Bay area for 17 years and found rust issues on a lot of cars even though they appeared in good condtion! Inspect carefully!
Reply
Old Dec 21, 2020 | 07:05 PM
  #6  
wwiiavfan's Avatar
wwiiavfan
Thread Starter
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 574
From: Wisconsin
Default

Thank you for all the replies so far. I’m fortunate to have a local Corvette specialty shop nearby that will inspect it for me. If only I can get a response from the seller. Been crickets so far.
Reply
Old Dec 21, 2020 | 07:23 PM
  #7  
Last Triumph's Avatar
Last Triumph
Drifting
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 351
Default

Originally Posted by wwiiavfan
Thank you for all the replies so far. I’m fortunate to have a local Corvette specialty shop nearby that will inspect it for me. If only I can get a response from the seller. Been crickets so far.
I get about a 50% reply rate from Craig's list and a bit more from Facebook. You do wonder sometimes.

best of luck.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2020 | 10:48 PM
  #8  
wwiiavfan's Avatar
wwiiavfan
Thread Starter
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 574
From: Wisconsin
Default

So I went and looked at the car. It turned out to be pretty much exactly as shown and what I expected. Frame is solid, just has a sandpaper-like film of corrosion on it. Kickups looked good. Body was good, no major cracks, just the beginnings of the front rivers popping. Paint is a 15 footer. Has air conditioning but not sure if operating, it was unplugged. Interior was good for a 50 year old car. No tilt/Tele. Seats were pretty much done, but we know they weren’t all that good by today’s standards when new. They would probably be one of the first updates, to some Corbeau’s or something modern.
T-tops and rear window looked ok but not great.
Ran pretty good with a fresh crate motor, specs unknown but thought to be in the 290hp area, so right there with the stock 350. Clutch and trans seemed ok.
Overall a decent driver car and a real good candidate for a frame off in about 5 years or so when I’m ready for that.
I think I will go for it.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 24, 2020 | 04:13 AM
  #9  
Last Triumph's Avatar
Last Triumph
Drifting
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 351
Default

Originally Posted by wwiiavfan
So I went and looked at the car. It turned out to be pretty much exactly as shown and what I expected. Frame is solid, just has a sandpaper-like film of corrosion on it. Kickups looked good. Body was good, no major cracks, just the beginnings of the front rivers popping. Paint is a 15 footer. Has air conditioning but not sure if operating, it was unplugged. Interior was good for a 50 year old car. No tilt/Tele. Seats were pretty much done, but we know they weren’t all that good by today’s standards when new. They would probably be one of the first updates, to some Corbeau’s or something modern.
T-tops and rear window looked ok but not great.
Ran pretty good with a fresh crate motor, specs unknown but thought to be in the 290hp area, so right there with the stock 350. Clutch and trans seemed ok.
Overall a decent driver car and a real good candidate for a frame off in about 5 years or so when I’m ready for that.
I think I will go for it.
Sound good, well done!

Health to enjoy!
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2020 | 05:21 AM
  #10  
ballen06's Avatar
ballen06
Pro
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 689
Likes: 169
From: Palm Bay Florida
Default

Originally Posted by DKM-106
Of course you couldn't get a black corvette from the factory in 1971, 1969 was the last year for the chrome bumper cars. There were some special order paint cars in 70-72 that were painted black at the local dealer. So assuming it's a color change and if the condition is a nice driver with solid paint and frame I would say high teens. Also depends on the options such as tilt-tele, a/c ect which will increase the value. Good luck and feel free to shoot me a PM if I can help in any way!
1969 was not the last year for chrome bumpers.
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2020 | 05:23 AM
  #11  
brit vet's Avatar
brit vet
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 552
From: Manchester
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '13
Default

Originally Posted by Last Triumph
Sound good, well done!

Health to enjoy!
You're slacking Last T

Looks like that one ticked all your boxes
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2020 | 07:46 AM
  #12  
dan1495's Avatar
dan1495
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 331
From: Clear Lake Shores Texas
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by ballen06
1969 was not the last year for chrome bumpers.
I think he was referring to 69 being the last of the black chrome bumper cars.

Last edited by dan1495; Dec 24, 2020 at 07:47 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2020 | 07:59 AM
  #13  
ballen06's Avatar
ballen06
Pro
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 689
Likes: 169
From: Palm Bay Florida
Default

"I think he was referring to 69 being the last of the black chrome bumper cars."

Oh ..Ok I was confused as usual.
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2020 | 08:06 AM
  #14  
Last Triumph's Avatar
Last Triumph
Drifting
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 351
Default

Originally Posted by brit vet
You're slacking Last T

Looks like that one ticked all your boxes
Not one for me - came WITH the OG motor, which was not installed - makes shipping and import a whole different hornet's nest of vipers trying to bring over an engine pallet at the same time. Fear not though, I spotted it before the ink was dry on the ad.

I'm looking for unmolested / original as poss.
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2020 | 10:11 AM
  #15  
dan1495's Avatar
dan1495
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 331
From: Clear Lake Shores Texas
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by ballen06
"I think he was referring to 69 being the last of the black chrome bumper cars."

Oh ..Ok I was confused as usual.
Welcome to my world. I live confused!
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2020 | 10:19 PM
  #16  
How Are You's Avatar
How Are You
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 405
From: Brampton, Ontario Canada
Default

Originally Posted by dan1495
Welcome to my world. I live confused!
Sometimes it's easier that way.
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2020 | 10:38 PM
  #17  
PJO's Avatar
PJO
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 755
From: Laporte, IN
Default

Originally Posted by DKM-106
Of course you couldn't get a black corvette from the factory in 1971, 1969 was the last year for the chrome bumper cars. There were some special order paint cars in 70-72 that were painted black at the local dealer. So assuming it's a color change and if the condition is a nice driver with solid paint and frame I would say high teens. Also depends on the options such as tilt-tele, a/c ect which will increase the value. Good luck and feel free to shoot me a PM if I can help in any way!

That is not totally correct there have been several 71 with a code on the trim tag for paint as special and were painted at the factory in black. Also with paperwork.

Last edited by PJO; Dec 24, 2020 at 10:38 PM.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Quick rough value check

Old Dec 25, 2020 | 01:12 AM
  #18  
LeeS's Avatar
LeeS
Racer
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 354
Likes: 99
Default

if the trim tag says SPC or SPEC you would have a very rare Corvette.
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2021 | 09:29 PM
  #19  
wwiiavfan's Avatar
wwiiavfan
Thread Starter
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 574
From: Wisconsin
Default

Went and picked it up today. $15k.


Reply
Old Jan 2, 2021 | 09:46 PM
  #20  
M A Fry's Avatar
M A Fry
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 103
From: Brisbane Queensland
Default

Nice!!! Well done!!
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:06 AM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE