WIW 1971 Vette? I know it aint Mopar.....

[StevieRT]

It aint Mopar but this is still a cool car. My aunt and uncle have finally decided to sell their 1971 Vette. They are the original owners and are by no means car people. They drove it through the seventies on weekends and nice occasions and such but then it basically sat in their garage and was only moved occasionally a few times a year to go to emissions, around the block, etc. It has sat basically dormant for the last 7 or so years because my uncle developed parkinson's disease and no longer can drive. He has finally decided to get rid of the car and they came to me to help help them sell it because they knew I was into old cars. Unfortunately I really dont know much about vettes and as of yet I dont have any pictures but here are the details.

71 Vette with T-Tops and removable back glass. 350 Engine with automatic and facotry air conditioning and factory luggage rack. Not sure about what options were available but this thing seems pretty loaded. Here is the kicker......29,000 ORIGINAL MILES. This thing has original everything, I dont think anything besides the mufflers and tires have been replaced with stock style ones. (need to be replaced again due to dry rot and condinsation sitting in the muffs). Original paint and interior, which are in great condition. Semi-serious scratch (about 1-1/2 inches long) and knick on front fender and the paint on the gas cap is flaking off, otherwise in great shape. Sinch they are the original owners, they have all of the history, sales receipt, windopw sticker, manuals, etc.

I will eventually find a corvette forum to ask more about the car but i figured i'd ask you guys first to see if I can avoid low-ballers and such. I know you need pictures but basically this car was never an enthustiasts car and just another fun car to have on the side, from back in the day. It really is in great shape and just needs some wax, a tune up and the afformentioned mufflers and tires and it will be almost showroom new. Let me know what you guys think and as always, a big thanks in advance.

[bull]

I don't know if this will help you but my brother bought a '75 Vette about 2 years ago for $10k. It was in fair shape, not show quality and not junk, kind of in the middle. If I had to hazard a quess I'd say $20k maybe. I'd say a '71 is more valuable than a '75. If I were you I'd get on Ebay and do a completed listings search. That should give you some idea.

[1969chargerrtse]

I sold my 72 454 conv on ebay for 30,000.00 .  It was restored big block conv with 4 spd A/C pw pb ps.  4 spds and conv's bring the big bucks.  I'd watch ebay for average prices and then put it there.  I think I listed it 2 times.  They are kinda common cars but 71 is a good year and original anything is a great sell point.

[Kevin68N71]

It aint Mopar but this is still a cool car. My aunt and uncle have finally decided to sell their 1971 Vette. They are the original owners and are by no means car people. They drove it through the seventies on weekends and nice occasions and such but then it basically sat in their garage and was only moved occasionally a few times a year to go to emissions, around the block, etc. It has sat basically dormant for the last 7 or so years because my uncle developed parkinson's disease and no longer can drive. He has finally decided to get rid of the car and they came to me to help help them sell it because they knew I was into old cars. Unfortunately I really dont know much about vettes and as of yet I dont have any pictures but here are the details.

71 Vette with T-Tops and removable back glass. 350 Engine with automatic and facotry air conditioning and factory luggage rack. Not sure about what options were available but this thing seems pretty loaded. Here is the kicker......29,000 ORIGINAL MILES. This thing has original everything, I dont think anything besides the mufflers and tires have been replaced with stock style ones. (need to be replaced again due to dry rot and condinsation sitting in the muffs). Original paint and interior, which are in great condition. Semi-serious scratch (about 1-1/2 inches long) and knick on front fender and the paint on the gas cap is flaking off, otherwise in great shape. Sinch they are the original owners, they have all of the history, sales receipt, windopw sticker, manuals, etc.

I will eventually find a corvette forum to ask more about the car but i figured i'd ask you guys first to see if I can avoid low-ballers and such. I know you need pictures but basically this car was never an enthustiasts car and just another fun car to have on the side, from back in the day. It really is in great shape and just needs some wax, a tune up and the afformentioned mufflers and tires and it will be almost showroom new. Let me know what you guys think and as always, a big thanks in advance.

I have a 1970, base 300hp 350, air, luggage rack, so its close to yours.  1970 however was the last year of the high compression engine.  When you got to 75 and 76, you had the lowest horsepower vehicles, including the infamous Corvette with the 305 engine, 165 hp and a Vega steering wheel.  This generation of Vettes is likely most valuable in the 68-72 range of years.

There are three key considerations with Corvettes; matching numbers, big blocks and convertibles command the highest price, and low mileage.  You have two of the three right there.  (of course 4 speeds are more valuable too).  The Corvette world was really where all the "numbers matching" thing came from, and it is easy to validate the matching.

The nice thing about your Corvette and mine is that they are wonderful cruisers.  They do not have the grunt of a big block four speed car, but they run cooler and are often trouble free. On the freeway and above 40mph you blow almost everything else away unless it's a musclecar. ALL these year Corvettes suffer from heat coming into the cabin from the engine, but the small block plus air conditioning helps greatly.  This is the Corvette that with a good example you can take the T-Tops and rear window out and drive cross country with no worries.

You may also, if you have time, consider an ad in Hemmings Motor News.  Alot of the low mileage, premium cars end up in there and people looking for that often look to Hemmings.

If I had to venture a guess I would say yours is worth somewhere between $20,000 to $22,000k, but I have seen some go lower.  Now that spring is here, it would likely be the best time all year to sell.

[Joshua]

I almost bought a '68 Vette a few months ago.....in similar shape as you describe....for $3500.....FWIW....
I lost interest because of the AT and smallblock....that, and my wife hates Vettes....

[MichaelRW]

The following is from the Bloomington Gold website. Original cars are rising in value as less and less are available due to restorations.


SURVIVOR®
As the name implies, Corvettes that have never been restored have 'survived' intentional or unintentional loss of original
markings, paint or components. Corvettes remaining over 50% unrestored or unmodified may qualify for this award if they
remain in a condition that would serve well as an historic guide for others who want to restore a Corvette of that vintage and
type. This award is designed to recognize those Corvettes that are "Worn in, but not worn out." A Survivor Corvette is
significantly unrestored, unrepaired, or unmodified and useful as a historic reference. It is a Corvette who in the best interest
of research should not be restored or improved. Again, as with Certification, the cars are judged against a factory standard
and not against one another. The technical portion of the judging is eliminated and instead the Corvettes must complete a
25.4 mile road test under their own power in an established time frame. Survivors must pass at least 3 of the 4 categories of
exterior, interior, engine/compartment and chassis.
Since the advent of this award, there is now a reason for further preservation of Corvettes whose histories and character may
have otherwise been lost. Survivor judging is fun and the Survivor Corvettes become a member of an elite group of
historically significant cars. Survivor Corvettes are the Corvettes judges and restorers seek out to study.

[Charger_Fan]

I bet it's green, ain't it? That's the vibe I'm getting...green.

[Kevin68N71]

I almost bought a '68 Vette a few months ago.....in similar shape as you describe....for $3500.....FWIW....
I lost interest because of the AT and smallblock....that, and my wife hates Vettes....

A first year third generation, numbers matching, under 30K miles, auto 327 V8, almost all original, for $3500?

That seller lost his marbles somewhere and you lost the deal of the century.  You could have resold that for four times your purchase price over a weekend.  Hell, a DEALER would have given you $10,000 for it.

There are few C3 Corvettes around that are anywhere near that price, except for parts cars and basket cases.

[StevieRT]

The car is actually Silver but nice try. I went onto a corvette forum and they were saying about 15-20,000. Now after reading that post about the survivors I am thinking maybe a tad bit higher. My question is this: I know the Mopar community would be going semi-mental if this was the same story with a Charger/Super Bee/ Roadrunner whatever in the same shape. Are they Chevy guys like that? I know that the Corvette is basically considered a seperate brand but the question still applies. Are the Vette guys like that? I just dont know because Corvettes weren't as, I hate to say this, "disposable" as Mopars were in the seventies so I'm guessing this is more common in the Vette world. Basically what I am trying to say is that this is some pretty rare in the Mopar world but what about the Vette world? I dont know, what do you guys think?

[68charger383]

I would run a search on ebay. Go to advanced search and type in the year and click on "completed listings only" to see what these cars are selling for. I would just put the car on ebay with a high reserve to see how the bidding goes. Take great pictures, put it on a lift and take pics of the underbelly which will allow someone to bid with more confidence. Lets face it buying a 21,000 mile car with documentation from the original owner has value. However, the problem with vettes is they were all pretty much Sunday cruisers which have low mileage as the norm. I'd guess $25-$30K for the car.   

[triple_green]

I agree, $15-$20K

Good year. so so color. Automatic and base engine hurt it. low miles and originality are cool!

Lots more nice Vettes survived than big block Mopars.

3X

[Rallye]

Sounds like a pretty nice Vette.  If you haven't already, check out www.proteam-corvette.com.
Since the Vette is a desirable year, with factory air conditioning, and low miles, they might be interested or know of someone who is.

[DodgeChargerNeeded]

I would honestly say $15k without seeing pics

[1969chargerrtse]

I agree, $15-$20K

Good year. so so color. Automatic and base engine hurt it. low miles and originality are cool!

Lots more nice Vettes survived than big block Mopars.

3X

This is what bugged me when I was selling mine.  Every time I checked on ebay there was about 30, 72 vettes for sale.  If I went to look for 69 Chargers less than half that.  It was the B Block conv 4spd thing that made it stand out though.  Few post back it was written 70 was last high compression year but actually my 72 was " rated " at 265hp, but was the same high horse 365hp motor used in 71 down.  It was 73 that torque and horse power dropped.

[Charger_Fan]

The car is actually Silver but nice try. 

Damn, I need to get my vibe gauge re-calibrated again.

[Joshua]

I almost bought a '68 Vette a few months ago.....in similar shape as you describe....for $3500.....FWIW....
I lost interest because of the AT and smallblock....that, and my wife hates Vettes....

A first year third generation, numbers matching, under 30K miles, auto 327 V8, almost all original, for $3500?

That seller lost his marbles somewhere and you lost the deal of the century.  You could have resold that for four times your purchase price over a weekend.  Hell, a DEALER would have given you $10,000 for it.

There are few C3 Corvettes around that are anywhere near that price, except for parts cars and basket cases.

Yeah....I KNOW....it was a killer deal that didn't last long.....I shoulda bought it and turned it..... Alot of folks are worried, with the economy and all, and are selling their cars...now is a great time to buy classic cars....cheap...
But the $$$ I had was "reserved" for a car for my wife, which we found a few days later, and she's happy.

I have since come across a few cars (mostly musclecars) a guy has that he's looking to get rid of, and being a freind of the family, I'll get a good price, just gotta get $$$. 4-5 cars I'd really like to get.....

[Bob]

I just sold a red on red 76 w/350, very nice car for 4.5K
My neighbor has a 71, 454, 4 speed, he wants 30K
20k does not seem way off.
Here is a great forum for pricing and selling.
http://corvetteforum.com/

[MichaelRW]

FWIW from the most recent issue of Sports Car Market pocket price guide the 1971 350/270 coupe has a price range from $18,250 to $36,250 and the LT1 350/330 from $26,250 to $52,250.

[whitehatspecial]

It aint Mopar but this is still a cool car. My aunt and uncle have finally decided to sell their 1971 Vette. They are the original owners and are by no means car people. They drove it through the seventies on weekends and nice occasions and such but then it basically sat in their garage and was only moved occasionally a few times a year to go to emissions, around the block, etc. It has sat basically dormant for the last 7 or so years because my uncle developed parkinson's disease and no longer can drive. He has finally decided to get rid of the car and they came to me to help help them sell it because they knew I was into old cars. Unfortunately I really dont know much about vettes and as of yet I dont have any pictures but here are the details.

71 Vette with T-Tops and removable back glass. 350 Engine with automatic and facotry air conditioning and factory luggage rack. Not sure about what options were available but this thing seems pretty loaded. Here is the kicker......29,000 ORIGINAL MILES. This thing has original everything, I dont think anything besides the mufflers and tires have been replaced with stock style ones. (need to be replaced again due to dry rot and condinsation sitting in the muffs). Original paint and interior, which are in great condition. Semi-serious scratch (about 1-1/2 inches long) and knick on front fender and the paint on the gas cap is flaking off, otherwise in great shape. Sinch they are the original owners, they have all of the history, sales receipt, windopw sticker, manuals, etc.

I will eventually find a corvette forum to ask more about the car but i figured i'd ask you guys first to see if I can avoid low-ballers and such. I know you need pictures but basically this car was never an enthustiasts car and just another fun car to have on the side, from back in the day. It really is in great shape and just needs some wax, a tune up and the afformentioned mufflers and tires and it will be almost showroom new. Let me know what you guys think and as always, a big thanks in advance.

Sounds like a very nice driver, with documentation, which is everything in the Corvette world. Unfortunately it doesn't have any desirable options like 4 speed, LT-1, or a big block which limits its resale value. If it is a L46 (350hp) engine things would be better.
I would have repo tires put on it, stock exhaust,  have it detailed, and start at the low to mid 20's and see what happens. 

[Kevin68N71]

It aint Mopar but this is still a cool car. My aunt and uncle have finally decided to sell their 1971 Vette. They are the original owners and are by no means car people. They drove it through the seventies on weekends and nice occasions and such but then it basically sat in their garage and was only moved occasionally a few times a year to go to emissions, around the block, etc. It has sat basically dormant for the last 7 or so years because my uncle developed parkinson's disease and no longer can drive. He has finally decided to get rid of the car and they came to me to help help them sell it because they knew I was into old cars. Unfortunately I really dont know much about vettes and as of yet I dont have any pictures but here are the details.

71 Vette with T-Tops and removable back glass. 350 Engine with automatic and facotry air conditioning and factory luggage rack. Not sure about what options were available but this thing seems pretty loaded. Here is the kicker......29,000 ORIGINAL MILES. This thing has original everything, I dont think anything besides the mufflers and tires have been replaced with stock style ones. (need to be replaced again due to dry rot and condinsation sitting in the muffs). Original paint and interior, which are in great condition. Semi-serious scratch (about 1-1/2 inches long) and knick on front fender and the paint on the gas cap is flaking off, otherwise in great shape. Sinch they are the original owners, they have all of the history, sales receipt, windopw sticker, manuals, etc.

I will eventually find a corvette forum to ask more about the car but i figured i'd ask you guys first to see if I can avoid low-ballers and such. I know you need pictures but basically this car was never an enthustiasts car and just another fun car to have on the side, from back in the day. It really is in great shape and just needs some wax, a tune up and the afformentioned mufflers and tires and it will be almost showroom new. Let me know what you guys think and as always, a big thanks in advance.

Sounds like a very nice driver, with documentation, which is everything in the Corvette world. Unfortunately it doesn't have any desirable options like 4 speed, LT-1, or a big block which limits its resale value. If it is a L46 (350hp) engine things would be better.
I would have repo tires put on it, stock exhaust,  have it detailed, and start at the low to mid 20's and see what happens. 

Well, "limiting its resale value" is all relative.  My example has over doubled its value in the 10 years I have owned it, so that's not so limited in my book!

[whitehatspecial]

Well, "limiting its resale value" is all relative.  My example has over doubled its value in the 10 years I have owned it, so that's not so limited in my book!

Let me explain. I was referring to this 1971's value in comparison with more "desirable" models which would bring higher numbers in today's market. This would be almost the same price comparison of a nice 318 auto 1968 Charger to a nice 4 speed R/T car...both being 29000 mile cars. Comparing apples to oranges, unfortunately in the muscle car collector market.

My other cars which are Corvettes; a low mileage original 1970 350 hp, 4 speed roadster and 1958 Duntov Award winner have also compounded their values in a short period of time, which means absolutely nothing because that is not what the original post was asking.

[Chad L. Magee]

It aint Mopar but this is still a cool car. My aunt and uncle have finally decided to sell their 1971 Vette. They are the original owners and are by no means car people. They drove it through the seventies on weekends and nice occasions and such but then it basically sat in their garage and was only moved occasionally a few times a year to go to emissions, around the block, etc. It has sat basically dormant for the last 7 or so years because my uncle developed parkinson's disease and no longer can drive. He has finally decided to get rid of the car and they came to me to help help them sell it because they knew I was into old cars. Unfortunately I really dont know much about vettes and as of yet I dont have any pictures but here are the details.

71 Vette with T-Tops and removable back glass. 350 Engine with automatic and facotry air conditioning and factory luggage rack. Not sure about what options were available but this thing seems pretty loaded. Here is the kicker......29,000 ORIGINAL MILES. This thing has original everything, I dont think anything besides the mufflers and tires have been replaced with stock style ones. (need to be replaced again due to dry rot and condinsation sitting in the muffs). Original paint and interior, which are in great condition. Semi-serious scratch (about 1-1/2 inches long) and knick on front fender and the paint on the gas cap is flaking off, otherwise in great shape. Sinch they are the original owners, they have all of the history, sales receipt, windopw sticker, manuals, etc.

I will eventually find a corvette forum to ask more about the car but i figured i'd ask you guys first to see if I can avoid low-ballers and such. I know you need pictures but basically this car was never an enthustiasts car and just another fun car to have on the side, from back in the day. It really is in great shape and just needs some wax, a tune up and the afformentioned mufflers and tires and it will be almost showroom new. Let me know what you guys think and as always, a big thanks in advance.

I have a 1970, base 300hp 350, air, luggage rack, so its close to yours.  1970 however was the last year of the high compression engine.  When you got to 75 and 76, you had the lowest horsepower vehicles, including the infamous Corvette with the 305 engine, 165 hp and a Vega steering wheel.  This generation of Vettes is likely most valuable in the 68-72 range of years.

There are three key considerations with Corvettes; matching numbers, big blocks and convertibles command the highest price, and low mileage.  You have two of the three right there.  (of course 4 speeds are more valuable too).  The Corvette world was really where all the "numbers matching" thing came from, and it is easy to validate the matching.

The nice thing about your Corvette and mine is that they are wonderful cruisers.  They do not have the grunt of a big block four speed car, but they run cooler and are often trouble free. On the freeway and above 40mph you blow almost everything else away unless it's a musclecar. ALL these year Corvettes suffer from heat coming into the cabin from the engine, but the small block plus air conditioning helps greatly.  This is the Corvette that with a good example you can take the T-Tops and rear window out and drive cross country with no worries.

You may also, if you have time, consider an ad in Hemmings Motor News.  Alot of the low mileage, premium cars end up in there and people looking for that often look to Hemmings.

If I had to venture a guess I would say yours is worth somewhere between $20,000 to $22,000k, but I have seen some go lower.  Now that spring is here, it would likely be the best time all year to sell.

I have a 1970 Stingray project that started out just like yours did.  It was stripped down pretty good, no engine or interior, had a 1969 front clip with 1977 doors and a 1978 hood when I bought it off of ebay.  I am planning on making a Balwin-Motion clone out of it if I don't end up selling it (need the storage space for other projects).  The prices on the third gen Vettes have been going up and the chrome bumpered ones have been leading the pack.  One thing about some Vette owners:  they can sure earn the anal retentive title for details sometimes at shows, especially for the NCRS ones.......