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1971 Chevrolet Corvette

$59,971

1971 Chevrolet Corvette

Vehicle Details

Make

Chevrolet

Model

Corvette

Year

1971

Mileage

51,046 miles

VIN

194671S102648

Body Type

Other

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Engine

350

Description

1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, Stunning Mulsanne Blue, 350 V8, 4-Speed Manual, 51,046 Original Miles, 3 Owners, Rare Color Combination, Beautiful C3 Corvette! Gorgeous Code 976 Mulsanne Blue Poly, Code 412 Dark Blue Vinyl Interior, 350 CI V8 Engine Believed Original to the Car, 4-Speed Manual Transmission, 51,046 Original Miles, Only 3 Owners, Previous Owner Since 2016, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, Black Convertible Top, Rally Wheels, Redline Tires, Original Owner's Manual, Excellent Driving Corvette! There is something truly special about an early C3 Corvette Convertible, and this absolutely beautiful 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is a perfect example of why these cars have remained some of America's most beloved sports cars for generations! With its stunning factory color combination, classic small-block V8 performance, desirable 4-speed manual transmission, low believed-original mileage, and documented history of just three owners, this is the kind of Corvette that enthusiasts and collectors love to find! Finished in its gorgeous factory-correct Paint Code 976 Mulsanne Blue Poly with the beautiful Trim Code 412 Dark Blue vinyl interior, this Corvette has an incredibly attractive and distinctive appearance! Mulsanne Blue is widely considered one of the most beautiful colors offered on the early C3 Corvettes, perfectly highlighting the sweeping fenders, muscular body lines, and unmistakable styling that made these cars legendary. Even more special, Mulsanne Blue was a relatively rare color choice for 1971, with just 2,465 Corvettes reportedly produced in this stunning shade! The combination of Mulsanne Blue paint, Dark Blue interior, Black convertible top, chrome Rally wheels, and classic redline tires is simply breathtaking! This is a Corvette that looks just as beautiful sitting at a car show as it does cruising down the road with the top down! Under the hood sits a 350 cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 engine that is believed to be original to this Corvette, a particularly desirable feature for collectors who appreciate authenticity and originality. Paired with a classic 4-speed manual transmission, also believed to be original to the car, this Corvette delivers the kind of genuine American sports car driving experience that made the Corvette a legend! With just 51,046 miles showing, which are believed to represent the car's actual original mileage, this is an especially appealing example of an early C3 Convertible.

And what a pleasure this Corvette is to drive! The 350 V8 runs strong, the 4-speed manual transmission provides that wonderful hands-on driving experience, and the car runs and drives GREAT! The addition of headers and a great-sounding dual exhaust system gives this Corvette an incredible exhaust note, providing just the right amount of classic Chevrolet V8 rumble without taking away from the car's vintage character. Pop the hood and you'll find a beautifully presented engine compartment that reflects the overall care this Corvette has received. The engine bay is clean, attractive, and nicely detailed, making it something you'll be proud to show off at your next Corvette gathering or local car show.

The exterior is equally impressive! The beautiful Mulsanne Blue paint complements the Corvette's iconic long hood, sculpted front fenders, flowing body lines, and classic chrome accents. The Black convertible soft top is in very nice condition, providing a beautiful contrast against the Blue exterior. With the top down, this Corvette takes on an entirely different personality, offering the open-air excitement that makes owning a classic Corvette Convertible so enjoyable! Another nice feature is that the iconic concealed headlights open and close smoothly, an important detail on these classic C3 Corvettes.

The rear-mounted chrome luggage rack adds another touch of vintage Corvette style and gives the car that unmistakable early-1970s grand touring appearance. The classic 15-inch Rally wheels, wrapped in beautiful redline tires, complete the look perfectly! This is exactly the kind of wheel and tire combination enthusiasts appreciate on an early Corvette, capturing the true spirit of Chevrolet's legendary American sports car. Inside, the original-style Dark Blue vinyl interior is exceptionally clean and beautifully complements the exterior.

The bucket seats, center console, dashboard, and classic Corvette instrumentation provide that unmistakable sports car atmosphere. The color combination is especially attractive, and the interior presents very nicely throughout. Sliding into the driver's seat, grabbing the 4-speed shifter, and looking out over that long sculpted Corvette hood is an experience that never gets old! This Corvette also benefits from desirable 4-wheel disc brakes, a signature performance feature of the C3 Corvette that adds confidence to the driving experience.

Another particularly appealing aspect of this Corvette is its ownership history. According to the information provided, this car has had just THREE OWNERS throughout its life, with the previous owner caring for it since 2016! That kind of long-term ownership history is always attractive when considering a classic automobile, especially one that has been maintained and preserved in such nice overall condition. The original owner's manual is also included, adding another wonderful piece of history to this beautiful Corvette.

The 1971 model year represents a particularly desirable period in Corvette history. With its classic chrome bumpers, aggressive styling, powerful small-block V8, and unmistakable C3 silhouette, the 1971 Corvette captures the excitement of America's golden muscle car era while offering the sophistication and handling of a true sports car. These early chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes have a devoted following among collectors, and beautiful convertibles in desirable factory colors continue to attract serious attention.

What makes this particular Corvette so special is the combination of its rare factory color, beautifully preserved appearance, believed-original drivetrain, low indicated mileage, limited ownership history, and excellent driving characteristics. This is not simply another Corvette Convertible. It is a very attractive, well-cared-for example with the right colors, the right equipment, and the kind of history that makes classic Corvette ownership so rewarding! Imagine heading out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon with the Black convertible top folded down, the Mulsanne Blue paint shining in the sunlight, the 350 V8 rumbling through the dual exhaust, and your hand resting on the 4-speed shifter.

That is exactly what owning a classic Corvette is all about! Whether you're a lifelong Corvette enthusiast, a serious collector, or simply someone who has always dreamed of owning a beautiful chrome-bumper C3 Convertible, this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette deserves your attention! A STUNNING MULSANNE BLUE 1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE WITH JUST 51,046 BELIEVED ORIGINAL MILES, A BELIEVED-ORIGINAL 350 V8 AND 4-SPEED DRIVETRAIN, ONLY THREE OWNERS, AND ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COLOR COMBINATIONS EVER OFFERED ON A C3 CORVETTE! This is one VERY NICE Corvette that looks fantastic, sounds incredible, and runs and drives beautifully! Vehicle Highlights & Features Beautiful 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible! Gorgeous Factory Paint Code 976 Mulsanne Blue Poly Beautiful Trim Code 412 Dark Blue Vinyl Interior Rare Factory Color Only 2,465 Produced in Mulsanne Blue for 1971! 51,046 Miles Showing – Believed to Be Original Mileage! 350 Cubic-Inch Chevrolet V8 Engine – Believed Original to the Car! Desirable 4-Speed Manual Transmission – Believed Original to the Car! Only THREE Owners Throughout Its History! Previous Owner Owned the Corvette Since 2016! Original Owner's Manual Included! Beautifully Detailed Engine Compartment Very Nice Mulsanne Blue Exterior Paint Excellent Blue-on-Blue Color Combination Nice Black Convertible Soft Top Clean and Beautifully Presented Dark Blue Interior De
Trim: Convertible, Low Original Miles, 350 V8, 4 Speed, Beautiful C3 Corvette!

Classic Chevrolet Corvette Buyer's Guide

Full guide
M
Mike Sullivan
Muscle Cars
1953–1982
~6 min read
Updated Apr 2026
Complete buyer's guide for classic Chevrolet Corvette C1, C2 and C3 (1953-1982). Birdcage rust, frame inspection, engine code identification, and current market pricing for split-windows, L88s and LT-1s.
This guide covers
✓ 10-point inspection checklist
✓ Common issues & what to avoid
✓ In-person inspection guide
✓ Market pricing by year & condition
✓ 5 FAQs answered
✓ History & fun facts

Chevrolet Corvette Market Overview

Based on 462 Chevrolet Corvette listings currently on ClassicCarsArena.com

462
Listed Now
$40,599
Avg. Asking Price
1931–2000
Year Range
Price Position on Our Site - Above Average
This car: $59,971
Low: $4,000 High: $299,995
Transmission Distribution
Automatic 51%
Manual 33%
Condition Distribution
Excellent 15%
Good 15%
Fair 4%
Poor 1%
Data from ClassicCarsArena.com listings Browse all 462 listings →
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Classic Chevrolet Corvette Buyer's Guide

The Chevrolet Corvette has been America's sports car for over seventy years, but the classic Corvette market splits into three distinct generations, each with its own buyer profile and its own pitfalls. The C1 (1953-1962), C2 mid-year (1963-1967), and C3 shark (1968-1982) cover three decades of evolution from solid-axle straight-six convertibles to small-block legends to LT-1-powered chrome-bumper cars. Knowing which Corvette is yours, and what it actually is versus what the seller claims, is the difference between a sound investment and an expensive lesson.

What to Check Before Buying

✓
Verify dashboard VIN against trim tag and engine partial VIN , All three must agree. Engine partial VIN is on driver-side block deck near cylinder head.
✓
Demand original tank sticker for any car over $60K , Glued inside top of gas tank. Lists all original options. Gold standard for premium Corvette verification.
✓
Order NCRS Shipping Data Report ($50) , Available from National Corvette Restorers Society. Confirms original equipment from GM records.
✓
Inspect birdcage at door frames and cowl , Pull door panels, lift carpet at windshield base. Perforation = $8,000-$25,000 structural repair.
✓
Probe frame at kick-up and rear cross-member , Solid steel resists; rotten metal flakes. Frame replacement is $15,000-$30,000 if needed.
✓
Examine fiberglass under raking light , Stress cracks at body mounts, headlight buckets, rear panel. Deep cracks = impact damage or chassis flex.
✓
Check T-top seals and headliner (C3) , Water staining indicates failed seals. Leaks rot birdcage from inside.
✓
Verify Big Block valvetrain on cold start , Solid-lifter L72/L78/L88/ZL1 should tick and subside with oil pressure. Continuous noise = valve adjustment or worn lifters.
✓
Compression test all eight cylinders , Should read 145-185 PSI uniformly across the bank. Variance >15% = head gasket or ring problem.
✓
Test all electrical and pop-up headlights (C3) , Vacuum-actuated headlights commonly fail. Hidden leaks in vacuum lines drop the lights at speed.

Common Issues

Corvette "birdcage" rust is the structural killer for C2 and C3 cars. The birdcage is the steel inner structure that supports the fiberglass body, windshield frame, A-pillars, doglegs, and roof. When the birdcage rots, the body flexes, glass cracks, and door alignment goes off. Birdcage repair on a C2 or C3 is $8,000-$25,000 depending on extent. Frame rust on C1 (boxed steel) and C3 (X-frame) Corvettes is the second major concern. The kickup behind the front wheels, the rear suspension mounting points, and the rear cross-member all rot in salt-belt cars. Probe the frame with a screwdriver, solid steel resists, rotten metal flakes. Mechanical issues vary by generation. C1s commonly have weak Powerglide automatics and tired solid-lifter 283 fuelies. C2s have strong drivetrains but the leaf-spring rear suspension wears bushings and the differential carriers crack. C3s suffer from sloppy T-tops that leak, failing radiators, and worn front coil springs that sag the front end. The L88 cars (1967-1969) had aluminum heads that crack from heat cycling, a deal-breaker if not previously addressed.

What to Look For

VIN authentication is the first stop. The C1 and C2 cars used the dashboard VIN plate; the C3 added the windshield-pillar VIN starting in 1968. Cross-reference the VIN against the trim tag (riveted to the body brace under the glovebox or on the firewall depending on year) and against the engine block partial VIN. Big Block cars (1965+ 396, 1966+ 427, 1970+ 454) and Z06/L88/ZL1 specials must have all numbers matching to claim premium prices. For C2 and C3 cars, inspect the birdcage. Pull the door panels and look at the inner door structure. Lift the carpet at the windshield base and look at the inner cowl. Pull the headliner if practical and look at the roof structure on coupes. Surface rust is acceptable; perforation is structural and expensive to repair. For any high-dollar Corvette claim (L71 427/435, L88, ZL1, Z06, LT-1) demand the original tank sticker (the build sheet that was glued to the inside top of the gas tank). Tank stickers are the gold standard for verification. Cross-reference the tank sticker codes against the VIN and the engine block partial VIN. Fiberglass condition is uniquely Corvette. Look for stress cracks at the body mount points, around the headlight buckets, and at the rear panel where the bumpers attach. Surface gel-coat cracks are cosmetic; deeper structural cracks indicate impact damage or chassis flex.

Price Guide

C1 (1953-1962) Corvettes range from $45,000 for solid 1958-1962 driver-quality 283 V8 cars up to $300,000+ for documented 1957-1962 fuelie cars in concours condition. The 1953 launch year (only 300 built) is a special case, documented original 1953s sell for $200,000-$400,000. C2 (1963-1967) is the most coveted Corvette generation. The 1963 split-window coupe is the icon, $95,000-$200,000 for drivers and survivors, $300,000+ for documented L84 fuelie cars. 1965-1967 396/427 Big Blocks are $85,000-$180,000 for drivers, with documented L71 Tri-Power cars at $140,000-$280,000. The 1967 L88 is the holy grail, only 20 were built, and documented examples bring $2.5M-$5M at auction. C3 (1968-1982) is the bargain entry to Corvette ownership. Driver-quality 1968-1972 small-blocks run $22,000-$42,000. The 1970-1972 LT-1 (small-block, solid-lifter, 350-360 hp) is the underrated gem at $45,000-$85,000 for documented numbers-matching cars. 1973-1977 cars are the bargain era at $15,000-$28,000. 1978 silver anniversary and 1982 Collector Edition cars trade for $22,000-$35,000.

Did You Know?

The Corvette name was suggested by GM PR director Myron Scott, named after the small, fast warship class. GM trademarked "Corvette" in May 1953, just one month before the car's June launch. The 1963 split-window coupe was a Bill Mitchell design that survived for only one model year. Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Corvette's chief engineer, hated the split window because it killed rearward visibility, and he successfully lobbied to remove it for the 1964 model year. The one-year-only design is now the most iconic Corvette body style ever produced. Only 20 L88 Corvettes were built for 1967, and Chevrolet deliberately under-rated the engine at 430 horsepower to keep insurance companies off the buyer's back. The L88 actually produced approximately 540 horsepower in road-going trim and was conceived purely as a homologation special for road racing: Chevrolet refused to install a heater, radio, or AM/FM in any L88, telling buyers to special-order them at the dealer if they actually wanted comfort features.

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