1971 Chevrolet Corvette

Make

Chevrolet

Model

Corvette

Year

1971

Listed price

$10,000

Location

Clementon, New Jersey

Transmission

Manual

Mileage

89,999 miles

The C3 generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, launched in 1968, brought a dramatic, Stingray-inspired "Coke bottle" design that remains iconic. Building on the performance heritage of its predecessors, the early C3s retained big-block power, a hallmark of American muscle. The 1971 model year was a pivotal one, marking the last year of truly high-compression engines before the industry-wide shift towards lower octane fuel and emissions regulations. While production numbers for the 1971 Corvette were healthy, with just over 21,000 units built, examples equipped with the legendary 454 cubic-inch LS5 big-block and a manual transmission were considerably more exclusive, representing the pinnacle of raw, unadulterated power from the factory. This particular 1971 Corvette Coupe arrives as an enticing project, offering a solid foundation for its next enthusiast owner. While the original 454 LS5 engine is no longer present, its spirit lives on through a potent ZZ454 GM crate motor, featuring performance aluminum heads and paired with a 4-speed manual transmission — a combination that promises an exhilarating driving experience once completed. Crucially, the seller notes that the frame, chassis, and birdcage have all been restored and are very solid, addressing common concerns with Corvettes of this vintage and providing an excellent starting point for completion. Showing 89,999 miles, this Corvette is a partially stalled project that requires finishing touches but presents a rare chance to bring a high-performance C3 back to its full glory. This is a prime opportunity to complete a powerful big-block C3 Corvette, built on a strong, restored chassis.