Behaved Big Block: 1971 Chevrolet Corvette LS5 454/4-Speed – SOLD!

August 13th Update – Well, that didn’t take long. This War Bonnet Yellow big block powered Corvette appears to have sold in just over one week as the private seller deleted their listing.  Consequently we’re calling this one “Sold!”

Big Block equipped C3 Corvettes, while sounding exciting on paper, can be an uncomfortable handful to drive if not optioned properly. Fortunately, this 1971 LS5-equipped War Bonnet Yellow example listed earlier this week here on Craigslist in Colts Neck, New Jersey came nicely equipped with factory air conditioning as well as power steering and brakes.  With matching numbers, 62,000 original miles, and newer paint, the current caretaker has their C3 listed for $32,500.  Checking the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Corvette priced between the current #3 “Good” appraisal of $38,800 and the #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $22,400.  If you are serious about buying this Corvette, you can start the conversation by emailing the seller.  When you connect, please remember to mention you saw their Corvette featured here on GuysWithRides.com.

Entering its fourth year in August 1970, 1971 Corvettes were virtually identical in appearance to the previous model inside and out. It was the final year for the fiber optics light monitoring system, the headlight washer system, and the M22 heavy duty “Rock Crusher” 4-speed manual gearbox. For the first time, air conditioning was installed on most of the cars, with nearly 53 percent so ordered.  Engines were detuned with reduced compression ratios to tolerate lower octane, low-lead, fuel.  The LS5 454 cubic inch (7.4 L) motor this example features was a carry over that produced 365 horsepower.

While the romance of owning a C3 Corvette is what attracts most first-time buyers, we like this video this owner of a similar convertible version posted of the five things he hates about his:

Based on the pictures provided and the owner’s assessment, this appears to be a nicely optioned, driver quality Corvette.  With no undercarriage pictures provides, you’ll need to look and feel around the underside of this C3 to confirm the “Bird Cage” frame is not rusted.  Since the car has been repainted, be sure to look under the hood and in the door jambs for signs to confirm this car has not been repaired following an accident.  The only thing we would change on this car it to swap out the mismatched modern aftermarket radio with a better integrated RetroSound unit.  As long as everything checks out and you can live with the nuances the video above highlights, you’ll have a fun C3 that you can enjoy each time the weather supports it.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1971 Corvette T -top Mint Condition Big Block 454. 4 speed. Power steering, brakes, windows & A/C with tilt column.
Matching numbers 62000 original mileage. Color: War Bonnet Yellow outstanding paint job NO Cracks or Scratches
Garage Kept with cover Never seen a rainy day !!“

Do you have a C10 story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!