Sultry Sunflower: 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 454/Auto – Sold?

October 16, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

September 2, 2021 Update – The private seller just posted a fresh listing to replace their expiring previous ad.  In this latest listing they elected to hold the asking price at $34,900.

August 27, 2021 Update – the seller of this Sunflower Yellow C3 Corvette just lowered their asking price by $2,850 from $37,950 to $34,900. We’re not sure what their motivation is to use such odd pricing, but the price change signals they are serious about selling the car.

Yellow is usually not a color people would pick to paint their sports car.  Feel free to disagree, but there’s just something about a C3 Corvette painted Sunflower yellow over black that looks just right that very few if any, other cars can pull off just as well. Our latest reminder of that fact is this 1971 LS5-equipped Sunflower Yellow example originally listed on Craigslist in September 2021 in Barrington, Illinois that also features power brakes and factory air conditioning.  The current caretaker now has their C3 listed for $34,900 (the original ask was $37,750).  Checking the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has their Corvette priced between #3 “Good” estimate of $29,000 and the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $45,400.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller has their C3 priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $32,738 and its #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $42,112 after factoring in a fifty percent premium for the LS5 and factory A/C options this car came equipped with.

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:

The most interesting feature of this Corvette is what the seller reports to be true Knock-off wheels similar in style to what was offered on C2s.  It’s a neat look that certainly sets this Corvette apart from the sea of other C3 typically featuring Chevy’s Rally Style wheel.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1971 Big Block Corvette
454 Engine
*Turbo 400 Automatic Transmission
T – Top
Newly painted
New Interior
Power Brakes, Power Windows
A/C, Radio
Built Engine, Solid Lifters
454 nom…Good Frame
Real Knock-Off Wheels
Nice ride!
…..$37,750…..“

Show or go: what would you do with this C3 Corvette?  Comment below and let us know!