Approximate value of a 71 stick 350 Roadster

[David M.]

I have the chance to grab a one owner 71 350 stick roadster hard /soft top. The drive train is reported to be numbers matching. Its originally a silver car now black with black interior black top. The interior looks stock nice in pictures as does the body. The frame is supposed to be surface rust only. It does not appear to be butchered, in fact it looks rather nice. reported mileage is ~92K.
I haven't seen the car in person yet.

Im looking for a ball park number y'all would put on this car?

My thoughts are 17-20K...if the frame and body are nice and its not been butchered up under the hood.

Thoughts???

[Harmon C.]

Re: Approximate value of a 71 stick 350 Roadster

If you want it for a driver that would be a good price, The cost to change the paint color if you want a NCRS judged car would make me keep looking.

[Don L.]

Re: Approximate value of a 71 stick 350 Roadster

David, so much about what to buy and how much to pay depends on what you intend to do with a car. Is it going to be a driver that you take for the occasional ice cream run? Will it be something that you want to restore to judging level? There are huge differences between just these two routes.

I bought my '72 convertible with the mindset I'd just tool around town on a nice day and have some casual fun with it, thereby fulfilling a lifetime dream of owning a chrome bumper C3. Right. After 12 years of ownership, I've invested much in time, money and love to get it on the judging field 3 separate times. I'm not complaining or even whining. I've loved every minute. I've also learned a ton about these cars and meet so many good people. It's been awesome. I mention this in hopes of communicating how important it is for you to think hard about your ultimate intentions. The "disease" may get you on this car, just as it has many of us.

As you likely already know, a color change, back to factory color, is a significant undertaking. If factory "correct" matters, you'll need to keep this in mind as you consider this car. I noticed a radio change in your posted photos. Of course the wheels and tires are changed and it appears that the seat covers are redone with non typical material. The powertrain may need some work, since it has 90,000+ miles on it.

I see from your profile that you either currently own or owned on the past, a '68 convertible. Are you expertly familiar with '70-'72 C3's? If so, you might want to inspect this car thoroughly, using NCRS judging sheets before committing. If you're not expertly familiar, you might consider hiring an expert to inspect it for you. There are lots of owners here and elsewhere that can and would likely love to help.

BTW, isn't a black chrome bumper C3 gorgeous? I wish GM had offered them after '69.

Regards.

[Larry M.]

Re: Approximate value of a 71 stick 350 Roadster

David,

In these photos, the wiper door is open. The override may have been engaged, or there may be some issue in the system needing repair.

Larry

[Jim T.]

Re: Approximate value of a 71 stick 350 Roadster

Not that many one owner 1971 Corvette convertibles can be found for sale. Very nice looking Corvette in your pictures. I could not tell from the picture of the interior if it has factory air conditioning, if it does this would make it more desirable if it does for me and being a four speed is a plus.

[Larry M.]

Re: Approximate value of a 71 stick 350 Roadster

No AC on this one. You can see the 'Corvette' name on the panel between the gauges and the wiper switch. If AC, that area would have vent outlets. Beautiful car. Good possibility the owner may have the original rally wheels.

[Mark E.]

Re: Approximate value of a 71 stick 350 Roadster

Few options.

Base engine, no AC, vinyl, no PW. Does it have PS, PB, tilt, stereo, alarm, defrost? Not necessarily a negative if you don't miss them... fewer options means less complexity and fewer things to break.

Interesting aside- at $278, the stereo option is only $11 less than ordering the big block- and a lot more rare.

As stated above how you feel about its options may come down to how you use it. AC is nice for summer road trips, but isn't missed if mostly driven locally with the top down on nice days. And you can use the lack of options as a negotiating point when talking price.

[David M.]

Re: Approximate value of a 71 stick 350 Roadster

All good input. He has the original wheels. This would be a driver not a top flight car (haha). I am pretty familiar with C3s, Ive restored a few but only mechanically, never performed a body off or paint. This car would be a driver and all the little items would be fixed to function. It might even be a flip car? I like the triple black. Im just tire kicking now as he wants to trade me for a 70 Z28 (race car) I am selling. Rather have the money BUT if this car is clean......We still have the 68 vette and 68 442, neither is going anywhere at the moment.


So we're in agreement its about a 20K car as long as its a no hit body and a very solid frame and the drive train isnt tired? I have the mechanical ability and tools to rebuild everything being a former professional wrench.


Thanks for the input.

[Mark E.]

Re: Approximate value of a 71 stick 350 Roadster

Below is what Hagerty shows for the market value of a '71 convertible with base engine. I'm not an expert, but they seem optimistic... maybe they're values they would like you to select for stated value on your policy. And their definition of "concours" isn't the same as NCRS Top Flight.

[David M.]

Re: Approximate value of a 71 stick 350 Roadster

Thanks Mark. We're in the ballpark with this one. I have to go view it in person and pull some numbers of it.

[David M.]

Re: Approximate value of a 71 stick 350 Roadster

Trying to schedule a look at this car before the weather goes much farther south.

Reality check on the numbers for a base 350, 4 spd vert with hard top are as follows:

VIN - 194671S ZZZZZZ.... Chevy, Corvette, vert, St Louis, Zs = consecutive production number.
Engine suffix - CJL=base 270, 350 stick.
Block ID - 3970010
Heads - 3973487.... 4 digit date indicates Flint 5 = Tonawanda, found under the rocker covers.
Distributor - 1112050...points dist
Alternator - 1100950 or 1100544 for AC
Qjet - 7041213 for the 270 hp stick
Intake#s ?
Water pump #s ?
Hard top #s??

Trans #s located on passenger side of the main case assuming its an M20 it should be P1 = 1971 Muncie...XXXX. Xs =being the 4 digit build date. No VIN on a Muncie correct?

I should see broach marks on the engine pad as is true for the 68-69s right?

If view-able the frame VIN numbers are located on drivers behind the drivers side rear tire by that body mount?

AB AC AD AW are the 4 rear end codes. Ill assume its an AW 308 car. ID location found on bottom of diff.

Anything different from a 68 as far as typical problem(s) areas? Im well versed with 68s and all their "anomalies"...lol

Thanks!

[Patrick H.]

Re: Approximate value of a 71 stick 350 Roadster

Transmission will have VIN on it.
Rear is likely a 3.36 as that was standard with the 4 speed.
Broach marks should be present as on most small blocks.
VIN numbers are there, but difficult to see. Don't hold your breath that you will.

As with any of them, frame and birdcage rust is your enemy.

[Michael G.]

Re: Approximate value of a 71 stick 350 Roadster

Water pump 3991399