1971 Corvette

[dlrshort]

Hi, I'm new to your forum. I presently looking to buy a 1971 Corvette LT-1 convertible, sunflower? yellow with black top. Essentially a survivor, with 36,000 miles. Only one owner before the dealer got it. Very pretty, nice older paint, and cosmeticlly interior is also very nice. I haven't driven it yet but assuming it is good mechanically as the dealer says, what is a fair price? It is 4-sp, original matching #'s. I would appreciate your feed back.

Dave S.

 

[Eric]

A 71 LT-1 vert that is in the shape you describe would probably run in the neighborhood of the mid-20s. If it were absolutely pristine, you're looking at cracking the 30's, maybe. A word of caution and I'm not trying to scare you away, there are a lot of fake LT-1s out there so ask to see any and all documentation prior to purchase. If and when you do drive it, drive it like you mean it so you'll have a better idea about the car.

And yes, the name of the color is Sunflower Yellow. Kind of a wimpy name but an awesome color. It was pretty high on my preference chart when I went looking.

What options does the car have? P/B, P/S, P/W, etc..? Also, you say it is essentially a survivor - what can you tell has/hasn't been replaced? How long have you been looking and how much research have you done? Nice older paint? Does that mean an older repaint or original laquer or is he saying?

Sorry for so many questions but this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot....welcome to the CAC!

 

[dlrshort]

LT 1

Eric1971: The ad reads as follows: CHEVROLET Corvette, LT-1 Convertible, 4 speed, rare sunflower yellow (1 of 1177), black interior, Black convertible top (soft top only), driven 3K in 22 years by the same owner. Original engine compartment with AIR pump system, soft ray tinted glass, am/fm radio, matching number, survivor.• Rear Disc Brakes • AM/FM • Bucket Seats • Tinted Windows • Dual Exhaust . I questioned the dealer about the drivability of the car due to the infrequency, and he said that it was driven to Carlisle to the recent show and it performed beautifully. The car was 'packed tightly' in the show room area and I didn't drive it yet. I plan next week to drive it and take it to my mechanic before purchacing. This dealer has been around for a long time and I have done business before with him. I will get VIN on car next week, I think serial # would verify that it is LT1.

One tangible is what he will give me for my 1971 coupe as I would like to trade.

Thanks for your imput.

Dave

 

[dlrshort]

LT-1 cont.

I have been looking about 6 months off and on. I originally was looking for a 68 or 69 convertible, but I do like the LT1 very much. I like the styling and the driving quality of those 68 to 72 cars, and they are still reasonably affordable compared to earlier generations.

Dave S.

 

[Eric]

Re: LT 1

This dealer has been around for a long time and I have done business before with him. I will get VIN on car next week, I think serial # would verify that it is LT1.

Very cool that you have someone you feel you can trust! As for the VIN, it won't help since the engine codes didn't show up in the VIN until 72, hence the fakes.

I, personally, think you're making a great choice. The LT-1's, in addition to being a very unique car, are pretty nice looking. I've always thought the subtle striping on the hoods is beautiful. When you get it, we will want pictures of course. (<<---- notice I said when, not if)

- Eric

 

[dlrshort]

Eric, any ideas as to what documentation I could look for if original bill of sale is not available?

Dave S.

 

[Eric]

Well if the car only had one owner for 30 years, chances are the person was/is a Vette lover and as such would probalby have kept every receipt and work order etc related to the car. There is always the tank sticker but unless the previous owner removed it and turned it over to the dealer that's a tuff one since the dealer isn't going to let you peel it off if it's still there.

If there are receipts, ask to see them and review the parts listed. This isn't foolproof by any means but it might unveil some clues. The only foolproof docs are tank sticker and window sticker - though they can both be faked it's your best bet IMHO.

My posts aren't meant to alarm you, I just hate to see people pay for something that isn't what it's cracked up to be. Two years ago at Carlisle I saw a 71 LT-1 that was extremely underpriced. I heard lots of people walking around it saying something was fishy about it. I wasn't sure what, besides the price, as I'm not an LT-1 owner and aside from the valve covers, open element, A.I.R., and the hood, I probably would be hard pressed to spot an undocumented fake.

If you trust the guy then he must have earned that trust through honest dealings. Unless you have a reason to disbelieve, I would go for it.

Unrelated topic, just curious which color blue is your 71? Bridgehampton or Mulsanne?

- Eric

 

[dlrshort]

Good morning, Eric, thanks for the information. I think he said the tank sticker is in tact, I will check. My car is the darker blue I believe Bridgehampton. But it was an original yellow car. I have it listed on the internet at corvettetrader.com New Jersey 1971 .

Dave

 

[Guy]

Dave,

Nice looking ride your'e selling! Good luck this week.


Guy

 

[dlrshort]

Thank's, Guy................

Dave

 

[Eric]

Wow Dave, that's a nice shark you have there! I added a link to it in your post above so others could check it out a little quicker.

- Eric

 

[RalleyRed]

Dave,

I'd like to make a couple suggestions.

Start a thread on the LT-1 forum, these guys know all about their LT-1's.

If the dealer says the buildsheet is there, make your deal with him with part of the conditions being that he drops the tank with you present.
Without documentation he knows as much or as little about this car as you do.

I suggest you be there while the tank is dropped because if the stickers there but proves it's not an LT-1 there would be nothing stopping him from telling you the sticker was unreadable, putting you right back where you started.

Plus without documentation you should be able to get yourself a better price.

Personally I love LT-1's, there is nothing sweeter than the sound of solid lifters.

Good luck,

Rick

 

[dlrshort]

Thanks for the suggestion, Rick.

Dave