Somewhere in an old barn, a mouse recently lost its lease. The eviction notice? A genuine chrome-bumper Corvette emerging from decades of slumber, complete with that holy grail of barn finds: matching numbers.
This 1971 Corvette T-Top coupe is being offered on eBay for $4,500, though you’ll have to find a new tenant as the seller jokes that the mouse isn’t included.
Make no mistake — this isn’t a wash-and-drive survivor that the boys at WD Detailing can bring back to life with a little elbow grease.
The birdcage needs attention, doors need replacing, and the interior looks like the mouse’s extended family hosted annual reunions.
Someone already swapped the original seats for ’80s vintage ones, the wipers and vacuum functions for the headlights are broken, and while the brakes are “tight,” new lines and hoses are required.
But here’s what matters: the original engine is a little slow to start up in the accompanying video (maybe a new battery would help), but the car “runs, moves, and stops.”
The frame is solid, the drivetrain is strong, and at this price point, you won’t find another running chrome-bumper Corvette—even one that needs, well, everything.
The seller is refreshingly honest about the project scope. New gas tank and fuel lines to the pump and carburetor are done, lights shine, and loading onto a trailer is a breeze, especially with the optional power steering.
Just be sure to budget for a water pump, complete brake system overhaul (the original front rotors are still in place 54 years later!), extensive bodywork, and enough patience to outlast your spouse’s looks of disgust.
But for an enthusiast seeking an affordable entry into classic Corvette ownership—someone who dreams in fiberglass and isn’t afraid of a little work — this rough diamond might be the perfect winter project.
While the mouse is not included, the new owner will need lots of ambition. But critter or not, the beautiful lines of a chrome-bumper C3 are hard to beat, no matter how much work is required.
Source:
eBay Motors
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Well, the price is sort of right, but oh boy howdy, this little darlin’ would not be for the faint of heart nor someone without an unlimited budget. On the plus side it is refreshing to see a seller that is not only realistic, but apparently honest as well.
Honest seller, for sure. But that’s not an economically viable restoration project, unless you’re just doing it for your own personal enjoyment and satisfaction. A decent restoration on that vehicle is going to approach six figures, if not exceed it. A better option would probably be to use it as a parts car for other, more serviceable Vettes of that vintage.
Bird cage could be a challenge.
No surprise it sold this morning. It had “Money Pit” written all over it. The motor actually sounded good to me.
A guy can buy really nice 350 for way less than $4500.
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