Guide for the 1971 Corvette

The 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is beloved by classic car enthusiasts and remains a sought-after model on the used sports car market.
Written by Mary Cahill
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
One of the most beloved vehicles on the used market is the 1971 Chevrolet Corvette, whose gallant speed, various engine options, and show-stopping body design make it a coveted model for classic car enthusiasts. 
Since its 1953 inception, Corvette has been turning heads for its sleek, instantly recognizable body style, its engine power, and quality manufacturing. It’s no surprise that decade after decade, the Corvette remains one of the best-selling American sports cars ever. 
The 1971 model is an enduring classic. Part of what contributes to Corvette’s long-standing success is the realistic sticker price. Compared to other vintage sports cars of a similar caliber, the 1971 Corvette is rather affordable. 
To take a closer glimpse at the 1971 Corvette’s history and how you can go about purchasing one,
car insurance
shopping and savings app
Jerry
has compiled a guide of what’s really involved in becoming the proud owner of this unique sports car. Then stick around to learn how to lower your
Chevrolet Corvette insurance costs
.
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Ownership costs for a 1971 Corvette

While the original MSRP was $5,533, these days there’s a big range for what you’ll pay on the used market for the 1971 Corvette.

How much should I expect to pay for a 1971 Corvette?

The price depends on the version and condition—a fixer-upper could go for around $17,700, while an upgraded, lower-mileage version may run you as much as $89,980.  
For example, a 1971 Stingray with the original 454 CID, 365 horsepower V8 engine, and just over 90,000 miles on the odometer sells for $42,000
A 1971 Roadster convertible with interchangeable hard and soft tops, a replacement 350 engine, minor cosmetic flaws to the grill, and 14,900 miles on the odometer will carry a sticker price of $27,000

Where to buy a 1971 Corvette

Interested in the 1971 Corvettes available on the classic car market? For a full online list, check out
classiccars.com
. Keep in mind that several of these models contain replacement engines (also referred to as a NOM—or not original motor) and numerous other custom modifications.   
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What does the 1971 Corvette bring to the table?

In one word: beauty. With a body style that marries toughness with elegance in a true one-of-a-kind fashion, the 1971 Corvette’s design is almost identical to the 1970 version. The reason for this was primarily due to the United Auto Workers labor dispute of 1969, which caused major production delays in the rollout of the latest models—but then again, why mess with a good thing? 
As for the Corvette’s tough side,
Chevrolet
faced some serious challenges in 1971 when it came to building the formidable engine it was known for. 
That year, the engine’s compression and horsepower had to be lowered in order to comply with federal mandates that called to reduce exhaust emissions. Chevy rose to the occasion and created four engine options for the Corvette in 1971, with the standard being the 350CIM, 270 horsepower engine.    

Strengths and weaknesses of the 1971 Corvette

Buying a retro vehicle carries a similar allure to collecting original art or vintage clothing—it satisfies both the appreciation and sentimentality for a stylish, quality-crafted product that stands the test of time. 
That being said, you should not pull the trigger on a classic car purchase before you’ve weighed the pros and cons of what this commitment entails. Let’s take a look. 

Pro: speed

If velocity is your thing, you’ve come to the right place. The blissfully aerodynamic ‘71 Corvette can get up to 140 miles per hour—but you should probably leave that kind of speed on the racetrack. The bottom line: the Corvette is fast, going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. 

Pro: rarity 

The number of Corvette coupes and convertibles built in 1971 totals just 21,801—significantly less than the annual output in years to come. And since enthusiasts have declared it as
the best Corvette of the 1970s
, owning one will give you some serious exclusivity points. 

Pro: quality manufacturing

Thanks to the meticulous work of more than 500 employees at Corvette’s legendary St. Louis plant, the ‘71 offering stood out as being a higher-quality, “more trouble-free” machine than other cars of its day. Seeing as the design hardly changed from the previous year and manufacturers were not under pressure to mass-produce them, the 1971 Corvette was built by people who cared. 

Con: not much space

The majority of Corvette’s real estate is reserved for its engine bay up front, which means this two-seater doesn’t have room for much else. While most prospective buyers understand they’ll only have room for one passenger—some may not realize until later that it’s not the most practical choice for an everyday vehicle. 

Con: original upgrades are hard to find

Remember that part about rarity? Well, there’s a slight downside. The 1971 Corvette came with two special-purpose packages known as the ZR1 and the ZR2, but because they were so pricey—just eight ZR1 packages were ordered that year and 12 ZR2, so the chance of you owning one with these upgrades is pretty unlikely.  

Which 1971 Corvette to buy

If you’re a purist and don’t mind spending a little extra, look for a 1971 Corvette with low mileage that has well-kept original components—like the engine and factory-issued paint job. 
For the more mechanically inclined, there are reasonably priced ‘71 Corvettes on the market that have been partially rebuilt or could use some TLC in the maintenance department. If you’re willing to take this on, you could save significantly on the initial cost. 

How to save money on car insurance for the 1971 Corvette

After you’ve officially become a classic car owner, make sure you keep your baby safe with the right
car insurance
. Worried about overpaying? Let
Jerry
set your mind at ease. 
Jerry is so much more than another free app for you to download. As an insurance comparison specialist, masterful personal shopper, and licensed broker, all you’ll need to do is answer a few basic questions about yourself and your Corvette and let Jerry handle the rest. 
In just 45 seconds, Jerry puts together a list of the lowest-priced insurance policies so you can see what else is out there. Once you’ve chosen one and decide it's time to switch, Jerry will cancel your old policy on your behalf! It doesn’t end there, Jerry reshops regularly for you to ensure you’re getting the best deal.  
On average, Jerry users save $887 a year on car insurance! 
 “After I bought my new car, the insurance companies tried charging me $315/month.
Jerry
, on the other hand, found me full coverage for only $220/month. Thank you!” —Mari E.
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