How much did a 1971 Corvette cost new?
The base Corvette coupe in 1971 started in the mid- to upper-$4,000 range, while the convertible typically carried a higher starting price. With common options and packages added, many cars sold for roughly $5,000 to $6,000 or more when new.
Prices in 1971 varied by body style, engine choice, and selected options, and regional dealer pricing could influence the final sticker. The following overview outlines typical price ranges and the main factors that affected cost during that model year.
Pricing by body style
In 1971 the Corvette line offered two primary body styles. The base price differed between the coupe and the convertible, and optional equipment could push the final sticker well beyond the starting point.
- Base coupe: approximately the mid- $4,000s to low-$5,000s depending on year and region
- Base convertible: typically higher than the coupe, often around the low-$5,000s
- Popular options and packages: added hundreds to over a thousand dollars, depending on features
In practice, a well-equipped 1971 Corvette could approach or exceed the $6,000 mark when factory options were included, especially for convertibles or cars with premium packages.
What affected price in 1971
Several factors influenced the final price of a new 1971 Corvette, beyond the basic coupe or convertible body style. Engine choice, transmission type, and popular options such as air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, and power windows all contributed to the total cost.
Engine and performance options
While the standard engine was a 350 cubic-inch V8, buyers could opt for different performance-oriented configurations or higher-output variants, each adding to the sticker price.
Carrier features and trim
Additional features—such as upgraded interiors, radios, and climate control—along with automatic versus manual transmissions, could meaningfully shift the total price by several hundred dollars per option box checked.
Summary
For 1971, the Corvette’s price was dictated by a mix of body style (coupe vs. convertible), engine choice, and a raft of available options. The typical new-car price range hovered around the mid-$4,000s for base coupes and rose into the $5,000s for convertibles, with loaded configurations frequently surpassing $6,000 in original dollars. This reflects the era’s price structure and the Corvette’s positioning as a performance-oriented American sports car.
How much did a Corvette cost in 1971?
Sales rose slightly to 21,801 units, with 14,680 coupes and 7,212 convertibles. Base prices also rose. The convertible now topped $5,000 at $5,259, and the coupe was $5,496.
What was the worst year for the C3 Corvette?
1982 Corvette Collector Edition
The C3 Corvette was amidst its death throes during the 1982 model year. In its 15th year of production, it had few fans left and open derision was the norm among enthusiasts. The C3 had overstayed its welcome by at least five years.
What is the holy grail of Corvettes?
But there is one Corvette they have never been able to buy: Project XP-64. It is a pure factory race car, and the only one in existence. Since its creation more than six decades ago it has never been sold. It is the holy grail.
What makes the 1971 Corvette special?
The 1971 LS6-powered Corvette is both rare and significant. Its high-compression engine marked the peak of the muscle-car era. And this Chevy contained a last-of-kind powerplant that would be no longer viable as a heavy hand of federal emission regulations began to take its grip.
