1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Description

Finding a Corvette you can drive and enjoy is sometimes easier said than done. So many have been cut, hacked, or just abused that finding a tight, clean, matching-numbers C3 with no needs can be daunting. But this Brands Hatch Green '71 roadster is the right car at the right price, including a strong-running 350, a 4-speed transmission, factory A/C, and a gorgeous interior.

Restored a few years ago, this one shows only minor signs of being driven, which means that someone was absolutely fanatical about maintenance, because Corvettes are made to be driven. The bodywork was nicely done, not so perfect you're afraid to touch it, but nice enough to get a second or third envious glance from the guy in the Honda next to you at the red light. There are a few touch-ups but overall this one grabs everyone's attention in a big way. Gaps are good all around, and if you prefer the chrome bumpers, the '71s are a great choice. While some claim that there's nothing like a red Corvette, the dark green on this one looks right and gives it an understated look that doesn't deny what it is, but suggests that there's more to it than just brute force. Speaking of chrome, everything is nicely finished and polished, including the optional trunk rack on the back, which always looks cool.

Originally filled with a code 423 dark green vinyl interior, this 'Vette now sports a stunning code 417 Saddle interior that is in excellent condition with a lot of new equipment. The seat covers offer textured inserts that are both grippy and comfortable if you're cruising in the sun, and the center console puts most of the secondary controls at your fingertips. The original gauges are fully functional and have crisp markings and clear lenses, while a Kenwood AM/FM/cassette stereo has been fitted in the center stack. The chrome shifter makes a bold statement, and Chevy was justifiably proud of the Corvette's credentials (and knew their buyers would be, too) and proudly spelled out the engine specs on a plaque mounted on the center console. 1971 was also the final year for the fiber-optic light monitoring system, which most first-time owners will think is just about the coolest thing they've ever seen. Options include working factory A/C, a tilt steering column, and power steering and brakes. There's also a new tan vinyl convertible top that stows so easily, plus an optional black vinyl hardtop that's a welcome addition.

The original 350 cubic inch engine was rebuilt at the time the car was restored, and today runs as well as any small block Chevy we've featured. New Chevy Orange paint was applied to the block while it was apart, and simple valve covers give it a cool retro look that's pure Corvette. The engine bay is pretty clean, suggesting that this car has led a good life in a dry climate, and there's no sign of rust anywhere on the running gear. The original exhaust manifolds feed a newer dual exhaust system, and someone has thoughtfully added some heat shielding on the floors to help control temperatures inside. And nothing makes a Corvette sing like a 4-speed gearbox, which offers positive shifts and progressive clutch take up, and it rolls on a set of original Rally wheels inside 235/60/15 white-letter radials.

If you're looking for a comfortable, flashy, and highly affordable Corvette roadster to enjoy next summer, this is the one. Call today!