1971 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

This 1971 Corvette hits all the high notes: a matching-numbers LS5 big block, a 4-speed, and a very attractive price tag. While the early Stingrays with 427s get all the attention, if you're looking for a great-running 'Vette with a ton of power that doesn't foul its plugs in traffic, an LS5 is the hot ticket.

The body on this Stingray was refinished at some point, but it has an authentic look that could almost pass for originality. There are few cars that will attract more attention than a C3 with '454' emblems, and definitely performance cars that are more widely recognized. Roll up in this fantastic plastic and EVERYBODY notices. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the fiberglass is super straight, with good prep over well-preserved original fiberglass that has never been damaged. Corvette fans are sticklers when it comes to doing it as the factory would have, and with a good polish, it will really look great. Gaps are about par for the course on a C3, which again is a good thing for purists, and most fans prefer the chrome bumpers found on the early models. And speaking of brightwork, the hood features a pair of chrome-rimmed nostrils, there's a luggage rack out back, all the Stingray script emblems are in place, and the stainless rocker moldings have been polished to a soft shine.

It's likely the original interior in the car and tan makes for a very upscale and inviting passenger compartment. There's some wear, but it also has a comfortable, lived-in look about it with much of the components being original. The Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission has a bright chrome shifter, which was a Corvette hallmark for many years and the gauges show bright, clear markings that are easy to see at a glance. Other goodies include factory A/C (needs to be serviced), a modern AM/FM/CD stereo radio in the original slot with an amplifier in the cargo area, and those cool fiber-optic bulb indicators in the console. Yes, there are a few signs of age, but we have to admit that we'd hesitate to replace anything since it all looks so authentic. Still hard to believe something like this is so affordable, isn't it?

This car will also eat lesser machines on the road, thanks to the original, numbers-matching LS5 big block under the hood. With a very stout 365 horsepower, it's the smart choice for the guy who likes to drive his Corvette. Reliable and virtually indestructible, the LS5's wide torque band makes it the ideal powerplant for long-distance cruising. Again, it looks fairly original, with Chevy Orange paint on the block, the original air cleaner with chrome lid, and it runs great. A pair of mellow-sounding mufflers underneath that give it a nice rumble and you can see that there are correct rectangular exhaust tips and a lot of new parts in the suspension. Modest street-friendly gears combine with the LS5's mountainous torque curve to make acceleration entertaining at any speed and clutch take-up is smooth and progressive, making it very easy to drive. Rally wheels give the 'Vette a traditional performance look and they're wrapped in fat BFGoodrich T/A radials.

Big block Corvettes aren't getting cheaper, so take this opportunity to put a pedigreed 4-speed C3 in your garage. Call today!