1971 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
The 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is one of the least changed from the previous year. This was the aftermath of the labor problems during '69 and '70. The biggest changes were in the engine to reduce the octane requirements from previous years as mandated by GM. This took higher priority than any cosmetic changes. One thing that was changed was the parking light lenses, most 71's have amber lenses although some early production models have clear. The resin process used to form body parts was also updated to increase quality.
For consignment, a numbers matching 1971 Chevrolet Corvette coupe in a color that was not available in 1971, but one everyone wanted. With side pipes, T-tops and those amazing side gill vents, this '71 does an outstanding job of representing the American sports car. It put the big block to work in a sleek, muscular, take no prisoners design that unknowingly was just years before a malaise period with government regulations and an oil crisis looming that would put a kibosh on some of the Corvette badassery.
Exterior
The improved resins create a better canvas for paint, and the black paint here is in good condition. It's accented with a saddle colored pinstripe that surrounds the hood scoop and runs along the shoulder line and matches the interior color. A thin chrome bumper fronts the shark-like nose which hides the headlights and sucks air through an egg crate grille. Our consignor states the headlights have been rebuilt and function properly. Metal trim around the windshield continues over the "T" the our eyes find the amazing flying buttresses around the rear window, which is removable (two-year only option!). Flush shoulder line mounted door handles cater to four fingers pushing down to actuate the door in classic Corvette fashion. More Corvette excitement is found in the flat paneled rear fascia where dual tail lights light up like afterburners in the night, topped by a subtle molded kickup in the body. The profile of the car is highlighted by the fender vents and side pipe, and the later model 15-inch wheels on this car look right at home. Imperfections include some bubbles in the paint, various scrapes and scratches, cracks, and chips.
Interior
Saddle plastic door panels are in excellent condition and as was common for the period, retains a faux wood insert and vinyl armrest. The original seats have been reupholstered in correct saddle leather and are in great shape with the driver's seat showing just a bit of usage. In a unique design element, the seat belts originate from inside the seat back allowing passengers to reach over a shoulder and pull across. Brown carpet covers the cargo area where we also find sleeves for the T-tops. A 3 spoke steering wheel leads to a simple and clean dashboard with the main information a driver will need in his/her sightline: speed and RPMs. The center stack is more airplane like with five round gauges over an AM/FM radio and space age lamp indicator panel of lights. Beyond that, finger wheels to control the heater/AC systems, and then the classic shifter with lock out reverse, and the info plate reminding you of what's under the hood and how much torque is on tap. Low pile brown carpet, recently replaced, is in good condition and the plastic panels on the headliner and T frame look great.
Drivetrain
The numbers matching 454ci LS5 V8 is present and accounted for and looks spectacular under the hood. The shoehorned powerplant sits adjacent to a large brake booster which provides power to the 4-wheels disc brake setup. Meanwhile, the engine is rated at a head snapping 365 horsepower, handled in this case by the numbers matching Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission that sends power to the 3.08 gears in back. We note a non-original Holley 4-barrel carburetor. The distributor is stock looking but has been upgraded to electronic.
Undercarriage
Nice underneath in relative driver quality condition with typical surface rust in normal areas and some residual oil but no active leaks are apparent. The rear transverse leaf spring, which is part of the complex Corvette rear suspension, was replaced including its bushings according to our consignor. The front retains independent suspension with coil springs. The dual exhaust has a short journey before turning east and west and meeting the side pipes which ride along the rocker panel and dump before the rear wheel.
Drive-Ability
The big block roars to life with a quick right foot prime of the carb, and we exit our building wondering if we will hit the lottery tonight, because a '71 LS5 is on the wish list! Meanwhile, the car rides along in typical early period fashion, rough and raw and raucous, a race car for the street and the promise of smiles, adrenalin, and good times ahead. Save it for fair weather because the A/C is non functional and the heater blower doesn't work.
The big block Corvette is one of the legends and what we have here is a fine example you can really enjoy without worrying about concours level provenance. This black Stingray is show worthy and would complement any collection, if that was a collection of one!
194371S105470
1-Chevrolet
94-Corvette
37-2 Door Coupe
1-1971
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
105470-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
F04-January 4th
TRIM 420-Saddle Leather
PAINT 989-War Bonnet Yellow
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