1971 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

You don't see many rest-mod C3 Corvettes that aren't either "Corvette Summer" wacky or too high-tech for their own good, but this 1971 Corvette convertible strikes just the right balance between an authentic look and modern performance.

You'd better be at the top of your game if you're going to paint a car black, particularly a Corvette's fiberglass shell. Fortunately, these guys knew their stuff and invested the time to make it super straight before any of that inky black paint went on. None of the bodywork was modified and we particularly like the way the pointed hood looks between the swooping front fenders, a classic look that's elegant and tasteful, not brash and arrogant. Panel fit is excellent and the doors open and close with a reassuring solidity that is in stark contrast to the Corvette's reputation for squeaks and rattles. Chrome bumpers sparkle against the black paint and are tucked in so tightly to the body that they almost look like extensions of the fiberglass, creating a very clean look. Side pipes are a Corvette tradition and they work rather well here and the four round taillights out back can be identified four blocks away. Tradition is alive and well in this 'Vette.

The black interior features seats from a later C3, so they fit right and give it a slightly custom look. Open the door and blue LEDs light the way from under the dash and new carpets make it feel plus as you're climbing aboard. Original gauges look bright and sharp and there's an auxiliary temperature gauge stashed under the dash that uses the same orange needle as the factory dials. The steering wheel looks stock, but it's a bit thicker and smaller in diameter than the original and the Hurst shifter with cue ball knob stirs the 4-speed manual transmission. An AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit lives in the dash, supported by a set of subwoofers and an amplifier in the rear deck area, and they're cleverly installed so the top can still be stowed as well. And speaking of the top, it's in good shape and can keep you dry should some rain come about during that Sunday drive.

A bit of modern tech makes the 383 cubic inch stroker motor feel as muscular as a big block and the light weight definitely improves handling. Fitted with aluminum heads, a big Holley 4-barrel and a polished Edelbrock intake manifold, it's a reliable combination that makes big torque at any speed. The satin black valve covers and red accents certainly give the under-hood area a show-quality look and long-tube headers dump into those melodic side pipes. A big aluminum radiator with electric fan means this Corvette doesn't mind warm weather or waiting in traffic. Underneath, there are many more upgrades, ranging from a trick rack-and-pinion steering setup to monoleaf springs to upgraded shocks all around. Big disc brakes are a Corvette trademark and the big red calipers show well through the spokes of those chrome SLP wheels, which are vaguely reminiscent of the factory A-mold wheels, a favorite Corvette look. Big 255/50/17 BFGoodrich G-Force radials are fitted at each corner to really improve the handling.

Beautifully built and tastefully modified, this Corvette convertible is a car that begs to be driven but doesn't mind being shown. Call today!