1971 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

If you've been looking for a C3 Corvette that hits all the right notes like a matching-numbers big block, lots of options, and a gorgeous color combination, this 1971 Sting Ray roadster is the answer. Shockingly, the price for all this is remarkably reasonable, delivering a lot of open-air fun and a high-quality 'Vette for far less cash than you'd expect.

Finished in original code 983 Brands Hatch Green, this Corvette renders a factory look and feel in a restored Corvette, a task far more difficult to achieve than you'd think. The paint is a very close duplicate of the original color, rendered in two-stage urethane for a forever shine, and we have to say that the grown-up color makes the Corvette look a lot more substantial. Underneath, the fiberglass is in excellent condition, so when you slide behind the wheel, it's like a direct link to your local Chevy showroom circa 1971. Chrome bumpers were still in fashion in 1971, and to many, they are the pinnacle of C3 design, along with the delicate grille work on the front fenders and subtle ducktail spoiler out back. A big block hood and the bright rocker trim are the perfect details to finish off a feast for your eyes. Just a glance at this one tells you someone cared about doing the job properly.

Originally equipped with a code 417 Saddle vinyl interior, it has been switched to code 402 black leather, which is an equally appealing choice. The seats offer that wonderfully comfortable seating surface, which also wears like stone and helps keep you in place during aggressive driving. And as a color change, you know that just about everything inside is new. The big knob for the 4-speed falls easily to hand when you're behind the wheel, and it slots through the gates with the precision of a bolt-action rifle. Good thing it's comfortable, because you're going to want to spend a lot of time in there. Overhead there's a recent black convertible top that seals up well and stows easily, which is how you'll want to enjoy this Corvette most of the time.

The engine is the original, numbers-matching LS5 454 cubic inch V8, rated at 365 horsepower. This thundering big block is dressed in bright Chevy Orange paint, correct valve covers, and a twin-snorkel air cleaner that wears proper reproduction decals. It's still quite clean and very authentic-looking, and the list of new components is rather lengthy. A throaty Flowmaster exhaust system gives this big block a very distinctive voice that's entirely appropriate for a big block 'Vette, but with highway-friendly gears, it's never annoying and the big block doesn't need a lot of gear to have fun. Other recent work includes all-new brakes, suspension bushings, and a fresh clutch to hook it all up. Factory Rallys wear a set of fresh 225/70/15 General white-letter radials that fill the fenders perfectly.

A numbers matching big block 'Vette makes this near the top of the plastic food chain. If big block power and a bunch of desirable options are your thing, this is your Corvette. Call today!