1971 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

When the original owner was in the showroom picking out this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette coupe, he checked nearly every box on the options list. From the brutal LS5 under the hood, to A/C and power windows, to leather seats, this loaded 'Vette is one of the most heavily optioned we've ever seen and it's simply gorgeous in every possible way.

Purchased as an unfinished project, the body-off restoration was completed in 2004 and it's just beautiful. They restored the original code 983 Brands Hatch Green bodywork to better-than-new condition, cloaking the dramatic Corvette curves in a very subtle and elegant Corvette color. They spent a lot of time and effort on the fiberglass, getting all the gaps to line up just so, making sure the big block hood fit flush, and generally smoothing all the surfaces with far more care than the factory could afford. The result is a great shine and eyeball-searing color that glows in the sunlight and shows no sign of stress cracks anywhere on the body. The delicate chrome bumpers have been refinished and fitted snugly against the fiberglass, and new headlight door actuators were installed so the headlights snap to attention every time the switch is pulled. Even the door over the windshield wipers works correctly, usually the first thing to give up the ghost on vintage 'Vettes like this. Correct badges and fresh taillight lenses add to the sharp look. Go ahead, just try to find a prettier one!

The standard black bucket seat interior was the overwhelming choice of Corvette buyers in 1971, but when you upgraded to leather, it took on a whole different feel. New seat covers, fresh door panels, and correct carpets with the right weave and nap have been fitted, and as I mentioned, it's loaded with options. There is, of course, A/C, but you'll also find a tilt wheel, power windows, power brakes, and power steering, all of which make this car a true pleasure to drive. All the gauges, including the clock, have been rebuilt and work properly, and the factory 4-speed snaps through the gates courtesy of the original shifter. The original AM/FM radio remains in the dash, the trick fiber-optic indicators on the console are fully operational, and you'll be delighted to know that all-new vacuum lines have been fitted, saving you that particular headache-inducing job.

The engine is the original, numbers-matching LS5 454 cubic inch V8. It's probably the best choice if you want a cruiser, because the LS6 was de-tuned to 425 horsepower and you couldn't get A/C. Instead, this LS5 was rebuilt to stock specs and runs beautifully, with a smooth idle and a mountain of torque available at virtually any speed. It was rebuilt during the frame-off restoration, and given a few upgrades along the way like a Davis Unified Ignition (DUI) distributor (which is based on GM's HEI anyway) and a stainless steel Magnaflow exhaust system underneath. The brakes have been augmented with stainless steel calipers, and as a lifelong southern car, there's exactly zero rust on the frame in any of the usual trouble spots. Out back, a new gas tank and fuel lines have been fitted, and as a result, this fully sorted Corvette starts instantly and pulls like a freight train. Bright Rally wheels were standard-issue, and wear fat 255/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials.

This well-documented Corvette is exactly what you want: fully sorted, beautiful to look at, comfortable to drive, and matching numbers. This is the way it was meant to be. Call today!