1971 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

This 1971 Corvette hits all the high notes: a matching-numbers small block V8, vivid Mille Miglia Red paint, 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 4-speed and side pipes that doesn't foul its plugs in traffic, this is the hot ticket.

The body on this Stingray still looks awesome even after all these years. There are few cars that will attract more attention than a C3 and definitely none that are more widely recognized. Roll up in this fantastic plastic and EVERYBODY notices. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the bodywork is super straight, with excellent prep over well-preserved original fiberglass that has never been damaged. Mille Miglia Red seems like the archetypal Corvette color today, but in 1971 it was only the fifth most popular color, which is surprising, don't you think? Either way, it looks simply spectacular. Gaps are about as good as you can get on an untouched original C3 and most Stingray fans prefer the chrome bumpers to the later urethane units. And speaking of brightwork, the bumpers are in great shape, the stainless is polished, all the Stingray script emblems are in place, and there's nothing quite like an early Corvette with shiny chrome side pipes. You want American performance in fiberglass, this is definitely it.

This car's fastidious care throughout its life is most evident inside, where the original black interior is in excellent condition. The seat covers remain supple and comfortable, with only minor signs of wear, and the woven inserts remain comfortable even on hot days. It's not perfect, but rather stylish and inviting, exactly the way you'd want your favorite car to look. There are no split seams, no scuffs, and certainly no sun damage, despite the T-tops overhead, and black never goes out of style, especially in a red car. The carpets are similarly excellent, and the door panels match the seats with a comfortable, lived-in look. Other goodies include a modern AM/FM/cassette stereo and those cool fiber-optic bulb indicators in the console, which would disappear after 1971. And yes, that's a 4-speed manual shifter in the center console, making the '71 'Vette a somewhat rare find.

This car will also eat lesser machines on the road, thanks to the original, numbers-matching 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood. With a stout 270 horsepower, it's the smart choice for the guy who likes to drive his Corvette, because it's not only quick, it's a combination that was perfected decades ago. Reliable and virtually indestructible, the engines wide torque band makes it the ideal powerplant for long-distance cruising. Nicely detailed with correct Chevy Orange paint on the block, the original air cleaner with chrome lid, and fresh plugs, wires, and hoses, it's ready to rumble. The 4-speed Muncie transmission is the perfect dance partner, and it feeds a set of highway-friendly gears out back, so this Corvette is a joy on the highway with plenty of punch at any speed. The rumbling dual exhaust system sounds spectacular blowing through those side pipes and the Rally wheels wear 235/70/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials.

An awesome survivor, this pretty red Corvette is begging for a long road trip this summer. Call today!