1971 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

This 1971 Corvette hits all the high notes: a matching-numbers small block V8, gorgeous Brands Hatch Green 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 great power that doesn't foul its plugs in traffic, this is the hot ticket.

The body on this Stingray was refinished not all that long ago and still looks awesome. 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. Brands Hatch Green is seldom seen today, but in 1971 it was second only to War Bonnet Yellow in terms of popularity, and rendered in modern two-stage urethane, it looks simply spectacular. Gaps are about as good as you can get on a C3 (just dig how flush the headlight doors and hood fit) 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 the rocker moldings have been polished to a lovely satin glow.

This car's fastidious care throughout its life is most evident inside, where the dark green interior remains 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 you really never see a green interior, so it's a refreshing change of pace. The carpets are similarly excellent, and the door panels match the seats with a comfortable, lived-in look. Other goodies include factory A/C with an R134a refrigerant conversion, a modern AM/FM/cassette stereo, and those cool fiber-optic bulb indicators in the console, which disappeared after 1971. This Corvette is all about having your cake and eating it too.

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 TH400 3-speed automatic 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 right, and the Rally wheels wear 245/60/15 Goodyear Eagle radials.

Loaded with features, this pretty Corvette is begging for a long road trip this summer. Call today!