One, yes, it’s a real-deal LT-1. Two, yes, it’s matching-numbers. And three, we have detailed ownership history back to day one, receipts dating back more than 30 years, and a fully intact tank sticker to back it up.
Code 975 Marlboro Maroon is this car’s original color and yes, it has been repainted—we have the receipt from 1987 showing that Corvette Connection in Florida gave it a respray along with a new top, and that’s what’s on the car today. They must have done a great job because the car still looks very good, with a soft shine that only time can create and which looks a lot more authentic on an old ‘Vette than a modern two-stage job. It’s just about the right color, too, with Marlboro maroon being a bit less bold and a little softer than, say, Madeira Maroon, and the combination of the subtle color and the sledgehammer LT-1 engine is extremely appealing. There’s absolutely zero evidence that this car was ever hit, wrecked, or damaged and it fits together just about the way you’d expect a 50-year-old ‘Vette to fit, with decent gaps, a solid feel to the doors, and no issues in the usual areas around the headlight doors. I also note that the bumpers were re-chromed at that time and the LT-1 stripes and decals were reapplied to the hood. It’s not quite a survivor, but it is quite nicely preserved and shows very well no matter where you take it. Best of all, you can drive it without worries about bugs, rock chips, or other maladies that freeze trailer queen owners in their tracks. That might be the ultimate luxury when you own a Corvette.
The black upholstery remains in excellent condition and we note that when it was repainted, it also received new seat covers. Again, the passage of another 30 years makes them look extremely authentic and had I not seen the receipt, I would have been inclined to believe they were original. There are more recent carpets on the floor which are in excellent shape, but things like the door panels and dash pad appear to be original, which speaks to the care this car has received. All the gauges are bright and fully operational, including the 6500 RPM redline tachometer, which was unique to the high-revving LT-1. The factory AM/FM radio is still in the center console and yes, all the fiber-optic indicators work properly, too. Nice! The aforementioned black convertible top installed 30 years ago remains in excellent shape, folding easily behind the seats and with a crystal clear rear window that hasn’t been yellowed by age. And in any early C3, I suppose it’s also important to note that the windshield wipers work properly, popping out of their hidden compartment when you hit the switch.
This is unquestionably the car’s original, numbers-matching engine, showing a correct partial VIN stamp as well as the CTK suffix code that denotes 350 cubic inches, 370 horsepower, manual transmission, and a transistorized ignition, so it’s definitely legit. It has been serviced and maintained all its life, including rebuilding the heads and top end in the 1990s (which was about 12,000 miles ago). We cleaned the engine bay but didn’t repaint or alter any originality, and we believe that’s mostly original Chevy Orange paint on the block, factory-issue finned valve covers, and even original exhaust manifolds that are in shockingly good condition (more proof that this car has never seen inclement weather).
The transmission is likewise the original close-ratio Muncie M21, which was the only choice on the LT-1. The undercarriage is extremely tidy for a 50-year-old car, with exactly zero rust or critical damage. There’s an older exhaust system that still sounds great and there’s a long list of recent service work that includes front end steering components, bushings, shocks, rear spring, hardware, brakes, calipers, rotors, pads, and hoses. Yes, it’s a bit grimy, but remember that we’re talking about a car you’re going to drive on real roads, not a trailer queen, so it’s probably better that someone else already got it dirty for you. 8-inch Rally wheels are unmarked and feature fat 225/70/15 Goodyear radials.
As I mentioned, documentation on this car is extensive, including the original tank sticker, titles and ownership history back to day one, and extensive service receipts covering 1987-2014.
Where the big block cars fight using brute force, the LT-1 is a scalpel that carves them up and throws them away. If you delight in the driving experience, this car will reward you in ways that you can’t imagine until you’re behind the wheel. Don’t think about what it isn’t, just focus on what it is: a rock-solid car with an awesome look and bulletproof pedigree. How can you go wrong with that? Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
