Vehicle Description
This 1971 Corvette hits all the high notes: a matching-numbers LS5
big block, a 4-speed, 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 ton of power that doesn't foul
its plugs in traffic, an LS5 is the hot ticket.
The body on this Stingray was refinished at some point, but it has
an authentic look that could almost pass for originality. There are
few cars that will attract more attention than a C3 with '454'
emblems, and definitely performance cars that are more widely
recognized. Roll up in this fantastic plastic and EVERYBODY
notices. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the fiberglass is super
straight, with good prep over well-preserved original fiberglass
that has never been damaged. Corvette fans are sticklers when it
comes to doing it as the factory would have, and with a good
polish, it will really look great. Gaps are about par for the
course on a C3, which again is a good thing for purists, and most
fans prefer the chrome bumpers found on the early models. And
speaking of brightwork, the hood features a pair of chrome-rimmed
nostrils, there's a luggage rack out back, all the Stingray script
emblems are in place, and the stainless rocker moldings have been
polished to a soft shine.
It's likely the original interior in the car and tan makes for a
very upscale and inviting passenger compartment. There's some wear,
but it also has a comfortable, lived-in look about it with much of
the components being original. The Muncie M21 4-speed manual
transmission has a bright chrome shifter, which was a Corvette
hallmark for many years and the gauges show bright, clear markings
that are easy to see at a glance. Other goodies include factory A/C
(needs to be serviced), a modern AM/FM/CD stereo radio in the
original slot with an amplifier in the cargo area, and those cool
fiber-optic bulb indicators in the console. Yes, there are a few
signs of age, but we have to admit that we'd hesitate to replace
anything since it all looks so authentic. Still hard to believe
something like this is so affordable, isn't it?
This car will also eat lesser machines on the road, thanks to the
original, numbers-matching LS5 big block under the hood. With a
very stout 365 horsepower, it's the smart choice for the guy who
likes to drive his Corvette. Reliable and virtually indestructible,
the LS5's wide torque band makes it the ideal powerplant for
long-distance cruising. Again, it looks fairly original, with Chevy
Orange paint on the block, the original air cleaner with chrome
lid, and it runs great. A pair of mellow-sounding mufflers
underneath that give it a nice rumble and you can see that there
are correct rectangular exhaust tips and a lot of new parts in the
suspension. Modest street-friendly gears combine with the LS5's
mountainous torque curve to make acceleration entertaining at any
speed and clutch take-up is smooth and progressive, making it very
easy to drive. Rally wheels give the 'Vette a traditional
performance look and they're wrapped in fat BFGoodrich T/A
radials.
Big block Corvettes aren't getting cheaper, so take this
opportunity to put a pedigreed 4-speed C3 in your garage. Call
today!