Vehicle Description
Among the last of the chrome bumper Vettes with the LT1 engine that
was still flying the flag of serious power as emissions standards
and the gas crisis were attacking from all fronts. Technology has
caught up these days and done a great job of addressing those
issues. But if you want a classic, old school, chrome bumper
Corvette, then check out this ride.
A couple things that make this car even sweeter are that it is a
convertible, and it is presented in the factory correct Steel
Cities Gray color. Pictures don't do this color justice. Its
gorgeous! It has subtle tones to it that change with the light and
the way it catches the curves of the body. Those precious bumpers
lead the way and add a sparkle that only chrome can. Under them is
an eggcrate grill and a chin spoiler to keep air from under the car
at speed. The hood has double black pinstripes outlining the
cutouts and LT1 in script between them. The front fenders have side
grills that match the front with Stingray in script above them. The
styling department did an awesome job working the fender flares and
the rear spoiler smoothly into the body lines. Round taillights and
a split rear bumper sit over chrome rectangular exhaust tips that
peek out through the lower valence.
Open the door, or just look in if the roof is down, and you will
find a black interior that is the perfect complement to the Steel
Gray body. The door panel is nicely stitched and has a wood tone
insert with chrome piping surrounding it which is mirrored by
another panel with a comfortable armrest and the door handle. Have
a seat in the sport buckets with pleated centers and stitched side
bolsters and reach for the 3 spoke steering wheel with the crossed
flag horn button in the center. The speedo and tachometer are
tucked well into their dash shroud so they don't catch glare with
the roof down, and a five-gauge cluster in the center console keeps
track of critical engine functions. A round chrome shift ball with
reverse lockout for the 4-speed manual transmission rises out of
the center console. Top up, or top down this is a nice place settle
in for a ride. And the removable hardtop adds to the comfort when
the weather turns cool.
Pop the hood and you will find an engine bay that is unusually, and
thankfully, stock. There is the #s matching, LT1 engine nestled
down into it. There were only 1591 LT1s built in '71 so this is one
of a rare breed. They were the high horsepower holdouts with solid
lifters, forged steel cranks, 4-bolt mains, and high compression
pistons pumping out 330 horsepower. That fact is advertised on the
chrome air topper which is feeding air to a 4-barrel carburetor and
an aluminum intake manifold. Finned aluminum valve covers and
cast-iron manifolds complete the picture just the way the factory
built it in 1971. There are signs of good regular maintenance with
a new brake booster, belts and hoses. The power is sent back
through a 4-speed manual transmission to the posi rear end which
was standard issue equipment on the LT1s. The car sits on steel
wheels with chrome centers and polished trim rings with 225/70R15
BFGoodrich Radial T/As all around.
Chrome bumpers, serious power, convertible and removable hardtops,
in a gorgeous factory correct color. Come on down and check out
this sweet ride before its too late. We don't expect it to stick
around for long.