Vehicle Description
Yes, this is an ultra-rare 1971 Chevrolet LT-1 Corvette, the most
potent small block installed in the C3 and a legitimate contender
for best all-around Corvette in a generation. To find an LT-1 coupe
in original condition is, well, extraordinary, and this Ontario
Orange survivor is believed to be a real-deal 45,746 actual mileage
example that has been encapsulated in time. If you're looking for a
tried-and-true piece of American motoring history, then this
chrome-bumper C3 with its smooth-running 350 LT-1 V8 and
quick-shifting Muncie 4-speed manual transmission is the kind of
car that would make Zora Duntov smile.
That is indeed factory Ontario Orange lacquer on the fiberglass
flanks of this 'Vette, and for a survivor, it's totally acceptable
in every way. Perfect? No. But highly presentable and you'll never
have to make excuses for the small checking and minor scratches
that this beauty has proudly acquired through the decades. With low
ownership and great documentation passed down through the years,
it's an extraordinary find that shows just 45,746 original miles on
the 5-digit odometer (which we believe to be original based on a
preponderance of physical evidence on the car, not 100% verifiable
proof), making it one of the most desirable all-original cars we've
ever featured. The fiberglass substrate is in excellent condition,
with none of the cracking in the usual areas, and thanks to an easy
life, things like the doors and hood close easily with good gaps
all around. The LT-1 used a slightly different hood than the big
block cars, with special 'LT-1' badging and also highlighted by
special pinstripes on this particular car, and experts will notice
the 1971-only amber parking light lenses. There's a nice, soft
shine to the paint that tells you it's original, and things like
the chrome bumpers and stainless rocker trim are in great shape
too. If you want to make a splash at next year's Bloomington Gold,
this is the car that'll do it.
The Saddle bucket seat interior is likewise all-original and
remains in very good condition overall. Connoisseurs will quickly
notice that this Corvette is spec'd out in a rather rare optional
custom trim package, which included leather seat trim, woodgrain
accents, and cut-pile carpeting on the floors and lower interior
doors. The seat covers show some moderate stretching but no rips or
tears and the flanking door panels are in great condition as well,
with hardly any of the 'arm-rub' patina you usually find in an
all-original car. We suspect that the carpets are original as well
and they're really, really nice when you consider all the platform
shoes that graced this cabin in the '70s, but thankfully the dealer
had the foresight to throw in a set of clear Corvette floor mats to
keep the plush rugs from getting abused. The woodgrain appliques
probably show the most wear inside, which makes since when you
remember the kind of cheap materials they were made from back then,
but those door panel, dash, and center console accents still make
their presence felt and really do a great job in adding a touch of
sophistication to the Saddle interior. All the gauges show bright,
clear markings, and yes, the fiber-optic light indicators still
work, while the stock, black-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel
looks just right in the Corvette's cockpit. Things like A/C and an
automatic transmission were not available with the high-revving
LT-1, so this one has an always-fun Muncie 4-speed and not many
options beyond an AM/FM radio and tilt column. Color-matched T-tops
were part of the package too, and they close tightly thanks to
factory rubber gaskets, and when not in use they store neatly
behind the seats.
The LT-1 almost didn't make it into production due to its radical
specifications that ensured the Corvette would run on no higher
than 91 Octane, but Zora Arkus-Duntov and the St. Louis Corvette
Manufacturing Plant made it happen. With solid lifters and a
surprisingly low 9.0:1 compression rating (down from 11.25) that
was mandated by GM to appease the Feds, it still cranks out a
respectable 330 horsepower from 350 cubic inches. It'll rev easily
to 6500 RPM without fear of breakage and still makes the most
amazing sound this side of Daytona, and it didn't lose the
high-strung, vibrant personality of prior-year Corvettes, so much
so that it became better known as the Z28 motor in later years.
This is the original, numbers-matching engine, of course, and it's
quite neatly dressed with almost all of its original equipment
intact, including the finned valve covers at the flanks. Other than
the air cleaner there are no deviations from stock, including ram's
horn exhaust manifolds that feed into the cackling dual exhaust
below. Underneath, the Muncie 4-speed manual transmission snaps
through the gears powering an original rear axle. And with power
steering and power 4-wheel disc brakes, it's ready to rock at a
moment's notice. Classic 15-inch Rally wheels are fitted with
Mastercraft radials, the lone concession to the passage of
time.
This is an incredible discovery and for Corvette enthusiasts, a
high-powered small block is the best kind of Corvette to drive.
With an awesome pedigree that includes a ring-binder full of
maintenance receipts accrued through the years, an original tank
sticker, and the original Protect-O-Plate, this is an
investment-grade all-original Corvette that deserves a home in the
very finest Corvette collection. Call now!
