Vehicle Description
1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is one of the least changed from the
previous year. This was the aftermath of the labor problems during
'69 and '70. The biggest changes are in the motor to reduce the
octane requirements from previous years as mandated by GM. This
took higher priority than any cosmetic changes. One thing that was
changed was the parking light lenses, most 71's have amber lenses
although some early production models have clear. The resin process
used to form body parts was also updated to increase quality. This
was the last year for the M22 "Rock Crusher" heavy duty
transmission. It was named the "Rock Crusher" because of the sounds
it made when shifting. Still no black Vettes' this year on the
standard order sheet.
For consignment, a restored 1971 Stingray "Sugar Scoop" version of
the classic Corvette. Almost showroom looking, a not oft seen
Bridgehampton Blue respray with a white convertible top, and blue
vinyl interior. For 1971 a new resin formula for the fiberglass was
instituted to improve the body finish, and it shows nicely on this
sports car. Also, this would be the second to last year for the
chromed bumpers showing up on both ends of a Corvette.
Exterior
These early 1970's "Vettes" are just beautifully sculpted with
their shark like front ends complete with hidden headlights, a
split chrome surround grille, long front quarters that curve around
the wheels and tires, and a small intake grid, (previously known as
the "cove"), just behind the wheel well. Stainless steel rocker
coverings are in lieu of the side pipes, and the luscious curves
continue for the rear quarters and raked rearward roll pan
containing the 4 round taillights. Framing this below is a split
rear bumper and below dual tipped exhaust making their presence
known in chrome plating and lots of noise! A white convertible top
in very nice condition is on and when down is completely hidden
under the fiberglass tonneau covering just behind the buckets. Deep
dish rally shiny wheels are on all 4 corners and are wrapped by
Dunlop raised white letter G/T Qualifier rubber.
Interior
Tall thin nice condition vinyl blue buckets are flanked by molded
blue door panels on either side. A blue center console is in and
houses the handbrake and shift lever. The central dash has a
factory radio in AM/FM/Cassette form, and just above a quintet of
inset gauges to monitor your "flight" status! An angled blue dash
front houses the deep inset round gauges in front of an original
rally steering wheel. For the passenger, some vinyl pockets in lieu
of the glovebox can handle thin things, (maps/purse/etc). When the
top is up, a small blue carpeted storage space is under the
fiberglass tonneau covering, however this space is taken when the
top is in the down position.
Drivetrain
Replacing the original engine which will come with this car but
needs a rebuild, is now a GM Goodwrench 350ci V8 crate engine
featuring 4-bolt main caps. This is topped with a 4-barrel
carburetor and a numbers matching to the car Muncie M20 4-speed
manual transmission is strapped to the rear of the crate V8. The
rear axle weighs in at 3.36 gear ratio and does a nice job of
spinning the rear tires. The engine has some bling added with
Edelbrock chrome valve coverings, an open chromed air cleaner
housing, and absolutely no corrosion or rust seen.
Undercarriage
Just as the topside impressed this writer, so does the underside. A
nice heavy coating of black paint is seen with shiny floor pans and
horizontal framing running through at equal spaces as we go through
the car underneath. Independent SLA type with coil springs are on
front, and for the rear full independent rear suspension with a
frame anchored differential unit. Power disc brakes newly installed
less than 5K miles ago are on all 4 corners and power steering
helps you maneuver all the tight parking lots.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, nice driver and handling to beat the band, this
car is akin to driving a rolling work of art. It is a head turner,
and handles nicely, accelerates with plenty of power to spare
despite it being beat down by the government standards for
emissions. Bias free braking, and an easy clutch for the 4 speed
make driving this artwork a pleasure. The wipers are not
operational, and the reverse lights did not go on when I moved the
shifter to the go backwards position. All else worked as it should
in such a nice example.
A nice job overall on the restoration, clean nicely painted
fiberglass, shiny bumpers and hidden headlights as well as the
curvaceous fenders and lines of the sugar scooper version of the
Stingray. Come on down and catch the Corvette virus as the vaccine
cannot stop this baby!
VIN DECODE
194671S116659
1-Chevrolet
94-Corvette
67-Convertible
1-1971
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
116659-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
J10-May 10th Build
TRIM 412-Dark Blue Vinyl
PAINT 979-Bridgehampton Blue
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.