Vehicle Description
Don't look now, but ultra-clean C3 Corvettes are gaining some HUGE
momentum in the current classic car marketplace. If you've been
looking for an investment you can actually drive, look no further
than this dialed-in, sinister 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
coupe, which has been recently overhauled and offers a numbers
matching 350/270HP V8, a slick black-on-red color combination, and
great factory options for not a lot of cash.
Painted not long ago, this dialed-in black Corvette looks
fantastic, with the sinister tuxedo it wears today serving as a
massive upgrade over the original Code 972 Classic White the car
was born with, at least in the opinion of this humble writer.
Clearly the work was well done, as it shows none of the usual
Corvette issues, and instead presents as a top driver-quality car
that has always been treated as something special. Gaps are good
all around, there are no stress cracks around the headlight doors,
and the chrome front and rear bumpers are a look that appeal to
Corvette fans of all ages. Black is a nice change from all the red
and white C3s you're likely to see out there, and combined with the
hot red interior, really has a grand touring feel more than that of
a raw muscle car. We love that they resisted adding the usual gaudy
cowl hood, and the lack of side pipes really lets the curves of the
C3 do all the talking, and those quad taillights out back are a
Corvette tradition dating back to 1963. We have to admit that this
is a car we stop and admire every time we walk past it in the
showroom, mostly because it doesn't seem to be trying too hard.
Inside, this Corvette feels quite new, thanks to fresh seat covers
with new foam underneath, new deluxe door panels filled with bright
hardware, and new plush red carpets protected by proper Corvette
floormats underfoot. You'll also note that although there aren't a
ton of options inside you do get a new retro-style AM/FM/AUX stereo
in the dash and upgraded R134a air conditioning that blows cold, so
it's not your typical stripped-down 'Vette, but more like a car you
can drive to work every day. The original gauges remain in good
condition, including the factory tachometer and auxiliary gauges in
the center stack, and the three-spoke steering wheel will look
familiar to anyone who loves vintage Chevy muscle. T-tops up above
mean open-air motoring is just seconds away, and even though this
is a 2-door sport coupe you still get decent storage space behind
the bucket seats. This Corvette is all about hitting the road.
Power comes from the original, numbers-matching 350/270HP cubic
inch V8 under the hood. It's neatly finished with lots of correct
parts, including the twin-snorkel air cleaner with a chrome lid and
original decal, Chevrolet Orange enamel on the engine block and
valve covers, and a chrome ignition shield. There's a 4-barrel
carburetor to help build power as well, plus a more recent dual
master cylinder and brake booster, alternator, A/C compressor, and
tune-up parts. Underneath, you'll find a stout TH400 3-speed
automatic transmission spinning the original rear end, as well as a
set of stock ram's horn headers feeding a freshened dual exhaust
system that sounds suitably forceful to be appropriate on a
Corvette. It's quite tidy underneath, and while Corvette floors and
bodies don't rust, the frames can, and this car shows off a
lifetime someplace warm and dry. BFGoodrich T/A white-letter
radials on the original 15-inch Rally wheels look great and really
fill the wheel wells properly.
Built to drive, but destined to appreciate, this is a Corvette that
you can enjoy without worries and maybe make a few bucks on it when
the time comes to sell. What could be better than that? Call
today.
