Vehicle Description
1971 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
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 were in the engine 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.
For consignment, a numbers matching 1971 Chevrolet Corvette coupe
in a color that was not available in 1971, but one everyone wanted.
With side pipes, T-tops and those amazing side gill vents, this '71
does an outstanding job of representing the American sports car. It
put the big block to work in a sleek, muscular, take no prisoners
design that unknowingly was just years before a malaise period with
government regulations and an oil crisis looming that would put a
kibosh on some of the Corvette badassery.
Exterior
The improved resins create a better canvas for paint, and the black
paint here is in good condition. It's accented with a saddle
colored pinstripe that surrounds the hood scoop and runs along the
shoulder line and matches the interior color. A thin chrome bumper
fronts the shark-like nose which hides the headlights and sucks air
through an egg crate grille. Our consignor states the headlights
have been rebuilt and function properly. Metal trim around the
windshield continues over the "T" the our eyes find the amazing
flying buttresses around the rear window, which is removable
(two-year only option!). Flush shoulder line mounted door handles
cater to four fingers pushing down to actuate the door in classic
Corvette fashion. More Corvette excitement is found in the flat
paneled rear fascia where dual tail lights light up like
afterburners in the night, topped by a subtle molded kickup in the
body. The profile of the car is highlighted by the fender vents and
side pipe, and the later model 15-inch wheels on this car look
right at home. Imperfections include some bubbles in the paint,
various scrapes and scratches, cracks, and chips.
Interior
Saddle plastic door panels are in excellent condition and as was
common for the period, retains a faux wood insert and vinyl
armrest. The original seats have been reupholstered in correct
saddle leather and are in great shape with the driver's seat
showing just a bit of usage. In a unique design element, the seat
belts originate from inside the seat back allowing passengers to
reach over a shoulder and pull across. Brown carpet covers the
cargo area where we also find sleeves for the T-tops. A 3 spoke
steering wheel leads to a simple and clean dashboard with the main
information a driver will need in his/her sightline: speed and
RPMs. The center stack is more airplane like with five round gauges
over an AM/FM radio and space age lamp indicator panel of lights.
Beyond that, finger wheels to control the heater/AC systems, and
then the classic shifter with lock out reverse, and the info plate
reminding you of what's under the hood and how much torque is on
tap. Low pile brown carpet, recently replaced, is in good condition
and the plastic panels on the headliner and T frame look great.
Drivetrain
The numbers matching 454ci LS5 V8 is present and accounted for and
looks spectacular under the hood. The shoehorned powerplant sits
adjacent to a large brake booster which provides power to the
4-wheels disc brake setup. Meanwhile, the engine is rated at a head
snapping 365 horsepower, handled in this case by the numbers
matching Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission that sends power to
the 3.08 gears in back. We note a non-original Holley 4-barrel
carburetor. The distributor is stock looking but has been upgraded
to electronic.
Undercarriage
Nice underneath in relative driver quality condition with typical
surface rust in normal areas and some residual oil but no active
leaks are apparent. The rear transverse leaf spring, which is part
of the complex Corvette rear suspension, was replaced including its
bushings according to our consignor. The front retains independent
suspension with coil springs. The dual exhaust has a short journey
before turning east and west and meeting the side pipes which ride
along the rocker panel and dump before the rear wheel.
Drive-Ability
The big block roars to life with a quick right foot prime of the
carb, and we exit our building wondering if we will hit the lottery
tonight, because a '71 LS5 is on the wish list! Meanwhile, the car
rides along in typical early period fashion, rough and raw and
raucous, a race car for the street and the promise of smiles,
adrenalin, and good times ahead. Save it for fair weather because
the A/C is non functional and the heater blower doesn't work.
The big block Corvette is one of the legends and what we have here
is a fine example you can really enjoy without worrying about
concours level provenance. This black Stingray is show worthy and
would complement any collection, if that was a collection of
one!
194371S105470
1-Chevrolet
94-Corvette
37-2 Door Coupe
1-1971
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
105470-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
F04-January 4th
TRIM 420-Saddle Leather
PAINT 989-War Bonnet Yellow
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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