Vehicle Description
1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
"You've changed. We've changed. Gradually. Over the years. We've
changed Corvette when and where we could to satisfy the high
expectations of our owners. However, one thing has never changed:
when you buy a Corvette, you buy a lot more than a car. You buy an
image. A car that looks all hood and wheel. A car with no
compromises like jump seats for the kiddies. A car that says, "I
believe in engines and gears and the feel of the road". A car whose
form follows its function".A lofty bit of prose from the 1971 sales
brochure.
For consignment, a 1971 Chevrolet Corvette convertible showing
25,462 miles, but the true miles are unknown. What is known
however, is that this is a numbers matching drivetrain car, an
uncommon and desirable attribute that puts this car above others on
the hierarchy of collectability. And of course, it's wearing the
right color and the one it was born with.
Exterior
Not ironically, the first page of the '71 sales brochure shows a
red Corvette on the beach at sunset with a bikini clad admirer in
the background and it's not lost on viewers that the sensual lines
of the car, accentuated by the glow of golden hour, have a distinct
similarity to the other beachgoer. Yes, the Coke bottle shape is
purposeful and stunning, and here bathed in Mille Miglia Red,
applied this time in two stages, basecoat and clear coat. The
slender trim around the epic fender vent helps it to stand out, as
it should, and it is topped by the Stingray emblem in script. And
like a shark, there is a vertical tail with a slight wing
integrated into the fiberglass body, underscored by a split bumper
and a rear valance with lined coves for the square exhaust tips. A
white canvas top houses a plastic rear window and both are in good
condition. Imperfections include some linear incursions in the
paint, orange peel, and the side mirror is epoxied onto its
stalk.
Interior
Vibrant red is contrasted by the basic black of the interior,
beginning with the solid door panels and their distinctive rising
armrest that is ergonomically matched with the seating position of
the occupants. Both panels are clean and provide the gateway to the
tall bucket seats, remarkably flat by today's standards, dressed in
textured vinyl inserts with smooth framing. The black plastic 3
spoke steering wheel frames two main gauges in front of the driver,
the ever important speedometer and tach, while a series of five
gauges, including a clock, reside in the center stack in a frame of
hard, black textured plastic above an AM/FM radio. A multi tiered
storage pouch resides where the glove box would be and the center
console houses the vent finger wheel controls and the chrome topped
shifter with shift diagram and engine specs expressed on adjacent
panels. Black loop carpet covers the floor nicely and also the rear
cargo area which shows some light use.
Drivetrain
Flipping the hood forward reveals the clean numbers matching 350ci
L48 V8, rated at 270 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel
carburetor. Behind it is the numbers matching Muncie M20 4-speed
manual transmission which routes the power to 3.36 gears with
Positraction in the rear axle. Disc brakes are supplied on the
front and back wheels.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with minimal surface rust and only a drop
or two of residual oil. The dual exhaust encounters stock style
mufflers that surround the bottom mounted spare and emit square
exhaust tips that look like something off an F15. Coil springs are
up front for suspension and the rear is Corvette's complex system
of a frame mounted differential, tubular axle drive shafts,
transverse strut rods, torque control arms, and transverse leaf
springs.
Drive-Ability
Other than the muscle cars of the era, this is arguably the coolest
American car of 1971 as we take our position in this low wide
American sports car feeling very much like a vintage racer. We turn
over the factory V8 and bask in its exhaust rumble for a minute
before stretching its legs on the test loop where the 225/70R15's
hold to the road, track straight, and welcome the respectable
acceleration produced by the powerplant. We note only the wipers
not moving, even after the cowl opens. All other functions operate
as intended on this red roadster. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
"Buy any other sports car and all you get is today's car," exclaims
the brochure. "Buy a Corvette and you get a piece of tomorrow". And
indeed, Corvettes which are not produced in the commuter car
numbers, remain an iconic piece of the American automotive world
and this '71 represents a pre malaise period when things were still
cool and fast and unabashedly sexy. Matching numbers, soft top, red
exterior. Yep, this is the one you've dreamed about, and we'll keep
it warm and dry until you get here.
194671S113955
1-Chevrolet
94-Corvette
67-Convertible
1-1971
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
113955-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
I02-April 2nd
TRIM 400-Black Vinyl
PAINT 973-Millie Miglia Red
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
