Vehicle Description
Finding a Corvette you can drive and enjoy is sometimes easier said
than done. So many have been cut, hacked, or just abused that
finding a tight, clean, matching-numbers C3 with no needs can be
daunting. But this Brands Hatch Green '71 roadster is the right car
at the right price, including a strong-running 350, a 4-speed
transmission, factory A/C, and a gorgeous interior.
Restored a few years ago, this one shows only minor signs of being
driven, which means that someone was absolutely fanatical about
maintenance, because Corvettes are made to be driven. The bodywork
was nicely done, not so perfect you're afraid to touch it, but nice
enough to get a second or third envious glance from the guy in the
Honda next to you at the red light. There are a few touch-ups but
overall this one grabs everyone's attention in a big way. Gaps are
good all around, and if you prefer the chrome bumpers, the '71s are
a great choice. While some claim that there's nothing like a red
Corvette, the dark green on this one looks right and gives it an
understated look that doesn't deny what it is, but suggests that
there's more to it than just brute force. Speaking of chrome,
everything is nicely finished and polished, including the optional
trunk rack on the back, which always looks cool.
Originally filled with a code 423 dark green vinyl interior, this
'Vette now sports a stunning code 417 Saddle interior that is in
excellent condition with a lot of new equipment. The seat covers
offer textured inserts that are both grippy and comfortable if
you're cruising in the sun, and the center console puts most of the
secondary controls at your fingertips. The original gauges are
fully functional and have crisp markings and clear lenses, while a
Kenwood AM/FM/cassette stereo has been fitted in the center stack.
The chrome shifter makes a bold statement, and Chevy was
justifiably proud of the Corvette's credentials (and knew their
buyers would be, too) and proudly spelled out the engine specs on a
plaque mounted on the center console. 1971 was also the final year
for the fiber-optic light monitoring system, which most first-time
owners will think is just about the coolest thing they've ever
seen. Options include working factory A/C, a tilt steering column,
and power steering and brakes. There's also a new tan vinyl
convertible top that stows so easily, plus an optional black vinyl
hardtop that's a welcome addition.
The original 350 cubic inch engine was rebuilt at the time the car
was restored, and today runs as well as any small block Chevy we've
featured. New Chevy Orange paint was applied to the block while it
was apart, and simple valve covers give it a cool retro look that's
pure Corvette. The engine bay is pretty clean, suggesting that this
car has led a good life in a dry climate, and there's no sign of
rust anywhere on the running gear. The original exhaust manifolds
feed a newer dual exhaust system, and someone has thoughtfully
added some heat shielding on the floors to help control
temperatures inside. And nothing makes a Corvette sing like a
4-speed gearbox, which offers positive shifts and progressive
clutch take up, and it rolls on a set of original Rally wheels
inside 235/60/15 white-letter radials.
If you're looking for a comfortable, flashy, and highly affordable
Corvette roadster to enjoy next summer, this is the one. Call
today!