454/4-Speed: 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Hiding in this garage is a classic that will gladden the hearts of high-performance enthusiasts. This 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible doesn’t just present beautifully, because its mechanical specifications bless it with performance befitting its badge. It is a rock-solid vehicle that underwent restoration at some point and is a turnkey proposition for its next owner.

This Corvette represents a trend we have seen recently where a seller lists a highly desirable classic but shortchanges themself with substandard photos. These are invariably cases where an in-person inspection seems justified to confirm that the vehicle is all the seller suggests. However, taken at face value, this Convertible shows enormous promise. Its Brands Hatch Green paint shines impressively, with the solitary front image showing no evidence of chips or marks on the most prone surfaces. The fiberglass is free from obvious cracks, and the chrome sparkles nicely. It features a White soft-top that fits tightly and is free from stains. The seller indicates that the ‘Vette underwent restoration, but not when this occurred. The car’s overall spotless condition suggests that happened recently, or that it has spent most of the time since squirreled away in this warm and dry garage.

This Corvette’s presentation makes a positive first impression, but many enthusiasts will be drawn to its mechanical specifications. The first owner ticked the boxes beside a 454ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes. This is the LS5 version of Chevrolet’s big-block, placing 365hp and 465 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. As a bang-for-your-bucks proposition, it was hard to go past the LS5. It added a mere $295 to the Corvette’s sticker price, making it easy to understand why over 23% of buyers selected it in 1971. It is unclear whether this car is numbers-matching, but it appears to be in excellent mechanical health. The seller confirms that it runs and drives well, allowing the possibility for the new owner to fly in and drive it home.

The positive news continues inside this Corvette, with its Dark Green vinyl trim appearing flawless. There is no evidence of wear or abuse, and no carpet fading. The plastic is in good order, while the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. The wheel appears to be the only aftermarket addition to an interior that benefits from air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. Interestingly, the seller states that this car has received many upgrades, but fails to elaborate on what these are. They might be approachable, making that a question worth asking.

The seller listed this 1971 Corvette Convertible here on Craigslist in the North Shore region of Massachusetts. Cars of this caliber are rarely cheap, as demonstrated by the asking price of $38,000. However, that figure isn’t unprecedented, and if an in-person inspection confirms that it is all the listing suggests, it is within market expectations. The new owner will slip behind the wheel of a car that perfectly combines looks and performance, which sounds like a winning combination to me.