The Chevy Corvette was little changed going into 1971. And labor issues at GM kept production down to less than 14,700 copies that year. And just a third of them were convertibles (coupes were now dominating sales due to the availability of T-Tops). With an LS5 V8 (454 cubic inches), maybe less than 2,000 were assembled as drop tops. While the engine in this Chevy is numbers-matching, it has been modified and the 4-speed transmission replaced with an automatic. Our thanks to Rocco B. for this sweet tip!

The 454 V8 produced slightly fewer horses in 1971 as GM (along with the industry) was dialing back compression ratios to run on unleaded fuel. But the LS5 was still rated at 365 hp and we’re told the LS5 in this Corvette has been rebuilt to LS6 specifications. That move could have added 60 horses without the headers and side exhaust that have also joined the party.

We’re told this ‘Vette once had an M-20 4-speed, but a TH-400 was added later. The clutch pedal is still shown in the pics, as is a photo of the former tranny which we assume comes with the deal. The seller says this is a great running and driving sports car with an ownership history that dates back nearly 50 years. The ‘Vette left the factory with Ontario Orange paint, but the shade on the car now looks a bit different to me.

The saddle leather interior presents well, though the carpeting might need cleaning in the back where the convertible top resides. The Chevy also has the optional hardtop. The odometer reads just 34,000 miles and the listing reads as though these are original clicks. The wheels are aftermarket, with wide donuts in the back. They’re more recent additions as is the exhaust. Located northeast of Minneapolis, Minnesota, this copy of “America’s Sports Car” is available here on craigslist for $22,500.