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.
Deleted by author, which means it likely sold. If the pictures are representative of the cars actual condition it’s not surprising if it sold. It has a 1970’s vibe and looks like a good driver, without need for a restoration. Though not the most practical of cars, it was a lot of bang for the buck.
Steve R
The best bang for your hot rod buck hands down. A similar big block had me on a soap box begging for loan! It had the M-21 4 speed & air conditioning so yeah 22,000 dollars for a big bad rat is one mean ride! God bless the USA!
I had a ’68 roadster in the ’70s. I sold it when I was getting married. I wish I had kept it and sold the wife.
Hey Steve-o, you could be on to something, instead of “selling the wife” maybe a swap or trade-in would work. I got stung in the early 70’s when I traded my ’69 Torino Cobra in on a new Pinto….Jimmy Carter fooled me….
In some cases, the old car is cheaper and less headaches than a woman…
Got $900 trade in for my ’69 Z28 on my new 73 Pinto Wagon after I put a new Holley sgl pumper on it to get to town…. And the wife got it 3 years later…..
Headlight delete? Looks like they moved them to a foit off the ground under the bumper. So a dsylight only car.
Nice Stingray! Would prefer the Rallye wheels.