The 1971 Chevy Corvette saw few changes over the 1970 model. The engines had been detuned a tad to run on lower octane fuel, so the standard 350 cubic inch V8 was down 20 horsepower, for example. This 1971 convertible is almost finished (99%) and is quite road competent, having just completed a long-distance ride. Located in Summit, New Jersey, this ‘Vette with a crate motor is available here on eBay, where the opening bid of $18,000 has yet to be cast. Another Corvette tip from Curvette!
More than 21,800 Corvettes were built in 1971, with 7,100 of those being a drop-top like this one. About 10% of these Chevies were produced with the LT1 350 engine, which was rated at 330 hp. When the seller replaced the original engine with a crate edition, this is the motor that was chosen. We’re told the car has a manual transmission, so does that mean it has the M22 “Rock Crusher” (which was in its last year in 1971)?
The seller provides a variety of photos that appear to show the car in three stages: before, during, and after. Besides the new engine, the transmission and rear end have been rebuilt. And the electrical system has been redone along with the suspension, radiator, steering, gas tank, and interior (going from gold to black, a nice contrast to the exterior). It’s an air-conditioned drop-top that needs that system to be hooked up (maybe that’s the other 1%).
We’re told there are all sorts of receipts to back up the work, which the starting bid is likely trying to recoup. The ‘Vette also has a Bluetooth stereo to help make cruises more enjoyable. This Chevy is said to be an attention getter, but would it hold up against a new mid-engine Corvette? If you’re looking for a copy of America’s Sports Car that is mostly new, do you have room in your garage for this one?
I love early C3s, and a manual trans convertible with air would be great. This car will get you nothing but grief from the hyper GM loyal Corvette community, though, since it has deviated so far from original. Also, no hard top is a minus.
Interesting car that needs further inspection.
The seller never says it has an LT-1 crate engine, just a “crate motor 350/330”, that’s how many crate motors are described by the builder/supplier, the seller doesn’t even name who built the engine. An LT-1 will have specific components which aren’t outlined in the ad, most crate engines are listed with higher horsepower ratings, this could very well be a nearly stock rebuild with a cast crank, generic rods, cast pistons and small valve heads.
Steve R