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
Definitely lacking info. In a couple of the photos, it even shows Vortec heads with the bolts through the valve covers.
You are right, I only looked at picture #6, the engine in pictures #18, 22 and 23 is different, not sure why the seller would do that.
It’s definitely not an LT-1, I’m not sure why the write up on this site made that leap based on what’s in the sellers description and the pictures in the ad.
Steve R
If I were selling a car, I don’t know that I would include photos of the interior with “rat’s nest” wiring scattered all around, those were scary photos. Why would somebody go through the trouble of building an “LT-1” and then sell the car? Wiring problems? This one requires a very thorough inspection before handing over any $.
The suggestion the engine is an LT-1 comes from the write up on this site, not the seller. The engine is not an LT-1, just a generic crate engine.
Steve R
I know that. That is why I wrote “LT-1” in quotes.
LT 1, 370 hp ??
A 1970 LT-1 was 370HP the 1971 LT-1 330HP. Believe 1970 was the only year for LT-1 370HP and was only available in the Corvette.
Same engine was in in the 70 Z-28, the LT-1 was rated at 360 hp in the Camaro.
Maybe it was a crate just for the intake manifold and carburetor.
This is roughly TWICE what this car is worth. What is up with people?
I don’t know an LT-1 from a BLT as I’m not a Chevy expert. But a couple things bother me. Rusty valve covers flanking a shiny intake? Odd. And wiring that looks like a plate of overcooked linguine. Please, let that be a “before” picture. Much of the car looks nice like a C3 should, but I’ve got raised eyebrows on this one.
Goofy stickers on the rear end need to go.
Someone did a whole bunch of work on this one. If they did it right then this will be a fun driver and someone like me would simply ignore the inevitable disdain from the Top Flight cult. It is going to sell for a fraction of the pristine, correct yellow beauty featured elsewhere in today’s BF. So there is something to be said for that. Not everyone has the wherewithal to play in the top end C3 playground. This is a nice alternative for those of us who drive first and display for fun not judging. GLWTS
I think the “Rock Crusher” was more commonly used behing a big block engine
Only 130 M22 rock crusher 4 speeds were installed in 1971 corvettes. I’ll bet most of them were put in ZR-1s Zr-2s LS-6s and LT-1s.
The car most likely came with M20 4spd. Just me, but it could be a decent buy for $18k.
Take the stickers off the back, please.
And to set the purists hair on fire…I would pull the bumpers and take it to Maaco for their high-end (?) paint job. It would be all one color…
1. Too far away from here.
2. What is with all of the toilet paper stuck in the Crack of its ass?
3. Not worth a plane ticket.
4. Never mind..don’t want to bore you with what i really think.
“This listing was ended by the seller on Sun, Jul 5 at 1:24 PM because the item is no longer available.”