In terms of performance, 1971 is often considered the last hurrah of the C3 era of the Chevrolet Corvette, as it was the final year the mighty LS6 remained on the engine roster. The seller doesn’t indicate which powerplant this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette here on Craigslist was originally equipped with, but under the hood now is something quite special that will provide plenty of bragging rights for the future owner. This one also retains a few original aspects as well, and it seems like a lot of ‘Vette for the money, with the seller posting an asking price of $22,500, but he also mentions or best offer. This one’s located in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, and we’d like to tip our hat to reader Rocco B. for finding it and sending in the tip!
Aside from the aftermarket hood, the seller notes that this Corvette retains its factory War Bonnet Yellow paint, a color available only in 1971 and 1972. Some of the finish also features seventies-style air brushing on top, which the owner says has faded over time, but I’d hate to tinker with anything else outside and risk losing the mostly original paint status here. All of the fiberglass components appear to still be sturdy and in excellent condition, and while the choice of wheels wouldn’t typically be my first pick for most bodies, they actually work quite well for this application.
The seller reports that the previous engine was recently replaced with a 383 stroker, achieved by taking a 350 and boring it 0.030 over, then usually fitting it with a cam from a 400. The longer stroke is known for its improved torque and lots of low-end power, and this one also features a pair of 4-barrel carburetors, Hooker headers, and side pipes. The owner says the V8 runs great, and it’s paired with a Turbo 400 automatic transmission. No dyno results are included, but horsepower is estimated at around 500.
Also described as mostly original is the interior, which appears to be in very good shape. One obvious upgrade that’s easy to spot is the steering wheel, but hidden in the luggage area is a nitrous bottle, and the seller never mentions it. There’s also a fire extinguisher back there, but hopefully, that’s one item that’ll never be needed. This seems like a well-thought-out Corvette overall, and I feel the $22.5k asking price is pretty reasonable. What are your thoughts on this one?
The 383 Stroker is one of my faves. The blocks are also notched to accept a 400 crank…
Exactly, substitute the word cam for crankshaft!!!
I was 400 crank and 307 heads for the 383? For being custom this Vette is acceptable.
That’s a HOT engine!! It has a magneto distributor. I wonder if its running colder spark plugs. Because the Mag really juice up the plugs.. I know this. Had one in my 70 Challenger RT 383 and that boogie down the road. I had racing gas pump the gas. Crank the engine and hit the switch. Flames came out of the exhuast. Wild times back then. I can only imagine how well this Vette runs. No issues smoking those tires up!! 😂 The price is very fair. That engine with Nitro set up got to be $20,0000.00 alone. And for $2,500.00 you get the Vette!! I wish this was closer. I would look at it. 🇺🇸🐻
Awesome all the way around. Pretty fair price too.
This car would make a fun driver, although a 4 speed would be more fun. The price is decent for the mechanical adds. The Hookers and side pipes look and I bet sound great. Get rid of the airbrushing, paint the hood to match, and for the sake of humanity get rid of the oversized rims!!!! Nothing makes me gag more than oversized rims on classic muscle cars!!!!
I admit I am a recovering Muscle Car Purist.
Not a fan of the direction of transmission options. For some they serve as a anti theft device. I had some trouble, but found a 6 speed Cummins Dodge. My 2010 Jeep is a 6 speed with 275,000 miles, original engine and transmission. A coworker had the same vehicle with an automatic. I was getting 20 MPG, his? 14-16. I also had more fun too.
Those wheels suck.
Even rally wheels would be an improvement.
The idea for dual quads on any small block is serious over-carburetion.
Gotta agree with Matt D. 383 is a torque monster, dual quads are overkill and not necessary. Wheels are just unsightly. But then. there is no accounting for taste!