L88 Hot Rod: 1971 Chevrolet Corvette

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Do you ever look at a car and think, “Man, that thing just gives off the right vibes?” That’s how I feel when looking at this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette equipped with a variety of period-correct modifications and a real-deal L88 engine paired to 4-speed manual gearbox. It comes with a variety of modifications that the seller indicates make it quite quick but it will also be sold with its original parts as well, giving you the option to bring it back to stock if desired. Find the Corvette here on eBay with bids to $21,700 and the reserve unmet.

I love the exposed headlights, which look as if they’re protected beneath a plexiglass covering. That is a very cool look and one I haven’t seen on many Corvettes from this time period. The muscle car also features a beefy side-exit exhaust and will come with the American Racing T70 wheels you see here along with several other upgrades. The seller notes the body and birdcage are both in excellent shape with no evidence of prior accident damage nor any rust to take care of.

You love seeing a manual gearbox in one of these ‘Vettes, which were seemingly ordered as automatics, by and large. The combination of three pedals with the beefy 427 and some other upgrades should make this a very fun driver. The listing claims it comes with a Hurst shifter, Positraction with 4.11 gears, QA-1 coilover front shocks, and was an original L88 radio delete car. It also comes with T-tops, which sort of makes it the quintessential 70s muscle car. Even better, it all appears to be in great shape.

Other enhancements include a new Quick Fuel 850 carburetor, new clutch and pressure plate, and ceramic-coated headers. Overall, between the seemingly solid condition, thoughtful upgrades, and desirable L88 drivetrain, this Corvette seems to check numerous boxes both as a collector car and a very fun driver. The current bid price does seem to fall well short of what should be needed to bring this car home, so hopefully the seller sees some more action soon.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    Like the car, like the wheels, but until you’ve burned your ankles on an aftermarket exhaust like this one you won’t appreciate under car exhaust systems.

    Like 19
  2. mBrad

    The exposed headlights were used on the Greenwood big block corvettes that ran at LeMans…had the aerodynamic cover over them.

    Like 2
    • bobhess bobhessMember

      Was at Le Mans in ’76 when Greenwood brought his Corvette over. Beautiful race car. It lasted less that two laps when the right rear tire blew and took out the fuel cell, the only extra part he didn’t bring with him. We helped him push the car out of the pit area. Tough looking race car.

      Like 3
  3. Ron

    “a no hit straight and solid body!” so lets go ahead and put 14 screws into it for the head light covers.

    Like 3
  4. Sixpakjoe

    Real nice car…..but hate 68’ rear valance….2 sets of reverse lights?….why not just use the solid valance?…..other than that car looks very nice….

    Like 0
  5. Jack M.

    The 427 was last offered in 1969. How would this car come with an L88 radio delete plate?

    Like 1
    • PRA4SNW

      Yes, many questions on the description of this build. It may have an original ’68 or ’69 L88 engine, which would be proven (I think) by showing the engine block numbers. The seller would be better off trying to find the original car it came out of and building it up to a car worth close to half a million $.

      Like 1
  6. George Mattar

    What bobhess said.

    Like 0
  7. Troy s

    This is a ’71 with an original ’67 L88 427 and they also added an original L88 radio delete plate,, they weren’t making L88 427 Corvettes in 1971. We all know that of course, and the car is no longer listed anyways.
    Killer machine too, the wheels, the scoop, the massive pipes…how about those Motion valve covers, really period correct looking ride. All decked out in black too! Grow the hair out, sideburns, and a foo man shu mustache to complete the ’70’s vibe!

    Like 1
  8. Mark

    I love the 4 spd 427 with 4:11’s.

    Like 0
  9. Gary

    If this is a real L88 it will be a steal at twice the current bid.

    Like 0
  10. Frank Sumatra

    This would be fun for two weeks until one realizes GM and Zora really didn’t want these driven on the street. The L-88 was a racing engine. Of course, there was no L-88 option in 1971. They were available from 1967-1969.

    Like 0
  11. Desert Rat

    Man oh man, would i love to own this Corvette! L88 ,4 speed, perfect wheels the list goes on and on. Only one thing with this vette it’s not setting in my driveway…

    Like 1

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