I’ve always believed that the best way to photograph a C3 Corvette is from down low. No angle better accentuates the car’s inherent aggressive lines, and this 1971 example deserves nothing less. Its engine bay houses the LS6 version of Chevrolet’s big-block V8, making it one of the most coveted models released that year. It is an award-winner, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Corvette listed here at Hemmings in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Cars of this caliber are rarely cheap, and it will cost you $189,000 to take this one home.
There is so much to like about this Corvette that it is challenging to know where to start. The first owner ordered it in dazzling Mille Miglia Red, one of the most popular shades offered during 1971. The car’s presentation is first-rate, with no significant paint flaws or imperfections. The fiberglass is free from cracks or other issues, and there is no mention or evidence of frame or birdcage rust. I am not a lone voice in assessing this Corvette’s condition, as it has received a coveted NCRS Top Flight Award. This confirms the car’s condition and originality, further accentuating this classic’s desirability. The trim is as impressive as the paint and panels, and the glass is clear. However, all of this is merely the entree as we focus on what is undoubtedly a tasty main course.
C3 Corvettes featuring a big-block under the hood will always command attention, but this 1971 example does more than that; It demands respect. That is courtesy of the first owner’s decision to order it with the LS6 version of the 454ci V8. This motor was not a cheap investment, adding a whopping $1,221 to the car’s original $5,496 sticker price. That sort of investment makes it unsurprising that only 188 buyers ticked that box on the Order Form. The LS6 churns out an incredible 425hp and 475 ft/lbs of torque. Of course, there is no point in having so much power and torque if it can’t be effectively applied to Planet Earth. This Corvette does so via a four-speed manual transmission and a 4.11 Posi rear end. You won’t need enormous muscles to enjoy this classic, as the first owner added power-assisted steering and brakes to the equation. Included in the sale is the original Build Sheet and the Owner’s Manual. The engine bay presentation is excellent for a survivor from this era. Although there is no information on the car’s mechanical condition, I see no reason why this shouldn’t be considered a turnkey proposition.
One limitation of the LS6 option was that buyers couldn’t order their new toy with air conditioning. In fact, this car’s first owner limited creature comforts to leather trim, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio. However, any lack of creature comforts would be forgiven if that big-block is let off the leash. As with the rest of the car, this Corvette’s interior is seemingly faultless. The leather looks supple and inviting, with no significant wear. The carpet and dash are excellent, and the console is free from the typical scratches that accumulate around the shifter and the ashtray. There are no aftermarket additions, helping to explain this Corvette’s NCRS award status.
For mere mortals, cars like this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette are aspirational. With so few examples ordered with the LS6 big-block under the hood, a six-figure asking price is unsurprising. The seller’s figure is realistic, though it will require a dedicated enthusiast who is willing to spend that amount of cash for it to find a new home. Values are rising for the LS6, suggesting this car could be an excellent long-term investment. Hmm, stunning looks, mountains of power, rarity, and a potential future financial windfall. I can’t think of a downside to that equation. Can you?
I drove an LS-6 Vette ,with day 2 mods , around 1980 .
It was the fastest car I’d ever driven at that time -by A LOT !
Today my daily is faster ,which is irrelevant .
If 188 were sold,how many were convertibles ? This right here is a blue chipper !
Of the 188 71 Corvettes with the LS6 engine, only 50 were convertibles. 138 Coupes made up the rest.
I would be hard pressed to spend six figures on ANY C3.
The only downside is that with that sort of investment it would most likely need to be relegated to being a garage and trailer queen. Driving it in the real world starts to become risky. Beautiful car.
About 1983 I was living in Northern California and had a 71 LT-1 corvette as my daily. I always watched the classifieds (remember those) and picked up an auto trader every Friday looking for interesting deals. A guy had advertised an LS-6 convertible in the Sacramento paper so I went to look at it. He wanted $8000 and I thought that was way too much as the silver paint was starting to go and it had about 60k miles but it was unmodified. It was a low option car with no options except the big buck drivetrain and removable hardtop. I passed on it like the young dummy I was. Great car here for someone’s collection.
Seems very high priced. I mean we’re into 1963 fuel injected SWC money. But to each his own.
Downside? It’s undrivable! It’s just Art at the point you pay that much for it.
Back in 1971 my dad took me for a highway ride in a red LS6. It was crazy-fast. I still vividly remember the ride, and our exact route that Saturday morning. The car was my godfather’s “demonstrator” at his GM dealership. Months later, the car was sold to a newly-wed man in his late 20s. Within a few days, the young man died in it, rear-ending a tanker at over 120MPH. The family attempted to sue the dealership for selling him the car, but were not successful. My dad was the dealership’s lawyer. In 2015, I found an Ontario orange ’71 LS5 4-spd coupe in a chicken barn, and restored it. It was pretty fast, but not as wild as the LS6. I later traded the LS5 on a ’57 Corvette…..I still regret that trade.
A c3 coupe is beautiful, as is a c3 convertible. A c3 convertible with the hardtop on – just fantastic.
This car must be gone from Hemmings now. I did find a ’71 LS6 coupe for 150K. https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1971-chevrolet-corvette-west-chester-pa-2903070.
Adam, I agree that C3’s look great from down low. But, I think they look great from any angle.
Not too bad from up high, either. I used a ladder for some shots.