| This 1971 Corvette hits all the high notes: a matching-numbers LS5 big block, gorgeous Mille Miglia red paint, and a very attractive price tag. While the early Stingrays with 427s get all the attention, if you're looking for a great-running 'Vette with a ton of power that doesn't foul its plugs in traffic, an LS5 is the hot ticket. The body on this Stingray was refinished quite recently and looks impressive even from five feet away. There are few cars that will attract more attention than a C3 with bright red paint, and definitely none that are more widely recognized. Roll up in this fantastic plastic and EVERYBODY notices. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the fiberglass is super straight, with excellent prep over well-preserved original fiberglass that has never been damaged. Corvette fans are sticklers when it comes to doing it as the factory would have, so it's not too perfect, although the shine is worlds better than original 1971 enamel would have been. Gaps are about as good as you can get on a C3, which again is a good thing for purists, and most fans prefer the chrome bumpers found on the early models. And speaking of brightwork, the hood features a pair of chrome-rimmed nostrils, as well as a 454 badge, all the Stingray script emblems are in place, and the stainless rocker moldings have been polished to a high shine. While the body tag says this car original came with a standard black vinyl interior, it was upgraded to saddle leather seat covers when it was restored. The resulting contrast between the black and tan makes for a very upscale and inviting passenger compartment that has a comfortable, lived-in look about it with much of the black components being original. The Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission has a bright chrome shifter, which was a Corvette hallmark for many years and the gauges show bright, clear markings that are easy to see at a glance. Other goodies include a tilt/telescope steering column, a modern AM/FM stereo radio in the original slot, and those cool fiber-optic bulb indicators in the console. Still hard to believe something like this is so affordable, isn't it? This car will also eat lesser machines on the road, thanks to the original, numbers-matching LS5 big block under the hood. With a very stout 365 horsepower, it's the smart choice for the guy who likes to drive his Corvette. Reliable and virtually indestructible, the LS5's wide torque band makes it the ideal powerplant for long-distance cruising. Nicely detailed with correct Chevy Orange paint on the block, the original air cleaner with chrome lid, and fresh plugs, wires, and hoses, it's ready to rumble. There's an upgraded Pertronix ignition system inside the original distributor and a pair of Flowmaster mufflers underneath that give it a wicked cackle. 3.73 gears combine with the LS5's mountainous torque curve to make acceleration explosive at any speed and the brakes have stainless steel sleeves to scrub it off again. The wheels are period American Racing Torque Thrusts that give the 'Vette a traditional performance look and they're wrapped in 235/60/15 front and 255/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials. It's also worth noting that the original Rally wheels are available (call for details). Color codes from the trim plate. Built date is E07. Motor pad says T0827CPH. 68,048 miles from the odometer. BiN $29,995. May 21, 2015. |
