1971 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

350/270 with automatic. Numbers on engine and transmission match VIN. Beautiful repaint in Steel Cities Gray with black leather interior. 17-inch Rally-style wheels. Awesome Corvette in great colors that s a lot of fun to drive.

1971 was a transition year for the Corvette so everything pretty much remained the same across the board. There was still a long list of options, some beautiful colors, and with chrome bumpers front and rear, the C3 was still one of the most attractive cars on the road. This one is finished in correct Steel Cities Gray, which was on the color chart in 1971, although a quick check of the trim tag says it was originally Mille Miglia Red. No matter because there s simply no trace of the red paint anywhere on the car, suggesting that the repaint was professionally and thoroughly done. The awesome charcoal gray finish has just enough metallic in it to give it a great shine, and the stinger on the hood was painted gloss black to emulate some of the hoods on Corvettes of the 1960s. Other details include rechromed bumpers, a luggage rack, and shiny anodized trim on the rockers, all of which work to make this one of the most appealing Vettes we ve featured in quite a while.

The code 403 black leather interior is equally nice probably too nice to be original but with a comfortable, lived-in look that we find very appealing. The black carpets are certainly newer and include a correct heel pad for easy maintenance. The three-spoke steering wheel hangs on a tilt/telescope steering column and frames the big tachometer and speedometer, both of which are operational. In fact, all the gauges are working properly including the clock, which ticks away reliably. Other options include power windows and working factory A/C, making this a nice car for cruising, especially with the modern digital AM/FM radio. The only notable issue is that some of the fiber-optic lamp monitors on the center console aren t working, but that s not surprising considering that the headlights have been upgraded to LEDs. The T-tops are easy to remove and seal up well, and there s decent storage behind the seats if you want to head out for a road trip.

The engine appears to be the original L48 350 cubic inch V8 rated at 270 horsepower. The numbers stamped on the pad match the VIN and include a CJK suffix code, which is correct for a Corvette 350/270 with an automatic transmission. It is not modified and we believe it was rebuilt a few years ago to stock specs. There s a correct two-snorkel air cleaner assembly up top, painted valve covers (correct for the L48), and plenty of new components. Of note, there s a massive new aluminum radiator up front, recent vacuum diaphragms on the wiper door and headlights, a new dual master cylinder and booster, as well as a modern A/C compressor unit. It starts easily, idles nicely, and stays cool on the road, all things you want from your vintage Corvette if you re going to use it as intended. The 3-speed automatic transmission is a correct 1971 CK code TH400 that we believe is the car s original transmission. It shifts crisply without being harsh there might be a shift kit in there but it s pretty mild. There s evidence of lots of recent work on the suspension and power steering system, including newer shocks, and it does track nicely and run down the road rather well. The brakes have also been serviced with new calipers and fresh hardware for the E-brake, and there s a fiberglass leaf spring in back which helps save some weight. The dual exhaust system is also recent and has a nice mellow sound that never gets annoying. Sadly, there is no spare in the carrier, but the hardware is all in place should you wish to add one. Those gorgeous 17-inch Rally replicas look perfect on the sleek Corvette and carry fresh 235/55/17 BFGoodrich radials all around.

Extras include a set of heavy-duty Corvette-logo rubber mats.

Right now, the C3 Corvette is gaining ground in the market, and early chrome bumper examples with good pedigrees will probably see increasing demand in the future. This car checks all those important boxes while adding a few modifications that make it easier to live with and a lot of fun to drive. With all the comfort and convenience features you want, plus a great-running small block, this 1971 Corvette is a great place to spend some time. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.