1971 Chevrolet Corvette LT-1

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Here is an exceptional 1971 Corvette. It is a desirable LT1 convertible in Mulsanne Blue with two tops and a numbers-matching drivetrain that is ready for the road. That by itself might get your attention. But with 22k actual miles, excellent documentation, and a 2013 NCRS Top Flight award it also has many of the extras that Corvette collectors strive for. Such a car is not easy to find.

To begin, this LT1 has a solid history since new. It was special ordered on 2-1-71 by its original owner, John, at Humphrey Chevrolet in Milwaukee, WI. It was built on 4-7-71 and kept by John for the next 35 years. On 10-28-06 he assigned the title to the Von Schledorn dealership family in Wisconsin, who then sold the car to its last owner on 5-27-10. The original purchase paperwork and Protect-O-Plate are included along with a copy of the old title and sales paperwork to its last owner. Other notable documentation includes a signed mileage statement showing 19,976 miles on 10-28-06 and the original tank sticker showing Humphrey Chevrolet as the ordering dealer (zone 61, dealer 305).

The original order and tank sticker show that John ordered a convertible LT1 in Mulsanne Blue with both a white soft top and a black vinyl hard top. Additional equipment included a close-ratio 4-speed transmission and 3.70 Positraction rear end. Other documented options were an AM/FM stereo radio, tilt/telescoping steering column, heavy duty battery, and audible alarm. All this matches both the original order form and the tank sticker, and all drivetrain stampings match those shown on the Protect-O-Plate. Nice!

The code 976 Mulsanne Blue paint is estimated at 80% original and in good condition overall. Flaws include a few small chips and some stress cracking ahead of the right rear wheelwell. All chrome, trim, emblems, and lenses also appear original as do the white soft top and black vinyl hard top (which appears rarely, if ever, used). The Rally wheels wear BF Goodrich tires with 2010 date codes.

The LT1 engine is completely stock including the AIR system (which was often removed) and all shielding. The carburetor, alternator, and distributor also appear original. The block casting date is C21 (March 2, 1971) while the engine assembly date is 0304 (March 4, 1971). As mentioned, the engine stamping matches the numbers on the POP. The same is true of the Muncie M21 close-ratio 4-speed transmission and 3.70 Positraction rear end. And while all those numbers are great, this is also a Corvette that starts, runs, and drives like it should - and sounds the part.

Looking inside reveals a code 412 dark blue cockpit that really brings you back to 1971. Like the rest of the car, it is a hard-to-find combination of condition and originality. The seats, carpet, dash, and instruments are all in remarkable shape. With the exception of the original clock, all gauges and indicators work properly including the brightest fiber optic indicators we've seen on an early C3. Other important elements on these cars are the vacuum headlight doors and wiper door which all work properly. The factory alarm is also functional as are the horn, key buzzer, heater/defroster, vents, wipers/washers, and parking brake. The radio is functional but with limited output due to 55-year-old speaker cones. The original spare tire, jack, and lock are present as well.

Note as a 1971 LT1 this car represents a somewhat rare Corvette with only 1,949 produced (compared to more than 5,000 LS5 big blocks that year). And given that convertibles represented 1/3 of Corvette production for 1971, that number probably drops to around 650 LT1 convertibles.

There is a lot to like here. While any LT1 convertible is in demand, this one really rises to the top with its low miles, originality, documentation, and condition. Not to mention the NCRS Top Flight award with an overall score of 96.8. Whether you are a Corvette purist or just somebody who appreciates quality classic cars, this one is worth a look.