1971 LT1 Manual

1971 Chevrolet Corvette LT1 Description

Among the last of the chrome bumper Vettes with the LT1 engine that was still flying the flag of serious power as emissions standards and the gas crisis were attacking from all fronts. Technology has caught up these days and done a great job of addressing those issues. But if you want a classic, old school, chrome bumper Corvette, then check out this ride. A couple things that make this car even sweeter are that it is a convertible, and it is presented in the factory correct Steel Cities Gray color. Pictures don't do this color justice. Its gorgeous! It has subtle tones to it that change with the light and the way it catches the curves of the body. Those precious bumpers lead the way and add a sparkle that only chrome can. Under them is an eggcrate grill and a chin spoiler to keep air from under the car at speed. The hood has double black pinstripes outlining the cutouts and LT1 in script between them. The front fenders have side grills that match the front with Stingray in script above them. The styling department did an awesome job working the fender flares and the rear spoiler smoothly into the body lines. Round taillights and a split rear bumper sit over chrome rectangular exhaust tips that peek out through the lower valence. Open the door, or just look in if the roof is down, and you will find a black interior that is the perfect complement to the Steel Gray body. The door panel is nicely stitched and has a wood tone insert with chrome piping surrounding it which is mirrored by another panel with a comfortable armrest and the door handle. Have a seat in the sport buckets with pleated centers and stitched side bolsters and reach for the 3 spoke steering wheel with the crossed flag horn button in the center. The speedo and tachometer are tucked well into their dash shroud so they don't catch glare with the roof down, and a five-gauge cluster in the center console keeps track of critical engine functions. A round chrome shift ball with reverse lockout for the 4-speed manual transmission rises out of the center console. Top up, or top down this is a nice place settle in for a ride. And the removable hardtop adds to the comfort when the weather turns cool. Pop the hood and you will find an engine bay that is unusually, and thankfully, stock. There is the #s matching, LT1 engine nestled down into it. There were only 1591 LT1s built in '71 so this is one of a rare breed. They were the high horsepower holdouts with solid lifters, forged steel cranks, 4-bolt mains, and high compression pistons pumping out 330 horsepower. That fact is advertised on the chrome air topper which is feeding air to a 4-barrel carburetor and an aluminum intake manifold. Finned aluminum valve covers and cast-iron manifolds complete the picture just the way the factory built it in 1971. There are signs of good regular maintenance with a new brake booster, belts and hoses. The power is sent back through a 4-speed manual transmission to the posi rear end which was standard issue equipment on the LT1s. The car sits on steel wheels with chrome centers and polished trim rings with 225/70R15 BFGoodrich Radial T/As all around. Chrome bumpers, serious power, convertible and removable hardtops, in a gorgeous factory correct color. Come on down and check out this sweet ride before its too late. We don't expect it to stick around for long.