LOT 15
1971 Chevrolet Corvette LS5 454/365 Coupe Chassis no. 1933715112816
Sold for US$31,360 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 15
1971 Chevrolet Corvette LS5 454/365 Coupe
1971 Chevrolet Corvette LS5 454/365 Coupe
Chassis no. 1933715112816
Chassis no. 1933715112816
454ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
365bhp at 4,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Powerful big block Corvette Coupe
*Desirable 4-speed manual
*Well-optioned example
*Great Corvette for high-speed rallies and tours
THE C3 CORVETTE
Five years after the Sting Ray's arrival, a total re-style ushered in the Corvette's 'Stingray' era, though the latter name was not officially applied to the new model until 1969. Based on GM's 1965 Mako Shark II show car, the new-for-'68 Corvette coupé became a 'notchback' with removable rear window and detachable, two-piece 'T-top' (Targa) roof, while the roadster, or convertible, version could be ordered with optional hardtop. The previous generation's recessed pop-up headlights were retained while the windshield wipers were now concealed beneath a vacuum-operated panel, the latter feature being inherited from the Mako Shark II.
Beneath the skin the chassis remained fundamentally unchanged, and as is often the case after a major revamp, changes in the immediately succeeding years were confined mainly to styling revisions, although a 'Positraction' (limited-slip) rear axle was newly standardized for 1972.
THE CAR OFFERED
A timelessly elegant and understated look for these cars is this finish in Steel Cities Grey, offset by a black leatherette interior. Decoding its data plate confirms the C3 to have been built much the way it can be seen today, in this color scheme and with its 454 LS5 engine, still supplying some 365bhp in this guise, before it was reined in for 1972. This is an original LS5 car, still carrying a date-code correct LS5 engine, but with a "CE" engine stamping indicating the that the motor installed was a "Counter Exchange" warranty replacement when the car was new. The car remains with its originally equipped four-speed manual transmission, the Muncie M20 unit matching the engine and allowing those cubes to be fully enjoyed. It is also nicely equipped with four- wheel disc brakes and power steering. Other features include shoulder seat belts, heat and defrost.
The condition can be described best as having the appearance of a good original car. It is not clear whether the car has been repainted, but this shows only light aging and the interior for the most part feels authentic and original.
As the latest generation of the Corvette has shown, the core ingredients and evolution of the blood line in its design are of continued appeal – this example represents a very attainable entry point to the experience of a big-block, manual transmission Corvette in a very honest package of which the new owner could be justifiably proud.
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