‘71 LT-1 Coupe
Although it looks quite original, I think some aspects of this C3 would need to be verified
The LT-1 version of the Chevrolet small-block engine offered a higher level of performance, but because it was relatively expensive, it was ordered in less than 9% of cars produced during 1971. This ‘71 Corvette is one of the few LT-1 cars and although I think $25,000 for a high-end repaint seems extravagant. I’ll admit that the exterior looks flawless in the original Brands Hatch Green color. The seller has set a price of $38,500 for a relatively rare C3 that appears to be a turnkey proposition.
The updates made in the 1970 model year carried over into 1971 virtually unchanged. Although the ad description is short on details, the original chrome looks excellent and I would assume that the frame and birdcage are solid if this has been a Pacific Northwest car. I also doubt that there would be any underlying issues given the recent financial investment. The Rally wheels and glass look very good, and the hood and decals are original for an LT-1 Corvette.
The seller describes this Corvette’s interior as “incredible” which would lead me to believe that most of the Saddle interior might be original. I don’t see any evidence of wear or other issues, and I think the interior color was a great choice to complement the exterior. The factory option I see is the AM/FM radio and everything in the cabin looks original except the aftermarket stereo on the passenger side that has been installed.
Although the sheer power and torque the big-block engines offered in ‘71 made them an excellent value for money, the higher-output small-block engine provided more nimble handling due to reduced engine weight. Chevrolet introduced the LT-1 version of the 350ci V8 in 1970, retaining this option until the end of 1972. The only issue for buyers was the price, with the LT-1 adding $483 to the purchase price. That made it almost $200 more than the LS5 version of the 454ci V8. As a result, 5,097 buyers chose the big-block and only 1,949 picked the LT-1.
The output of the LT-1 was reduced 30 hp to 330hp compared to the previous model year due to lowered engine compression. There was no automatic option available with the LT-1, so power is transferred through a four-speed manual transmission to the Positraction rear differential. There are some aftermarket additions in the engine bay that could probably be replaced with original items. It bothers me that the ad description doesn’t specifically state that this is a numbers-matching car, so a buyer should be cautious. Personally, I would want to verify the 51,000 mile odometer reading as well as the correct engine and transmission serial numbers.
In summary, this LT-1 C3 is relatively rare, and the changes made by the seller would seem to be reversible. I think a buyer would be wise to verify the authenticity before bringing this car back as close to the original state as possible.
https://bellingham.craigslist.org/cto/d/bellingham-lt-corvette-stingray/7856466456.html