1971 Chevrolet Corvette LT1 coupe
A legitimate 140 MPH Sting Ray with advanced long travel suspension
High performance engine components achieved similar power to big block Corvette engines
Last of the chrome steel bumper C3 Corvettes
Chevrolet’s LT-1 Corvette showed what could be achieved in a performance muscle car using a small block V8 in a lightweight automobile. Introduced in 1970, the 350 cubic inch LT-1 engine variant offered a whopping 370 horsepower, equivalent to Chevy’s larger 455 cubic inch LS-5 motor. By 1971, emissions regulations brought the horsepower to 330 bhp, but with a lightweight aerodynamic fiberglass body the car still had power to spare.
The Corvette design team of Zora Arkus-Duntov, William Mitchell, and Frank Winchell initially planned to move the third generation, or C3, Corvette’s engine to a mid- engine location behind the driver for better balance and handling. Unfortunately, this idea was scrapped due to budgetary constraints, the lack of mid or rear-engine parts, and weight distribution issues. Although mid-engine prototypes were built, Corvettes would remain a front engine car until 2018.
Chevy hired Larry Shinoda to develop the radically “coke bottle” shaped fiberglass body that would characterize Corvettes for 3 decades. Created as a merger of the Mako Shark II prototype draped over a Sting Ray chassis, Shinoda’s design resembled the earlier 1964 Mako Shark concept car with its pointed nose, steep raked roofline, and flat, ducktail rear-end design. The car was offered either as a fixed roof coupe as shown here, a removable T-top roof and rear window, or soft top convertible.
Both touring and performance models of the LT-1 powered Corvette were available, with the comfort-oriented options like air conditioning offered only on the touring model.
After 1973, Corvettes grew heavier and slower with steel chromed bumpers giving way to plastic impact absorbing bodywork while lower compression pistons and restrictive intake and exhausts choked engine performance.
Specifications:
Engine: V8 OHV LT-1 350 Cubic Inch; 4 barrel Carburetor
Transmission: Turbo Hydromatic 3 speed
Horsepower: 330 bhp
Torque: 360 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
Performance: 0-60 mph: 6 sec; top speed: 137 mph
Weight: 3304 lbs