1971 Corvette Stingray LS5 454 with 57k original miles - Heavily Optioned

57,407.5 original milesBuilt in October 1970 - the first month of production for 1971, #769 built. Early production 1971’s have a few differences compared to later 1971’s such as the clear turn signals and slightly different egg-crate grillesLS5 454 Big Block V8 / 365hp / 460ft-lbs Torque4-Speed Manual TransmissionAir ConditioningDeluxe Interior / Saddle LeatherFactory AM/FM RadioPower WindowsPower BrakesTilt-Telescopic Steering WheelPower Steering
I bought the car from my uncle back in 2007. He owned it from the early 70’s until I bought it. The original owner was a co-worker of his who bought it new. My uncle had an electrical issue and parked it in his garage in the late 70’s, where it sat until I bought it. At one point he had the engine pulled and rebuilt but ran out of money to complete the project and while the engine was re-installed, it was never fired back up. The engine was painted blue when it was out of the car. I painted the valve covers and beneath the blue I could see they were originally painted orange. Apparently some 454’s received orange covers, others had chrome ones. I had it inspected and appraised at that time and confirmed numbers match and I was told that the frame was solid. It’s a heavily optioned big block car, but needs some love to get back on the road.
The first owner painted some areas of the hood, t-tops, and around the rear window with a black metallic paint. Exterior has a crack in the front fender along the bonding strip where a dresser fell on it when it was in my uncle’s garage. The areas around the rear wheel openings are damaged when my uncle tried on some “reverse wheels” and the tires made contact. The wheels currently on the car are original. I also believe the T-Tops are original as well. He had the side pipes put on and they are connected to headers.
The engine has not been fired up in decades but does turn manually. The Quadrajet carburetor is not original, however it’s the proper casting number and is in excellent condition. It took me a very long time to find it, as they didn’t make many of that casting. That carb sells for a pretty penny!
I believe the AM/FM Factory Radio is the Stereo version, but not sure how to verify that conclusively. Seat leather is in pretty decent condition for it’s age. I removed the original carpet, but it does come with an ACC carpet set that I bought but never installed. That’s why the passenger seat was removed in the pics.
The vin plate matches engine serial number and the wheels are correct. The frame appears solid but is covered in surface rust. I had it inspected/appraised before I bought it back in 2007 and was told the frame was in good condition. The spare tire appears to be original as well.
It will need lots of TLC, but is a low mileage, heavily optioned, big block car that is sure to go up in value. With it’s manual transmission, deluxe interior, and AC, it’s definitely worth restoring.
The reason I’m selling is that it’s too much of a project for me and I don’t have the room to restore it properly. I’m hoping that someone will show this car the love she deserves.
There are no liens on it and I have the title in hand. Please message me if you have any questions or would like to see it.