Matching numbers 350/4-speed. Great color combination with older restoration. Big block hood added. Power windows, power steering, power brakes. Clean chrome bumper C3 with a good pedigree and a manual transmission at a great price.

The third-generation Corvettes are finally getting the respect they deserve. Prices are up and enthusiasts are discovering that these are pretty darned nice cars to own and drive. You can drive them anywhere, they’re comfortable enough to use regularly, and there’s still the thrill of keying up a big Chevy V8 and ripping a 4-speed through the gears. This one isn’t a car for trophy-seekers, so if that’s you, it’s time to move on. But if you want one that’s a blast to drive and doesn’t cost as much as a year at Harvard, then it's worth a closer look. Corvette experts will have already noted that Chevy didn’t offer black Corvettes in 1971 and they’re right—this one was originally Ontario Orange. Sometime in the 1980s, it was refinished in its current black livery by a local guy who now owns and operates one of the biggest body shops in the area, so he obviously knows his stuff. At the same time, it was fitted with a big block hood and trimmed with gold pinstripes which give it a bit of ‘70s flair that seems appropriate. Despite the paint approaching its 40th birthday, it’s holding up quite well and remains very presentable and I think trying to repaint this car and turn it into something it’s not would be a mistake. Nah, just get in and start having that special kind of Corvette fun. And it has that classic look thanks to chrome bumpers fore and aft, which is the version everyone wants to own—add plastic bumpers and prices start to fall pretty fast. Look at it carefully then look again at the price.

The tan interior has likewise been mildly modified with cloth inserts on the seats. It’s not quite an OEM look but it’s comfortable, especially on warm days. The carpets have been replaced at some point and we like the two-tone look they offer, but the rest appears to be nice original stuff in good condition. There are a few nice options, including power windows and a tilt/telescoping steering column, and I guess it’s worth mentioning that this was a factory A/C car, although the components under the hood are gone. Most critically, however, there’s a 4-speed shifter between the seats and that’s how this car came from the factory—it completely transforms the Corvette’s personality. It racks through the gears in a way that makes modern transmissions feel almost delicate and everyone knows you’re serious when they see that big chrome shifter. The gauges all appear to be working (except the clock) and there’s an ‘80s AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit in the middle of the dash, but if you’re worried about the radio in a car like this, you’re doing it wrong. There’s adequate storage behind the seats for a weekend road trip and, of course, T-tops give you the open-air experience without the side-effects of a convertible top.

Review the photos and you’ll see that the stamping on the engine matches the VIN and the CJL suffix code denotes a 270 horsepower 350 cubic inch V8 for a 4-speed manual transmission. We don’t have any information on the rebuild, but there’s evidence that it has been freshened at some point and it certainly drives well (it’s a 350 Chevy, after all). The goal here wasn’t a show car, so the air cleaner is aftermarket (although it inhales through the big block hood’s cowl induction), there’s an Edelbrock carburetor and intake manifold on top, and a set of aftermarket valve covers, all of which look good and work well. The 4-speed shifts properly and clutch action is reasonable—not exactly light, but it is a Corvette not a Honda. Underneath you’ll find a very clean chassis with no rot in the critical areas (the “birdcage” and kick-ups ahead of the rear wheels are in fine condition), and with 3.36 gears out back, it’s decent on the highway as well as punchy around town. It might be worth mentioning that the transmission also carries the same digits as the VIN and the exhaust system looks newer and includes correct rectangular tips that are just plain cool. Chevy Rally wheels have their centers painted black to match the bodywork, which gives them a slightly custom look, and they’re outfitted with fat 235/60/15 General radials.

Once again, if you’re looking to go to Bloomington Gold with your Corvette, this isn’t it. But if you want a great looker that’ll be welcome at local cruise nights and is a blast to drive, well, this car gets that part right. Add in the fact that the numbers seem to add up properly, it has some desirable options, and that bargain price tag, you end up with a Corvette that suddenly makes a lot of sense. That doesn’t happen often. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.