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1971 Corvette - The Ultimate Guide

The 1971 Corvette was virtually unchanged from 1970. (Image courtesy of GM Media.)Because the production of the cars would remain virtually unchanged from 1970 to 1971, production lines in the St. Louis Corvette plant were able to work in earnest to produce – to create – a more trouble-free car.

1971 Corvette Special Editions

For 1971, Chevrolet offered consumers not one, but two special purpose (racing) packages. The first of these was the RPO ZR1 package. The second special purpose package that Chevrolet offered was RPO ZR2. This second special purpose package was identical to the ZR1, except that instead of a small block LT1 engine, the ZR2 came equipped with the aforementioned 454 cubic inch LS6 engine.

When one of his cars was severely damaged in 1972, John Greenwood converted his 1969 L88 Convertible into a formidable race car. Included as the formidable ZL1 engine with 750 bhp on tap. Other modifications included a rear spoiler, quick replacement radiator and camber adjusters. At Le Mans, this car set the GT-class record for top speed down the Le Mans straight with 215 mph.
1971 ZR2 Convertible
Finally in 1971, both the ZR1 and ZR2 packages were offered side by side as initially intended. The solid lifter, 350 cubic-inch LT-1 found under the hood of the ZR1 featured a ‘178’ high-performance camshaft and a 780 CFM Holley four-barrel carburetor, which resided atop a specialized aluminum intake. The LT-1 featured a reduced compression ratio of 9.0:1 for the 1971 production year, relative to 11.0:1 specified the year prior.
1969 Baldwin Motion Corvette
Various upgrade packages were offered by Motion Industries, for the Chevrolet models included within the Baldwin Corvette partnership. The most prominent of these packages included the SS (425 HP) and Phase III (500+ HP) offerings. These cars not only came with a performance promise, but a guarantee to back it up. All Phase III cars came with a personal guarantee.
Did you know that the earliest ZR1 Corvettes came into existence long before any of these later iterations?  If not, then take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with one the rarest small-block production Corvettes of all time - the 1970-1972 Corvette ZR1. From 1970 to 1972, Chevrolet offered the ZR1 Special Engine Package, which featured a small-block LT1 engine.

1971 Corvette Engines

Looking for information on the engines powering the 1971 Corvette? Look no further.

1971 Corvette Market & Sales Data

1971Corvette auction and sales area. We share upcoming auctions, recent auction results, cool 1971 Corvettes we find for sale and commentary on the current market for the 1971 Corvette.

The Best Resource for 1971 Corvette News, Auctions, Reviews & Videos

Get all the latest news stories, upcoming auctions, prices, videos and more about the 1971 Chevrolet Corvette! The latest headlines here.

1969 Corvette L88 Engine
The Vette’s performance dropped significantly during the early to mid-1970s, at the hands of newly implemented federal emissions standards, yet it remained relevant. At a point in which many iconic American performance cars fell by the wayside, the Corvette soldiered on. This served as a true testament to many of the memorable Corvette powerplants that were developed during the C3 era.
1971 Corvette Sales Brochures
Download this 1971 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure for a quick look at the features of the car. Eighteen years of Corvette has taught us a lot. You've changed. We've changed. Gradually. Over the years. We've changed Corvette when and where we could to satisfy the high...
When one of his cars was severely damaged in 1972, John Greenwood converted his 1969 L88 Convertible into a formidable race car. Included as the formidable ZL1 engine with 750 bhp on tap. Other modifications included a rear spoiler, quick replacement radiator and camber adjusters. At Le Mans, this car set the GT-class record for top speed down the Le Mans straight with 215 mph.

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