HIGH ACHIEVER: This radical custom 1971 Corvette hits all the right notes
June 5, 2019
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Steve Statham
This custom 1971 Corvette (Lot #681) selling at No Reserve during the Northeast Auction takes the decades-old styling theme and amplifies it.
If ever there was a car that begged for customization, it was the third-generation Corvette. With its aggressive stance and swooping bodylines, the C3 generation has inspired customizers since the first ones arrived for the 1968 model year. And while there was certainly plenty of factory performance available, the automotive aftermarket never stands still. Opportunities to radically upgrade the C3 abound, as can be seen with the 1971 custom Corvette (Lot #681) shown here, to be sold with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s Northeast Auction, June 26-29 at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.
Whether slicing through the turns or in straight-line acceleration, this ’Vette is a true G-machine. A blend of classic and contemporary, it was inspired by the Owens Corning L88 Corvettes of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Those 427-powered Corvettes, with sponsorship by Owens Corning Fiberglas, were among the most famous Corvette race cars ever. At one point they scored 22 straight victories, and won an SCCA A-production national championship. They were easy to spot on the racetrack, with their distinctive red-and-white paint schemes and eye-catching block stripes starting on the L88 hood scoop and running to the rear of the car.
The custom Corvette offered at the Northeast Auction takes that styling theme and amplifies it. The broken black stripe travels from the L88-style hood scoop and across the roof and deck. The fiberglass front bumper with dual front headlamps and flared rear quarter-panels likewise invoke the best of the Owens Corning race car influence.
The bodywork was performed to a very high standard by Mid-America Industries, and the PPG Daytona Sunrise Orange color applied by Radley Chevrolet is absolutely striking. The removable T-Top roof panels were painted to match, and the T-Top bar, corners of the windshield and hood pin plates were wrapped in carbon fiber. That level of detailing carries over under-hood as well, with custom-painted engine covers featuring carbon-fiber letter inserts.
This Corvette also carries 427 cubic inches beneath its hood, in the form of a fuel-injected BluePrint Engines LS3 V8, delivering 618 horsepower. It has been fitted with a Holley accessory drive system, fuel pump and alternator. A DeWitts high-performance aluminum radiator with dual electric fans keeps temps under control. The downstream rumble comes via Stahl stepped headers and 3-1/2-inch side pipes with Sweet Thunder free-flowing inserts.
American Powertrain supplied the Tremec TKO-600 5-speed manual transmission and Street Slayer Ceramix hydraulic clutch. Out back is a built Dana 44 rear end with 4.10 gearing.
The undercarriage is as highly detailed as every other corner of the car, and equally performance-minded. The custom chassis was built by Mid-America Industries. The new C4 suspension system includes Aldan coilovers in the front and competition mono-leaf springs in the rear teamed with Bilstein shocks. Stopping power comes from power disc brakes at all four corners, with a CPP master cylinder, Pro Tech slotted rotors and C4 Corvette calipers. The Team III ET wheels measure 18×10 in front and 18×12 in the rear, and are fitted with BFGoodrich G-Force Rival tires.
The all-new black interior was given a similar makeover. A 4-point roll bar, Corbeau bucket seats and JEGS racing-style seatbelts provide the foundation. The dash, custom console and custom panels were wrapped with carbon fiber, with AutoMeter Pro-Comp gauges informing the driver. An Ididit tilt steering column and steering wheel will ensure the driver will always find the right fit, and Vintage Air air conditioning keeps the cockpit cool.
This remarkable Corvette has recently been serviced and detailed, and comes with the engine dyno sheet. Since completion, only 700 miles have been logged. This custom Corvette may have been inspired by historic forerunners from 50 years ago, but the next owner will get the pleasure of writing a fresh history, one gear-change at a time.
For up-to-date information about this vehicle, click HERE. For a preview of some of the vehicles crossing the block at the Northeast Auction (with more being added daily), click HERE.