1971 Corvette Big Block Has Been Modified in the Right Places

This 1971 Corvette big block coupe looks stock, but it has been beefed up where it counts.

In the world of the Corvette, big block cars are often the most celebrated and the most valuable, for obvious reasons. We enthusiasts simply love horsepower and big cubic-inch powerplants, and that hasn’t changed even as modern sports cars trade those types of engines for smaller displacement, forced-induction motors. Thus, this 1971 Corvette big block coupe up for grabs at Bring a Trailer is certain to be appealing for many, even though it isn’t entirely stock.

This particular 1972 Corvette big block coupe is finished in Brands Hatch Green, which is original though some repairs were performed by the prior owner to make it nearly perfect again. Otherwise, the car looks pretty darn stock from the outside, with 15-inch Rally wheels, shiny chrome, and a set of BFGoodrich Radial T/A white-letter tires. Mechanically speaking, a set of four-wheel disc brakes and Bilstein shocks aids in the handling and stopping department.

The interior doesn’t give off any modern vibes either, save for the addition of a Kenwood AM/FM cassette stereo. Otherwise, the matching Dark Green vinyl interior is pretty much stock and original, save for some auxiliary gauges. That cannot be said about what powers this particular C3, however, as its 454 V8 has been treated to a pretty extensive list of modifications.

When it was rebuilt by Mid-Cape Automotive Machine Shop in Hyannis, Massachusetts back in 1997 under current ownership, this 1971 Corvette was treated to a set of oversized pistons, roller rockers, Manley stainless-steel valves, Hedman headers, an electronic ignition, an Edelbrock Performer camshaft, lifters, aluminum intake manifold, 750 CFM carburetor, and cylinder heads to give it some extra oomph in more ways than one.

Flowing through a Muncie M21 four-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, this C3 is undoubtedly a blast to drive, even if it won’t be winning any awards for originality. But for anyone that just wants a nice looking Corvette with plenty of power to drive and enjoy, it seems like the perfect vessel for those sorts of activities.

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Photos:Bring a Trailer