Rare 1971 Corvette Stingray Engine Options
The 1971 Corvette Stingray cam with several engine options that could add to the coupe’s base price of $5,496. Total production numbers were quite slim in 1971, with a total of 7,121 convertibles and 14,680 coupes.
One of the rare and most desirable options is the 425-hp 454ci LS6 engine, which added $1,221 to the base price. Only 188 of these rare Corvettes were made in 1971. I can only imagine that price must have been the issue, as this was a highly desirable, high horsepower big block. The LS6 454 was conservatively rated at 425 horsepower, but I bet with the right tuning and some aftermarket parts, 550 horsepower wouldn’t be hard to hit. Can you imagine how much fun that car would have been?
I’d love to kick off my t-shirts and hit the streets with this Saturday night special! I’ve always liked big-block Corvettes, as they seem to symbolize the ultimate in American sports cars. Just say the words “Big Block Corvette” to a car enthusiast and watch their eyes light up. These cars have always been coveted among collectors and enthusiasts. However, with today’s gas prices, I can see why this car would be less desirable as a daily driver, as it almost certainly boasted either high single digit or low double digit gas mileage ratings. In the early 1970s gas was cheap so not an issue at the time, and there were few emissions controls so this car would have been the king of the streets.
By the mid-1970s, gasoline shortages and emissions problems would crush any further development of this type of car. I wonder if this was only available through special order or if they were available in dealer lots. He wasn’t alive in 1971 so I don’t really know and I can’t find any data to support either side. I know that with only 188 of them made, this is quite a rare and desirable option for any Corvette collector.
I’d love to see one of these in person or see photos of the build sheet or data plate. I wonder how many ultra rare cars are out there today and how many people own them without realizing how rare they are. I would love to own one of these monster big block Corvettes!
That’s all I have today!