Total 1971 Corvettes Built- 21,801 – 7,121 Convertibles, 14,680 Coupes
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 expectations of our owners. (In fact, you’ll see that the changes we’ve made in Corvette over the past 18 years.) However, one thing has never changed: when you buy a Corvette, you buy a lot more than a car. You buy an image. A car that looks all hood and wheels. A car that’s eager for the open road. A car with no compromises, like jump seats for the kiddies. A car that says, “I believe in engines and gears and the feel of the road.” A car whose form follows its function. You buy a pacesetter. A representation of what could come in automotive design. From the very beginning, Corvette pioneered. It hasn’t stopped. When Chevrolet introduces something new – from disc brakes to bucket seats – is usually debuts on Corvette. You buy an environment. It’s an automobile, sure, but you’ll find yourself knowing more about it than anything you’ve ever driven. It’s got gauges galore for the ultimate in feedback. Buy any other sports car and all you get is today’s car. Buy a Corvette, and you get a piece of tomorrow.

Below Decks: If you respect exquisite machinery, you’ll find the 1971 Corvette as beautiful underneath as it is on top. Put one on a hoist and the first thing you see is the frame – two steel side rails running the full length of the body. These are braced with five cross-members into a rigid structure. Corvette’s body is then mounted solidly to the frame for increased torsional rigidity. Corvette’s unusually low center of gravity is due partly to the fact that the frame rails run outside of the seating area. And the front/rear weight distribution (48/52% with 350-CID engines) results in benefits in traction, braking and reduced steering effort. Corvette’s front suspension uses upper and lower A-shaped arms, with anti-dive geometry built into the upper control arms. Variable-rate coil springs up front cushion small bumps yet maintain firm control on rough roads. A hefty front stabilizer bar reduces roll. Out back is where you find one of Corvette’s real handling secrets – a fully independent rear suspension with Positraction differential. The suspension’s key feature is a transverse-mounted variable-rate leaf spring which soaks up loads from the two axle shafts, which are joined to the differential and wheels by universal joints. This design allows each rear wheel to react independently to changes in road surface without affecting the other wheel. The standard steering ratio results in 3.4 turns lock to lock, or you can order Corvette’s power steering for even quicker response. A lot of sports cars may look good on top. None look as refined as Corvette underneath. And it’s what’s underneath that counts when it comes to performance.

Strength in Numbers: Every Corvette is built tough right from the start. Our basic V8, the 270-hp Turbo-Fire 350, features an 8.5:1 compression ratio, a 4-barrel carb, cast aluminum alloy pistons and precision-formed crank. With this, and all other Corvette engines you get Corvette’s dual exhausts with rectangular outlets and Positraction differential standard. Go one step up to the 330-hp Turbo-Fire 350, and you get a 9.0:1 compression ratio, impacted-extruded aluminum alloy pistons, finned aluminum rocker covers, a special-performance cam, mechanical lifters and a forged steel-alloy crank. Plus, an aluminum intake manifold, high-domed hood, transistor ignition. Next step up. Our 365-hp 454-cu.-in. Turbo-Jet V8. This engine with 8.5:1 compression ratio uses a dual-snorkel air cleaner with a chromed cover and extra-large oil pan. You also ger a high-domed hood, a larger diameter front stabilizer bar, heavier duty rear wheel spindle support arms, a rear suspension stabilizer bar, a larger capacity radiator, dual pulleys for the fan and water pump and a higher performance starter motor. Also available: our 425-hp Turbo-Jet 454 with a large 4-bareel carb, high performance cam, mechanical lifters, 9.0:1 compression ratio and aluminum cylinder heads. Plus, chassis items included with the 365-hp V8. Transmissions: standard gearbox is a floor-mounted, wide-range 4-Speed, 2.52:1 low gear. Also available, a close-ratio version with a 2.20:1 low (close ratio not available with 270-hp engine, wide range not available with 425-hp engine). A Special 4-Speed close ratio box is available with the 425-hp V8. With the 270-, 365-, and 425-hp engines, you can order Turbo Hydra-matic.
Excitement Center: Corvette’s cockpit is as heavy on instrumentation as it is on comfort. First, you sit yourself down in one of the high-backed contoured bucket seats featuring our new-built-in head restraints. The shoulder belts (standard on coupe) are guided through a slot in each seatback for neat, secure positioning. You rest your feet on soft carpeting that not only stretches wall to wall but over the entire rear stowage area with its hidden compartments for valuables, battery and tools. You read out the central command console before your countdown. Tach, ammeter, water temp, oil pressure, fuel gauge, brake warning light, running light monitors – you name it, it’s there. Once underway, you can enjoy Astro Ventilation, which routes outside air in, through your choice of high or low vents. A rear deck vent exhausts stale air, for a constant flow, even with the windows closed. The standard all-vinyl interior comes in black, dark saddle, dark green, dark blue and red. The smart Custom Interior you can order includes black or dark saddle leather seats, plush cut-pile carpeting and the rich look of wood on door panels and console. No matter if your mission’s only a trip to the drive-in, the interior of the 1971 Corvette is designed to put you in complete control.

Landing Gear: We call the 1971 Corvette “Body Beautiful.” But it’s also an application of pure design – the most extensively aerodynamically tested model we’ve ever offered. Every facet of its design, from the front and rear door handles, has been wind-tunnel tested and refined. For those who have trouble deciding between a coupe and a convertible, we have some alternative. Every convertible comes with a soft top. You can order a removable hardtop, too. In the coupe model, the roof panel lift off to let the sunshine in. So, any way you work it – you’ve still got a convertible feel for 1971. And no matter which way you go, tinted glass is standard. Convertible tops can be ordered in white or black, while a black vinyl roof cover is available for the convertible’s removable hardtop. And while we’re speaking about colors, have you seen our new firemist hues for 1971? Deep, lustrous finished applied in a way to make the paint look exceedingly rich. With the flecks of metallic color that highlight innate Corvette beauty. You can choose firemist colors in Ontario Orange, Steel Cities Gray or War Bonnet Yellow. The big things we haven’t changed. Like Corvette’s styling. We’ve continued those husky-looking larger parking lights. The precision-cast grille. Ditto the chromed louvers and stainless-steel body still moldings, the rectangular exhaust bezels and high visibility taillights. The body shape stays the same. We like it that way, and you’ll like the fender flares that keep stones from pecking away at the paint. Standard tires are F70 x 15 wide ovals mounted on 8”-wide wheels. You get the best traction, handling and tire mileage characteristics ever offered for Corvette. If you like, opt for either white lettering or white stripes.

For Performance: A wide choice of engine, transmission and rear axle ratio combinations are available to meet almost any perfromance need.

For Comfort: Four-Season air conditioning, Tilt-Telescopic steering wheel, AM/FM pushbutton radio, AM/FM/Stereo radio.

For Convenience: Power brakes, Power steering, Power windows, Read-window defroster.

For Appearance: Custom wheel covers, Vinyl roof cover for auxiliary top, Deck-lid luggage carrier, Clear vinyl floor mats, Removable hardtop for convertible.

For Security: Audio alarm system, Gas cap lock, Child safety seat, Fire extinguisher.

Standard Safety and Security Features (Occupant Protection): Seat belts and shoulder belts (except convertible) with pushbutton buckles and retractors – driver and passenger, built0in head restraints, energy-absorbing steering column, passenger-guard door locks, Safety door latches and hinges, folding seat back latches, energy absorbing padded instrument panel, thick-laminate windshield, padded sun visors, safety armrests, safety steering wheel.

Accident Prevention: Side marker lights and reflectors (Front side marker lights flash with direction signal), four-way hazard warning flasher, backup lights, lane-change feature in direction signal control, windshield defroster, washers and dial-speed wipers, wide-view inside day-night mirror (vinyl-edged, shatter-resistant glass and deflecting support), outside rearview mirror, dual master cylinder brake system with warning light.

Anti-Theft: Anti-theft ignition key warning buzzer, Anti-theft steering column lock.

Magic-Mirror Color Choices: Mulsanne Blue, Bridgehampton Blue, Brands Hatch Green, Steel Cities Gray, Ontario Orange, War Bonnet Yellow, Mille Miglia Red, Nevada Silver, Classic White, Sunflower Yellow.

1971 Engine Fuel Requirements: For 1971, all Corvette engines have been designed to operate efficiently on the new no-lead or low-lead gasolines. In addition to the lower exhaust emissions attainable with this engine/fuel combination, there are benefits in longer life or your spark plugs, exhaust system and other engine components. If these no-lead, low-lead gasolines are not available, any regular grade gasoline with a research octane number of 91 or high may be used.

Ratio W/O Air Conditioning Ratio W/ Air Conditioning
Engine Transmission Std. Econ. Perf. Std. Econ. Perf.
270-hp
350-cu.-in.
Turbo-Fire 350 V8		 Turbo Hydra-matic

4-Speed (2.52:1 low)

 3.08

3.36

 –

3.08

 3.36

–

 3.08

3.36

 –

3.08

 3.36

–
330-hp
350-cu.-in.
Turbo-Fire 350 V8		 4-Speed (2.20:1 low)

4-Speed (2.52:1 low)

 3.70

3.55

 3.55

3.36

 4.11

3.70

 –

–

 –

–

 –

–
365-hp
454-cu.-in.
Turbo-Jet 454 V8		 Turbo Hydra-matic

4-Speed (2.20:1 low)

4-Speed (2.52:1 low)

 3.08

3.36

3.08

 –

3.08

–

 3.36

3.55*

3.36

 3.08

–

3.08

 –

–

–

 –

–

–
425-hp
454-cu.-in.
Turbo-Jet 454 V8		 Turbo Hydra-matic

4-Speed
(2.20:1 low)

Special
4-Speed
(2.20:1 low)

 3.08

3.36

3.36

 –

3.08

3.08

 3.36

3.55

3.55**

 –

–

–

 –

–

–

 –

–

–

*Special 3.70 ratio also available
**Special 3.70 or 4.11 ratio also available