1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY

ENGINE 5737cc/V8/OHV POWER 270bhp@4800rpm TORQUE 360lb ft@3200rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 115mph 0-60MPH 6.8sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 13-17mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 7117 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Left-hand-drive always takes a few minutes of acclimatising to master, but the heavily-assisted steering makes light work of low speed manoeuvres. The clutch is firm, but not heavy. Once on the move the gearchange is slick and precise, making the most of the 270bhp on tap, which is fuelled by a mighty four-barrel Rochester carburettor. The all-disc brakes are powerful, and while it’s no Italian stallion when it comes to the twisty bits, it feels surefooted and body roll is well controlled.

BODYWORK CHECK

This Stingray has changed hands four times in the UK and arrived at the Sussex vendor in great, but not perfect order; a fulldocumented restoration was carried out in 2015 and the body is still blemish-free. The soft-top is brand-new – but still requires two people to raise and lower it – and the chrome and exterior trim are complete and in good condition.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The all-black interior is in good order with only minimal wear to carpets and trim. The driver’s seat backrest could do with tightening, but the typically Seventies array of instruments offer correct information on fuel, water, oil and battery levels. The clock still works, too. The factory manual-winding windows and vacuum-operated pop-up lights work perfectly, but we were unable to test the factory in-car entertainment as no one had a cassette tape to hand…

UNDER THE BONNET

This car arrived in the UK in 1992, and the first MoT test certificate confirms that it was showing a mileage of just 206 at the time; the reason for this is that the odometer was reset to zero during its US restoration. Every MoT test certificate since then confirms the current 7117 displayed. The 350ci V8’s iron block is clean but could be a real feature with some time and polishing and make it really stand out against the periodcorrect black engine bay finish. The factory combination of an orange block and chrome rocker covers looks somewhat dated, but again is periodcorrect. The belts all look new and close inspection reveals no water or oil leaks. The tickover settles quickly from cold and there are no abnormal noises; it feels very much as though this motor has enjoyed plenty of expert attention and even more dollars in its recent history.

THE CCW VIEW

This Stingray is completely stock; everything from the gear knob to the Rallye style steel wheels shod in 15-inch Hercules rubber is period correct and the car drives accordingly. The lack of history is not unusual for a US imports, but what is there is comprehensive with plenty of receipts from the Nineties onwards. Visually, the Stingray is difficult to fault and the driving experience is truly memorable.

EXTERIOR Excellent body and paint INTERIOR Loose driver’s seat backrest MECHANICALS Original V8 performs well and sounds great