Vehicle Description
1971 Chevrolet Corvette – Restored Big Block with Modern Performance
This 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is a factory big-block example that has undergone a comprehensive restoration with new paint and a freshly built, period-correct 454ci V8 producing an estimated 550 horsepower. The restoration focused on maintaining stock appearance while incorporating high-performance upgrades including aluminum heads, solid lifters, and a modern Richmond 5-speed transmission. Finished in its factory-correct and highly desirable Mulsanne Blue with mostly original blue interior, this Corvette has been properly sorted with 1,800 miles since completion and offers a blend of classic styling and modern performance.
Engine & Performance
- Freshly built 1971 date-coded 454ci big block V8
- Estimated 550 horsepower output
- 512 casting four-bolt main block
- Air Flow Research aluminum cylinder heads
- Solid lifter camshaft
- Richmond 5-speed manual transmission
Exterior & Body
- Factory-correct Mulsanne Blue paint
- Sanded to bare fiberglass during restoration
- Excellent shine with well-preserved trim and badging
- Original-style wheels
- Mickey Thompson raised-letter tires
- Twin exhaust system
Interior & Features
- Mostly original blue interior
- Reupholstered door panels
- Replacement center armrest
- Original center console with 454/425 plaque
- Functional odometer showing 93,482 verified miles
- Transverse composite leaf spring rear suspension
Mechanical Details
- Engine built by Yannick Sire of Sire Custom Performance
- Runs cool with smooth idle and strong pulling power
- 1,800 break-in miles since completion
- Reliable for both around-town and open-road cruising
- Non-functional oil pressure gauge and clock
- Speedometer doesn’t return fully to zero
Complete maintenance and restoration records from current ownership are included, along with partial documentation from the 1980s and 1990s supporting the 93,482-mile odometer reading as accurate. The car was found to have solid fiberglass panels underneath the original faded finish when stripped for repainting. Originally purchased six years ago with a big-block truck engine, the current correct-year 454 was located after an extensive search and built to high-performance specifications while maintaining stock appearance. Described as very fast with fantastic sound and excellent driving manners.
550HP 454 | Richmond 5-Speed | Mulsanne Blue