1971 Corvette History

The looks of the 1971 Corvette are pretty well identical to the '70 model. Sadly enough, compression ratios are starting to drop due to lower octane gasoline. On a happy note the 454 cid LS6 engine still manages to put out 425 bhp.

There are some improvements on the fiberglass resin used for the body panels making them stronger, and the interior also receives a face lift.

The ultimate Corvette option package available for '71 was the rare ZR2 - only 12 units were made at a cost of $1,747. The ZR2 was really a ZR1 dressed with the LS6, 454 cid engine. Car and Driver published an impressive quarter mile speed of 104.65 mph in 13.8 seconds and a 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.

Production numbers are up from last year, accounting for 14,680 coupes and 7,121 convertibles, for a total of 21,801 units.

For a good informative article on the 1971 ZR2 Corvette, read John Gunnel's article in Corvette Market Magazine. Please let us know if this link stops working.