1973 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 'Targa' Coupe (LHD)
Result: PASSED IN
Specifications
| Engine | 5.7 litre V8 |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 4 speed |
| Body Work | Coupe |
| Colour | Red |
| Interior | Black |
| Trim | Vinyl |
| Wheels | Steel |
| Brakes | Disc |
Description
The Corvette Stingray announced in 1968, has been tagged the C3 model in deference to its position as the third generation of America's only sports car.
Drawing inspiration from the Mako Shark II show car, the C3 Stingray had pronounced 'Coke-bottle' lines that still manage to look beautiful and aggressive in equal measure.
The styling was largely left untouched for the first few years of production and this was no bad thing, as the Stingray's original shape was always going to be hard to better. However, the 1971 'Vettes were improved underneath the skin - the body was moulded using a new resin process while the interior came in for a major revision.
The Corvette was sold in either of two body styles, namely a full convertible or the coupe, the latter actually featuring a targa-type roof arrangement with a pair of removable panels.
The 1971 Corvette came with a L48 350-cid V8 developing 270 hp at 4800 rpm and a choice of either the Turbo-Hydra-Matic or close-ratio four-speed manual gearbox.
Included in the standard equipment list were vinyl upholstery, centre console and full instrumentation including tacho and an electric clock, disc brakes front and rear, a dual exhaust and tinted glass.
Chevrolet built 14,680 of the targa-topped Corvettes in 1971 and these pre-emissions cars still managed to turn some very respectable numbers (even the base L48 model), doing 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds and the quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds.