The LS5 (above engine statistics) was joined by the LS6 (below) for 1971, both as the top horsepower big block options.
The future had arrived in the form of lower compression ratios for 1971. Unleaded gasoline and its lower octane rating forced the move and an era was over, not to return. The change caused the horsepower ratings of the LS5 motor to go from 390 horsepower via a 10.25:1 compression ration (1970) to 365 horsepower and a 8.5:1 compression ratio. Most reports indicate the performance loss was negligible and gasoline purchasing was easier.
Corvette hardtops, which had been available starting in 1956 and continued for the C2 and C3 generations as long as convertibles were in the model lineup which was 1975. How they were sold is a bit different than what you might expect - you were given a choice of ordering your Corvette with either a hard top or a soft top - the price was the same. Should you want both you would order RPO C07 which was an extra $274.00 in 1971. Production quantity was 2,619 or 12%. Although it was possible to purchase a Corvette as hard top only - no ragtop - this was rarely done.
The C3 hardtops were available with vinyl covering RPO C08 for an additional $63.00. Why somebody would want to make their hardtop Corvette look like a convertible when it already was a convertible is beyond us, but 832 people (3.82%) went that route in 1971.
1971 was the last year for the fiber optic light monitoring system located behind the shifter.
Above: Famous Car and Driver "Bragging" magazine advertisement. Below: 1971 sales brochure cover.
1971 Corvette convertible in Brands Hatch Green. Brands Hatch is a motor racing circuit in Kent, England. 7,121 of the 1971 Corvettes were convertibles or 32.66% which was typical of C3 Corvettes from 1969 to 1975.
