1971 Chevrolet Corvette

1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible â?" 350/270, 4-Speed, Matching Blue Why This Car Is Special The 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible sits at a meaningful crossroads in Corvette history. It was the last full model year before GM mandated a compression ratio drop across its entire lineup to meet tightening emissions standards and accommodate regular-grade unleaded fuel. That changeover hit hard in 1972, when advertised horsepower figures dropped significantly and net ratings replaced gross. What that means for buyers today is straightforward: a 1971 Corvette Stingray with a 350ci V8 rated at 270 horsepower represents the final chapter of the high-compression small-block era in a street Corvette, before the regulatory tide changed everything.