Hi,
Well today is 40 years to the day the trim tag for my 71 was stamped with. So it was on the production line at St.Louis today.
It had been ordered by a very small Chevy dealer for 'stock'. I didn't see it until the day I bought it, March 23. It may have been sitting inside since it was winter.
I think I appreciate it more now than I did then. I traded a 68 GTO 400/350, 4-speed on it and the Corvette certainly wasn't as strong.
Here's a few pictures of some dates that I like to consider as part of 'matching numbers'. I believe I still have all the parts the car left St. Louis with except the exhaust system, 4 tires, 8 spark-plugs, the oil filter, the air-filter, the CEC solenoid, and the seat shim bag.
Regards,
Alan

Last 3 digits of the vin.


Window Sticker


Driver's side hinge pillar.


Seat rail Jullian date


Frame stamp.


Engine broadcast code sticker


Seat cover


Jack compartment tray


Heel pad logo


Dimmer pad logo


Rubber backed jute underlayment

 

Hey Alan, I've heard all about your baby but have never seen it. Could you post a pic please? Dave.

 

Never realized you were the original owner. Very impressive - congrats

Jim

 

Alan,
I never get tired of seeing and hearing about your car.
I wish the first few owners of mine cared so well for it.
Best regards,
Steve

 

Very cool. Something to be proud of. Its like you knew when you bought it it would be a collector car in future. Yes and show some b-day pics.

 

Happy 40th! I vaguely remember Neel Chevrolet. Did you buy it from them, or was it Westminster Motors? I always figured you bought it from Westminster.
Well, gang, I have seen Alan's car. The car is nicer than what GM pushed out the assembly line! It also has much better paint. Alan's has an original lacquer paint job that is just amazing.

 

Amazing!!

 

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to your Vette.
I am amazed at the quality and your attention to every detail.
How many miles were on your car before you restored it and how long did it take?

 

Great pictures Alan, I don't think I've ever seen the complete car, just great shots of the rear chrome bumper, the underside of the hood, on the trailer going to paint and so on.
Happy 40th to one of the nicest vettes on this forum!

Regards
Roy

 

oh, and by the way, happy birthday!!

 

That's a long term relationship that has worked out very well for both of you. Congrats and happy birthday to your baby.

 

Hi,
I bought the car at Neel Chevrolet in Eldersburg, Md. It was a very small dealership with a one car showroom and with I believe, three service and one wash bay.
The car has just a tick over 46,000 miles. It was my daily driver for about two years. It had about 40,000 miles on it when I bought another car to drive. The car has only spent a couple nights out of a garage in all 40 years. I believe that's why there was no rust on the birdcage and only superficial rust on the frame. There was no rust pitting on any parts.
I started the restoration in about 1992 thinking I wouldn't lift the body. In 1994 we built a new house and my wife (YES!!!) suggested I have a heated, air conditioned, garage in the basement. I got serious in 1995 and basically finished in 2007.
The paint that David mentioned was the most difficult decision. It's acrylic lacquer which is actually quite close to what was on the car originally. Many people think that our cars still had nitrocellulose lacquer on them but they didn't. The fellow who painted my car still paints only lacquer. I chose the lacquer because I felt it would look like the paint on the car did originally. The BC/CC cars are beautiful and practical but to me look like street rods.
I'm in the process of putting under-car exhaust on the car since I'd like to have it judged this year and will probably put the side-exhaust back on again.
I haven't posted any pictures of the entire car and probably won't until I have it judged.
Here are four of my favorites that many of you have seen and commented on.
Thanks for the interest!
Regards,
Alan

 

Happy B-Day! Hasn't aged a day!
I never get tired of seeing pics of your Vette, and can't wait to see the whole thing.
Glenn

 

The car has only spent a couple nights out of a garage in all 40 years.

Alan,

With respect, does that mean that you do not drive the car? If yes, that would be a shame.

 

Happy 40th Birthday! I was wondering why I hadn't ever seen pics of your whole car. Every shot that I have seen though looks like it is fresh out of a magazine article, so I imagine the whole car is absolutely beautiful!

 

Alan,
Happy Birthday to your car. Every shot I have ever seen you post is super nice! I cant imagine buying a car new and still having it 40 years later. Thats an accomplishment all of its own. There must be a very special bond between you and your car. Best of luck this year with your showings.I am sure it will judge very well.
Rodney

 

Hi Alan,

Happy 40TH B-day to your '71 coupe. Original owner - THAT'S AWESOME. Must be a pretty special car to own it for 40 years - a real keeper - Most marriages don't last a quarter of that time.

Incredible pictures - very sweet ride

Regards, BK3

 

Happy Birthday, looks great Al !!!

 

Congrats Alan! 40 yrs of love and it shows!!

 

Cheers on the anniversary, and a salute to your wife for understanding the connection. And thanks for preserving it so it sees at least another 40!