In the mid-1960s, Bob Wingate worked for Clippinger Chevrolet, a dealer in the Southern California city of Covina. His specialty was selling Corvettes. For several years, he was the top Corvette salesman, not just in California, but in the entire country. As a reward for his efforts, Joe Pike of Chevrolet Product Promotions gave Wingate this ’67 L71 coupe, which was built per Chevrolet Factory Shop Order, or FSO.
In other words, Chevrolet customized this one-of-one Corvette right on the St. Louis assembly line.
Below the intake manifold, the L71 was very much like the previous year’s L72: 4-bolt mains, forged crank, free-breathing (iron) cylinder heads, solid-lifter camshaft and an 11.0:1 compression ratio. But the L71 had three Holley 2-barrel carburetors in place of the L72’s single 4-barrel. At low RPM, the engine ran on just the center Holley. Stabbing the throttle opened the outer two carbs. The L71 reached its 435 HP peak at 5,800 RPM, 400 RPM higher than the other optional big-blocks.
The L71 would be the star attraction in most Corvettes. In this Goodwood Green coupe, it’s the icing on an otherwise unique piece of Corvette history.
Read more about this Wingate L71 by Clicking Here.
Chevrolet Corvette Collector Dreams: L88 and L71 Set for Mecum Kissimmee 2026!
Certain terms grab a Chevrolet Corvette collector’s attention. “L88” is one; “L71” is another. Both refer to a magical combination of cubic inches, cylinder-head design and induction components used to create some of the most powerful engines available in 1967, ’68 and ’69 Corvettes. Any Corvette with an L88 or L71 V-8 commands attention. The provenance, historical significance and interesting backstories behind this 1969 L88 coupe and 1967 L71 coupe coming to Mecum’s 2026 Kissimmee auction peg the desirability meter.
This ’69 L88 Coupe, nicknamed “Goldie” for its Riverside Gold paint, was one of a handful of L88s that made it to the street. It’s a rarity among rarities, one of 17 equipped with a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission.
Unlike its racing brothers, Goldie led a pampered life. It spent most of its time in the hands of several collectors and retained its original engine and transmission. It received a thorough restoration to original specs in 2025 and earned an NCRS Top Flight Award with a 98.3-point score at the 2025 National Convention in Las Vegas.!
The Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation is offering a new chance to win a brand new 2026 Corvette ZR1 Coupe with the ZTK Performance Package. The non-profit organization recently awarded Jim Stevenson from Columbus, Ohio a new 2026 Corvette ZR1 and the CMAF called it the best response ever to a CMAF sweepstakes, prompting President Lance Miller to “do a ZR1 all over again!” This new giveaway offers Corvette Mike’s Thundering Thursday Subscribers the opportunity to win a 2026 Corvette ZR1 in Competition Yellow! The ZR1 Coupe will also be outfitted with the Carbon Fiber aero package and the ZTK Performance Package.
This stunning King of the Hill will be given away next October, so start collecting your tickets today as our loyal subscribers get Double Entries with ticket packages starting at $25 by clicking here.
Experience the Corvette Mike Difference
In the ever-evolving vintage car market, uncertainty is part of the game. While online auctions might appear convenient, they often leave both buyers and sellers at the mercy of chance. For almost 44 years, Corvette Mike has set the standard with unmatched, personalized service—making every transaction as enjoyable as it is successful.
No matter where you are in the world, if you own a remarkable vintage car and are considering selling, let Corvette Mike handle it with care and expertise. Our dedicated approach guarantees a smooth and satisfying experience. And for those on the lookout for that elusive classic, we provide expert guidance to help you make informed decisions while savoring the excitement of the hunt.
Reach out by phone (714-630-0700) or email (Troy@CorvetteMike.Com) today, and discover how a seasoned veteran of the vintage car scene can transform your buying or selling journey into a truly memorable adventure.
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