The Chevelle SS was one of the most revered muscle cars of the 1960s. The peak came with the introduction of the SS 454 in 1970, which would run out of steam by 1972. The SS was an option on the Chevelle at that time, so determining if one is the real deal or a clone is hard to do without a build sheet or other factory documentation. We’re told this ’71 SS 454 is an original, including the paint and interior, though a few flaws have developed over the years. From West Hills, California, this red and black beauty is available here on eBay where the bidding stands at $38,100.
SS 454 production numbers were smaller than that of the SS 396 (which technically was a 402 by 1970). Online sources point to 4,597 copies made in 1970, followed by 9,731 units in 1971, and then 6,875 assemblies in 1972. The breakdown between Sport Coupes and convertibles isn’t known, along with automatic versions 4-speed transmissions.
This potential survivor is said to be wearing its original paint and materials in the passenger cabin. Though it looks great from 20 feet, when you get up close, you’ll notice some rust bubbles on the trunk lid. We’re told there is some more under the vinyl roof, but the photos don’t point it out. The seller bought the car about a year ago to restore it, but then decided it was too nice the way it was to go that route. On the insides, the only boo-boo that the seller mentions is the dash pad which is cracked and could be replaced.
At 50,000 reported miles, this Chevelle is said to run great and has lots of power. The engine compartment is nice and tidy and it should perform well as a daily driver (?) or for weekend outings and local car shows. Based on what we can see, I’d be inclined to fix the little bit of known rust, repair the vinyl top, and then enjoy showing it off to folks who remember when Detroit used to make cars like this!
At first glance I thought this ’71 Chevelle “SS” had a boat in tow. I think there are more issues than meets the eye, but I’d fix the little things and drive it like I stole it.
It looks like a nice Chevelle, but then as the owner of a 71 El Camino, I’m sort of partial to the year.
The fact that it has the standard SS power bulge hood, instead of the functional cowl induction one, is enough reason for me to believe it’s a real SS. Most people cloning one of these just can’t resist putting the cowl induction hood on them. It’s a shame the dash was cut up to put a DIN radio in it, and I’d prefer if the LS5 still wore it’s original valve covers, intake, carb, air cleaner and exhaust, but it’s still a nice car and those things can be fixed.
Beautiful…..ugh…just fix that Dash cause it’s been “over” restore by someone who didn’t research it first….and put an original steering wheel back on it, install interior door SS emblems on those after market door panels, and pleeeease take those friggin’ “Malibu” trim pcs OFF the bottom of both sides of it!! Factory SS’s did NOT come with those pcs. I’d like to see and de-code it’s original cowl tag…if it’s even still there. Some vehicles have had way too many past owners!!!!!!!…they change too much stuff….the next peeps has to spend good money correcting everything…and YES I Proudly own one and have owned many of these over the last 40 years…..grins.
ah yes! 1971 shovel is a better looking car than the 1970 shovel, i prefer single headlights to the doubles and the round tail lights out back are good looking, the squares of 1970 are, well square. nice piece here.
That dash is from a 1972 as evidenced by the seat belt light to the upper left of the cigarette lighter. The tach is a common aftermarket item. The steering wheel is the optional NK1, a desirable option. The Malibu side trim and door panels suggest that this may not be a real SS. There is also no mention or photo of the rear axle, which would have a 12 bolt as standard equipment as part of the SS option, along with the F41 suspension. No photo of the engine stampings to verify what engine this has. The seller does state: “This 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is an original.” I would think after one year of ownership there would be more definitive information, it’s not like it is hard to find…
What is the horse power.
IF it is the correct LS5 engine, it would be rated at 365 gross HP. I say IF because the dealer fails to provide a couple of important things… photographs of the engine stampings that could provide valuable information as to what engine it is, and no photos of the undercarriage, specifically the rear end which should be a 12 bolt housing, along with the rear sway bar as part of the F41 suspension, which is part of the SS package. There are other indicators that this may not be a real SS, I outlined them above. You’ll have to take it from the dealer that says “its all-original” but yet fails to provide any proof. This could be an original car that has gone through a normal life when things get switched up, and never done correctly. Again, could be the real deal, but an inspection by a knowledgeable person would be best.
I never knew there 71-72 dash’s were differwnt and a friend has had 6-8 of them and atull has a 72 and a 68. I love the steering wheel. That has to be hard as hell to find. It sold and it on its way to cruising..
I never knew there 71-72 dash’s were different and a friend has had 6-8 of them and atull has a 72 and a 68. I love the steering wheel. That has to be hard as hell to find. It sold and it on its way to cruising..
SOLD for $38,100.