If you are searching for a classic muscle car but are not too concerned about spotless originality, this 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is a car that probably demands a closer look. It rolled off the production line with a 454ci V8 under the hood, but it now sports a fire-breathing 502ci big block. Its overall presentation is pretty mind-blowing, and it is a vehicle that needs nothing more than a new owner who will appreciate its presentation and performance potential. Located in Rochester, New York, you will find the Chevelle listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $25,100 in what is a No Reserve auction.
When it comes to the question of its exterior presentation and condition, it is hard to find anything to criticize with this Chevelle. The owner has treated it to a repaint in its original Lime Green Metallic, making a stunning impact. The paint shines beautifully, and the color is consistent across the entire car. The panels are laser straight, and the owner stresses the lack of Bondo in its body. The car spent most of its life in Maryland and has never seen snow or salt. This has helped it to remain rust-free. The owner supplies this YouTube video which includes a walk-around and a good look under the SS. Everything looks clean and structurally sound. There’s the occasional light dusting of surface corrosion on some of the suspension components, but there is no evidence that there has ever been any penetrating rust. The trim is in excellent condition, and the “502” badges below the original SS ones on the front fenders provide a subtle indication that this is a power-packed beast. The glass is in excellent order, while the aftermarket wheels add a touch of presence for those not concerned about complete originality.
When we open the doors and look around inside this SS, the impression we receive remains pretty positive. The headliner is said to be original, but its fit around the back pillars is not great. However, I think that this could be addressed without the need to consider replacing it. The upholstery on the seats is perfect, and the carpet is just as impressive. The owner believes that the Chevelle rolled off the production line equipped with a bench seat, but a previous owner has substituted buckets and a console to add a touch of luxury. There is a hole in the dash where the original radio would’ve been, but sourcing a factory unit to slot back in would not be complicated or expensive. A CD player is mounted under the dash and speakers have been cut into the rear parcel tray. A tach is attached to the steering column, and the owner has fitted some extra gauges into the dash. Reversing all of these changes would be possible, but I suspect that the buyer will probably leave things untouched.
When this SS was shiny and new, its engine bay was occupied by the LS5 version of the 454ci V8. This brute produced 365hp, which would’ve made the Chevelle a lively performer. The car is no longer numbers-matching, but its drivetrain is no less impressive. The buyer will receive a 502ci big-block V8, a 3-speed Hydramatic transmission, and power steering. The brakes and suspension have received an upgrade. The front brakes are now Wilwood power discs, while the suspension has received new springs and shocks, along with a rear swaybar. The owner says that the engine has received a mild cam, and it sounds really sharp in the YouTube video that I mentioned earlier. This SS would originally have been capable of covering the ¼ mile in around 15 seconds. You would have to think that with the motor upgrade, it should blast that time about 10-feet in the air. The owner describes the car as fast, and if you look at the state of the rear tires in the video, it appears that he has tested this out. They don’t have a lot of tread left on them, and if the owner hasn’t replaced them since it was shot, the buyer will need to make a trip to their nearest tire store immediately.
This 1971 Chevelle SS has a lot to offer its next owner, and while it might not be an original survivor, it looks like it would be fun to own and drive. Some readers will decry the lack of originality, but we will have others who will be sorely tempted to start bidding. I can understand both sides of the argument because I do tend to prefer originality in a vehicle of this type and desirability. However, if you choose to bid, I can’t blame you. I wish you luck and ask if you are successful if you’ll let us know if it delivers on the promise that it shows in the listing. Something tells me that it will.
How nice is this car! One of the best I’ve seen.
Other then the wheels, it’s about perfect.
Agreed.
Yea let’s get rid of those good looking wheels and put on a set of rallies, you never see those on a Chevelle…
Never said rallys, although it would be an upgrade. These are cheesy looking rims. But then again opinions..meh.
*than
Front bumper on the passenger’s side isn’t well aligned. Other wise, YUM!
Usually this generation of Chevelles hold no interest for me, but this one really caught my eye .Such a clean looking car ; the only thing I might change would be the rims, but thats all
This is the kind of car that the buyer is required to take the numbers matching block with a large hole in the side. Yet the only way to make all the Deaks happy is to crush it. Not the factory radiator cap…..crush it.
You guys all have lower standards than me. The front bumper’s been run into something, bending it and pushing it up, a common problem with 71/72’s. The fit of the hood and truck lid are bad, the SS stripes are painted wrong, the car’s been converted to a floor shift, but still has the column shift column, and the tach’s mounted using a wire tie.
I like 71 Chevelles, I have a 71 El Camino, and while this car does have a shiny paint job, I have to wonder about the quality of the work done.
The kind of car you drive….to local shows with similar type machines, to the strip if you’re still lucky enough to have one just to give it a workout, maybe a cruise down the coastal highway …….without worry of harming an original paint job or smokin’ the numbers matching engine. Many of these screamers weren’t numbers matching even within a few months let alone years of being brand new. Nice ride!
Which is precisely why numbers-matching cars are so much more valuable.
Sure thing, it’s only about money, right? Big bucks and all that jazz. How dare someone actually have fun with a car anyways…..
Take me back when cars like this only had value in thrills per gallon. Happy Days, Don!
Nice car that needs some work, but you would think some of the issues present would be repaired as they are low cost no cost fixes. Stick a non functioning OEM radio in it, mount the tach properly, align the panels, etc. The bumper/column issues can be swap meet finds later. It is a nice car and the bids reflect that, it just needs some tlc.
Guys, five spokes look good on anything.