62k Original Miles: 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

The 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS remains a staple of the muscle car scene. It’s a model that offers stunning looks and scintillating performance. Good examples will always command plenty of attention in the market, and our feature car is no exception. It presents beautifully and has a genuine 62,000 miles showing on its odometer. It needs a new home and an owner who is prepared to treat it with the same level of care and respect it has obviously received throughout its life. Located in Gilford, New Hampshire, you will find the Chevelle listed for sale here on eBay. Strong bidding has pushed the price to $42,600, but I’m not surprised that this figure remains short of the reserve.

This Chevelle is almost enough to take your breath away. It looks stunning in its original Tuxedo Black, which covers panels that are as straight as an arrow. The paint shows no flaws or defects, and the overall first impression is extremely positive. The panel gaps look tight and consistent, and the panels have no evidence of rust. The owner says that the floors, trunk pan, and frame are spotless, with no signs of existing rust problems or previous repairs. The White stripes are crisp and clean, while the trim and chrome shine magnificently against that gorgeous black paint. The original owner ordered the car with tinted glass, and there is no evidence of scratches or other problems. The overall condition of this Chevelle is close to flawless, which many potential buyers will find particularly attractive if they are considering handing over their hard-earned cash. It is a classic that is guaranteed to receive admiring glances and comments wherever it goes.

The good news with this Chevelle continues when we open the doors and survey its black interior. The original owner ordered the car with bucket seats and a console, and these remain intact and in good order. The upholstered surfaces are perfect, with no evidence of wear or physical damage. The same is true of the carpet, and even the damage-prone kick panels look good. The dash and pad show no signs of cracks or other issues, while this trend continues with the wheel. If one aspect of this interior might disappoint me, it appears the owner has removed the original radio and slotted a CD player in its place. That would mean that the dash has been cut to accommodate this, making it difficult for any future owner who wants to return the interior to a 100% original state. Still, I guess we can’t have everything, can we?

For the 1971 model year, Chevrolet offered potential buyers a choice of a couple of big-block V8s to slot under the hood of their Chevelle SS. However, the original owner of this car ticked the box beside the 350ci V8 that produces 270hp. That power finds its way to a 12-bolt rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. It may not be the most potent package available in an SS for that year, but it could still despatch the ¼ mile in 16.7 seconds. It is also a combination that is about as bulletproof as you are ever likely to find in an American classic. The owner doesn’t categorically state that this Chevelle is numbers-matching, but he does give that impression. He has updated the suspension with Hotchkis components to provide a more stable and surefooted feel on the road. When combined with power steering and power front disc brakes, it should result in an enjoyable driving experience. The Chevelle has a genuine 62,000 miles on the clock and comes with plenty of documentation. Among these is the original Build Sheet, which verifies the authenticity of this classic. The car runs and drives well and is ready to be enjoyed immediately by its lucky new owner.

This 1971 Chevelle SS has to be a strong contender for a buyer seeking a turnkey classic muscle car. Its presentation is virtually flawless, and its low odometer reading means that it should have many years of faithful service to offer its next owner. I won’t be surprised if the bidding sails well beyond $50,000 before the hammer falls. Is this a classic that you may be tempted to pursue further?