In the 1971 brochure for their full-size line, Chevrolet said that “for 13 years other car makers have been playing follow the leader by following Impala. So this year, we’ve given them more leader to follow.” Indeed, everything about the 1971 Impala was bigger than its successor, but it was still handsome, still popular, and still available with all the options one could need to order one’s own mini-Cadillac. That’s not what the original owner of this Impala had in mind, as it was ordered with big-block power in Custom Coupe guise for a muscular look and feel. This example is a rust-free Texas car that’s been in the hands of the same owner for 27 years, and it’s recently enjoyed $13,000 in maintenance. It’s an 89,976-mile car that is currently for sale on eBay in Fort Worth, Texas, although its high bid of $9,600 has not yet met the reserve.
The 402 is what makes this handsome Impala so special, although it was not called a 402; Chevy’s naming structure for its V8s in the 400-cubic-inch range was baffling. The Turbo-Fire 400 V8 was a small-block 400; the Turbo-Jet “400” V8 was a big-block 402. All of them would have worn 400 badges – such is life. This is a numbers matching 300-horsepower version of the 400/402; interestingly, the brochure also lists the net horsepower rating, a system that would become universal in 1972. The result? 206 horsepower.
It will be easier to list the more recent improvements made to this Impala:
- A rebuilt air conditioning system that “blows out super cold air”
- New Rochester Quadrajet
- New fuel pump
- New battery
- New brake shoes (Pads, too? Front discs were standard.)
- New plugs and wires
- Rebuilt alternator
- “Flo-Pro” dual exhaust
The interior was refurbished “about 26 years ago,” but it’s still in nice shape, even if the upholstery doesn’t match the factory patterns. The exterior appears to be “Antique Green,” which is a nice dark green that fits in well with the ethos of the early 1970s. The paint itself is only seven years old, but it does have a few imperfections. A “flawless used dashboard” was also recently installed, and the vinyl top is “still in great condition.”
Yes, this is a handsome example of those big early ’70s Impalas that I personally like a lot. With a set of Chevy Rally Wheels and that burbling big block under the hood, I can only imagine that the high bid at the end of the auction will be far north from where it is now. As Chevy might have said back in 1971, it’s good to be the leader.
When I was a kid our next door neighbor had a ’71 Drop Top Impala. ( I know this is a hardtop, but same body lines). I even got some rides to school in it. Thinking back, I dont remember any other Convertibles, just 2 door hartops like this and 4 doors. I remember the dash and interior too. This one brings back a lot of great memories. Nice find Aaron, and great write up too. Thanks for all the memories.
Sweet machine. 300hp/400tq. Big blocks don’t disappoint. Turbo-Hydramatic, 2.73 factory rear gear.
Find a smooth and sunny highway 🛣😎
Love the brochure link Toth thank you. Fond memories as a kid taking every brochure offered from the dealership showrooms.
How nice is this- long term caretaker and it shows.
Like everything about this one.
Drove a ’70/71 Impala in college for a Greek restaurant where I delivered food for $1.40/ hr in the EKU college town in 1980.
I remember how that 400/4 barrel would really plant you in the seat… no time to waste delivering Greek food you know.
This is a really nice car and I would work hard to earn the caretaker role that this owner clearly has done. He and this beauty deserve that.
Nobody wants a cold dish 🍽 of mousakka 😋 Torino. Good work 🏁👍
I used the same A6 aluminum compressor in my a/c rebuild. Big weight savings. Two years still quiet, knock on wood.
I had this same ride for my first vehicle at the age of 16, in blue with white top. I did not realize the power it had until the day I was looking for a newer car. I need to cross a busy 4 lane street, and my mom the passenger at this time, got tired of me waiting for a opening. Then she says GO! Never had I gotten on the throttle before, and the tires screamed across the four lanes! Man, I wish I had never sold that car!
$13,000 in maintenance – Are you kidding ???
As usual, I must declare BIGGER is BETTER. My 72 Caprice Classic was a more frugal version of a Cadillac, with practically all accouterments standard. The front end of the 72 even more closely resembled Cadillac. At the time, unable to have a Cadillac, I felt like I WAS driving one. The plush interior is an added Bonus 👌. Hope someone grabs it and appreciates it as a survivor of an era unfortunately never to be seen again.
cool ride. i love these. my pop had a 72 caprice he bought after our 68 Chevelle was stolen. i said he never cared for the caprice as much as Chevelle. that 72 had rusted 1/4s within 7 years.
Had one, big, beautiful, car. Like driving a living room on wheels.
13k in maintenance…I sure hope there was a lot more done than what was listed by the seller. I do most all of the maintenance on my cars so perhaps I am out of touch with what shops charge but I still cannot imagine what they’ve listed costing that much money.
Good looking Impala though. Still some items can be tended to by the next caretaker if they so desire. But, like the Biscayne yesterday, a great car to buy, cruise, have fun with and enjoy and one can still keep busy by tinkering with it along the way.
The Turbo Jet LS3 was a torquey motor though w/the drop in compression in 1971 it still managed 260 net horsepower if dual exhaust was specified. (https://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1971_Chevrolet/1971%20Chevrolet%20Police%20Cars%20Brochure/b_1971%20Chevrolet%20Police%20Cars-04.jpg)
It’s just so, darn, big. More like a Cadillac really. That trunk would fit your entire foursome’s golf bags. I don’t like the mouse fur upholstery but otherwise a fine automobile.
Had a 71 Caprice all black looked just like this. Mine was a 454 car with trailering package. Had 3.23 posi and would tow anything with ease. Would love to have it back. This would be a cool car to lightly modify and use to tow a nice trailer with a race car on back :o)
If you want a ’71 BB Impala, this one HAS to be on your list of possibilities.
I like it!!! It has all the power and torque with all the right looks and options going for it The body and interior are clean and the price is right I would like to see a few more underside shots.
I will also add I like the stance on this one and the ralley wheels look perfect.Looks like this one has been well cared for after all these years. This would make a nice weekend cruiser!