One of the most popular muscle cars going in recent times is the ’71 & ’72 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. They will appear as original/stock, with what are considered to be day-two modifications and as resto-mods. One of the approximately 19,000 units produced in 1971 with SS equipment, this featured example, is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and available here on eBay for a current bid of $12,400, reserve not yet met.

The 1971 Chevelle SS departed from the usual formula that had preceded it in the previous five years by making the small-block engine available in addition to the 402 and 454 CI big-block engines. The unique VIN identifier for the SS version disappeared after ’68 and the addition of the small block engine in ’71 has made “cloning” much easier to achieve. The VIN tag image provided for this Chevelle validates it as a ’71 model and further describes it as a Malibu V8 sports coupe from Kansas City production – but the tag will not reference the existence of the “Z15” SS package. There are several different features that will help to positively identify a true SS from a created version but the build sheet is probably the best way to document authenticity.

Right out of the gate we encounter some confusion with this SS. The listing states that it is equipped with a V8 engine that has six cylinders. The image of the engine shows it to be small block V8 so if it is the original engine it is a 350 CI V8 engine that was originally 245 or 270 HP. Clearly, there are some modifications like a valve cover swap, open-element air cleaner and headers added; hard to tell what else beyond that. There is an included statement in the listing that claims, “The car was parked and ran a year ago but no battery.” It seems that getting something as simple as a battery, installing it and then starting the engine would be in order – it would help with the sale. The listing also states that the transmission is an automatic which would mean a Turbo-Hydramatic 350, three-speed unit is present.

The interior appears to be in pretty nice condition and the listing states that this Chevy has new carpet, seat covers, steering wheel, and door panels. The seats are described as leather but I imagine that in keeping with the OEM flavor, they are vinyl. The dash has the SS-style circular gauges, as opposed to the incorrect horizontal speedometer, so that’s a good sign for SS authenticity. The steering wheel is wrong for an original SS but it’s a nice touch and the type of upgrade that is common for this era Chevelle. There is also an accompanying image of the bare steel floors and they look to be sound. Apparently, this SS is originally from Alabama and the seller tells us that it is a “rust free” Alabama car.

The exterior images of this Chevy are not very good, there isn’t a comprehensive image of the car in the listing but what is included shows a Chevelle with a recently applied paint finish. It appears to be “Burnt Orange” which was a ’71 choice. The requisite SS style stripes are present as they generally are on ’70 to ’72 Chevelle SS models but they could be deleted via an option code. Interesting to note are the missing standard SS hood pins. Again, it is hard to get a real close look at the condition of this Chevelle’s body but the details that are visible include missing windshield reveal moldings and a misaligned hood. Beyond those two issues, nothing else notable or of concern is apparent.

The story on this Chevelle is that it belonged to the seller’s husband who recently passed so she’s offering it for sale. It has a nice “day-two” look about it with the over-sized tires, jacked-up rear end, and chromed mag wheels. The pictures and description of this Chevy are a bit weak but there are 31 bids of interest so that’s encouraging. As stated at the outset, SS models of this vintage are frequently cloned, this one looks genuine; what’s your thought?