Cheap Project or Parts? 1971 Chevrolet Camaro RS

If there’s one thing that surprises me about this 1971 Chevrolet Camaro RS, it is that nobody has snapped it up already. When it comes to Second Generation Camaros, they don’t come much cheaper than our feature car. It is a complete vehicle that could represent an affordable starting point for a project build, although it could also be an excellent parts car for another restoration. It is listed here on Craigslist in Metairie, Louisiana. How cheap is this classic? How does $500 OBO sound? I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Chuck F for spotting this beauty.

When I saw the asking price for this Camaro, I instinctively scoured the supplied photos searching for panels that looked like Swiss cheese or acres of Bondo ready to fall to the ground. I was pleasantly surprised because many of the panels seem to be respectable. There are a few minor rust spots, but they look repairable. We receive no information or photos revealing the state of the floors or cowl, so this could be an automotive iceberg where only a tiny percentage of the rust is visible. If that’s the case, its viability as a project build could hang by a thread. If the Camaro has reached the point of no return, plenty of parts could find their way to another car. The doors, front fenders, nose, and hood all carry surface corrosion. However, they are free from penetrating rust and significant dings or dents. Builders can easily source reproduction parts, but there’s nothing like using genuine steel in any project. The grille is okay, and so are many of the trim pieces. The distinctive and unique RS split front bumpers and mounting hardware are intact, and that feature alone could be worth the sale price. Reproductions sell for around $220, but there’s nothing like having the real deal. Rounding out the salvageable parts is a complete set of genuine tinted Camaro glass. Even if you discount this Camaro as a project, it will make an excellent donor.

The seller supplies no interior shots, but our glimpses suggest it is largely intact. Undoubtedly, the upholstery is beyond help, but the buyer could utilize seat frames and other parts during a build. There should also be plenty of smaller trim items and switches worth saving, but that will take an in-person inspection to confirm. One item that will probably find its way to the scrapheap is the existing engine. The seller states that the engine bay houses a 307ci V8, which is no one’s firm favorite when it comes to high-performance offerings. It isn’t clear whether it turns freely, and the buyer probably won’t lose any sleep if it doesn’t. If they elect to restore this classic, they will almost certainly slot something more potent under the hood. If this car’s destiny is as a donor, they may be able to find someone willing to spend the money on an affordable boat anchor!

The viability of this 1971 Camaro RS as a project car depends on what the buyer finds when they delve below the surface. One attraction with these classics is the ready availability of replacement steel, allowing the owner to return the body to a rust-free state. They will have to assess the situation to decide whether tackling any rust problems is financially viable. I suspect that if the buyer does pursue a project build, they will probably scrap the existing engine. That will add further to their costs, which is a consideration. However, even if they place a restoration or refurbishment in the “too hard” basket, the available parts offered by this RS for another build must make it worth the price. You will struggle to find a cheaper ’71 Camaro RS in the current market, but is that fact alone enough to tempt you to throw caution to the wind and contact the seller? If you splash the cash, we’d all be interested in learning your plans.