One of the most popular muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s was the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396. And, beginning in 1970, you could also buy an SS 454 with the biggest V8 Chevy had to offer. Chances are this 1971 Chevelle was an ordinary Malibu Sport Coupe, but it appears to be on its way to becoming a Super Sport clone. From a yard in Ravensdale, Washington, this primered roller is available here on craigslist for $6,500 OBO. Bravo to Barn Finder “Scott” for this wannabe muscle car tip!

Chevrolet produced 196,000 Malibu Sport Coupes in 1971, of which fewer than 20,000 came with RPO Z15, Chevy-speak for the SS option. Both numbers were down substantially from the prior year, with the SS likely falling victim to rising insurance premiums and the early stages of detuning for lower emissions. The styling had been updated, and Chevelles now wore single headlights like the upscale Monte Carlo.

We don’t know the history of this Chevy, but it does come with a small block engine and a TH-350 transmission, both common in ordinary Malibus. We’re not told if this hardware would work if you were to choose to use it. Some work has already been done to ready the Chevelle for new life as an SS tribute: cowl hood, front disc brakes, sway bars, an SS dashboard, and bucket seats.

The body has at least been partially prepared for new paint. We’re told there is no rust anywhere, perhaps already taken care of (if it was ever there). New bumpers are in the pile of parts that come with the sale. The stated mileage is 10,000, but does that mean much at this stage? Where would you go with the project in its current form?