Produced for just two years (1971 and 1972), the Heavy Chevy was a “poor man’s” version of the Chevelle Super Sport. Heavy on graphics but light on creature comforts, it was a budget-minded muscle car whose main requirement was a V8 engine. The seller has a 1971 edition that has likely been restored and may include features not originally offered on the Heavy Chevy (like bucket seats). Located in San Pablo, California, this SS wannabe is available here on craigslist for $33,500. Thanks for the “tiperoo”, Tony Primo!
The Heavy Chevy began with a V8 Chevelle Sport Coupe (not the Malibu) and came with a 307 cubic inch V8 as standard. Rubber floor mats were also from the factory, but the graphics department was given a license to be liberal with decals and stickers. You could go up to a 400 V8 and a 4-speed, while the original owner of this car was happy with a 350 (if this motor is numbers-matching). We suspect the insurance premiums were a lot less on the Heavy Chevy than on an SS 396 or 454.
Production numbers were modest in 1971 at 6,727 units, growing to 9,508 in 1972. When the all-new “Colonnade” Chevelles came out in 1973, the Heavy Chevy was no more. Besides the graphics, you got a domed hood (like the SS) and a blacked-out grille (also like the SS). Documentation is needed to verify a real deal Heavy Chevy, but we’re guessing far fewer have been cloned compared to a Super Sport.
With 80,000 miles on the odometer, we doubt this car is still original. The paint is too nice, and the interior looks like it was imported from an SS of the same vintage. The 4-speed floor shifter seems to be aftermarket, while we assume the car was ordered with that tranny from the factory. Cowl induction was optional, and this car’s is said to be functional. We’re told the hot rod performs as well as it presents. For those who don’t have $50k or more for a Chevelle SS, would this Heavy Chevy suffice?
I remember at the time that there were several states where a service member like I was could not afford insurance on an SS, since Geico and USAA has the SS’s vins noted. This was the answer. This one has a much fancier interior than I recall being available.
I didn’t realize that a functional cowl induction hood was an option on anything but the Super Sport package. Was the sport gauge package available as well?
It’s a cowl induction hood, you can tell by the flapper, but hasn’t been made functional. They’ve been available through the aftermarket for decades, Jegs has one listed for $344, better quality are closer to $500, a complete set up with hood and all the components to make it functional are closer to $1,000. Tach and gauges were optional on SS’s and non-SS’s with V8’s.
Steve R
There are some issues, it’s a column shift car, manual drum brakes, it has a cowl induction hood but it’s not functional, the shifter handle is so short it will be an uncomfortable reach, there are no rubber bumpers on the inner fender and core support to help keep the hood aligned. This has signs of a quick flip that looks pretty, but might not hold up. For $33,500 it needs a very thorough inspection, there are a lot of nice cars for that kind of money.
Steve R
I noticed certain things to. Inner fenders are painted black cowl 3 vents missing and steering column has a shifter on it as it does under hood. Has manual brakes . Has carpet inside to which is not all bad. This was probably a three on the tree shifter car. I have a 1971 Chevelle since 1989 and it was a 3 on the tree trans which I converted trans to a 4 on the floor muncie back in the mid 1990’s. My car has factory power brakes and manual brakes and heavy duty cooling system with factory trailer tow package.
I meant to say mine has manual steering.
Nice paint and body, everything else not so much. The seats look like they are from an olds or Buick. Base dash, power nothing.its no more than a base chevelle with a small block and four speed.the underhood area should have been detailed . Probably worth more like 10 to 15k
It will really get detailed if that plastic fuel filter over the headers fails…
Cars like this sell to two types of buyers.
One is someone who is uninformed, likes a pretty face, compares it to an SS big block in similar shape, and pays close to asking price.
The other is a guy who wants something really cheap that looks good, just to cruise around in. He couldn’t care less about authenticity or numbers match or the rest of that.
The first guy no longer exists and the second guy would pay $5K, max.
Nice looking car. I’ve always loved the 1970-71 Chevelle. I hope this goes to a good owner.
you are correct… the car is not. grille paint is incorrect, upholstery looks incorrect, marker lights paint incorrect, never had blackout trim. hood decal may be missing…and I only looked at 2 pics! Don’t get me started.
The option code for a “Heavy Chevy” was YF3. You really need documentation because these are relatively simple to clone. The YF3 also had a different interior door trim panel, and this car does not have the correct type. The panel is a Malibu type. The Heavy Chevy decal on the decklid is on the wrong side in this example also. Would not surprise me if this is a replica Heavy Chevy, so treat it as such unless the seller can document it.
Noticed the decal was on the wrong side of trunk too.
My ’72 Chevelle SS ( bought it in ’82) came equipped as follows:
350 2bbl, Turbo 350 A/T on column.
Bench seat, SS dash w/idiot lights, SS emblems on inside door panels and horn button (Camaro style steering wheel) AM radio, A/C.
Bigger sway bars front and back, Plastic inner fenders, regular coil springs (not HD) Front disc brakes.
SS badges on rear bumper, front grille, fenders. Cowl Induction hood (no flap). No bumperettes
15X7 SS steel wheels (grey, Z28 style)
Gold exterior, beige interior. No stripes.
Even if this is a real Heavy Chevy I don’t think that makes it anything really special other than the cosmetic appeal that this car has. The Heavy Chevy package on most of them did not really add much or anything to performance. Some were even 307’s and most were modest performing 350’s. It a long time ago but I think I remember all of them having non-functioning cowl induction style hoods. The package was mostly the non-functioning hood and decals. I still like it though, and any 70-72 Chevelle is bringing good money but I think this is a reach on this one.
way too much going on here. the color just kills it and the sloppy look engine bay the puffed-up seats from an Oldsmobile. they did they could to make somebody not want this car
Interesting comments about some features that made me look twice. Like leaving the 3-on-tree cowl on steering column rather than replacing with the correct (smooth) cowl. The one picture showing “battery connections using emergency ends” illustrates my pet peeve… and screams “Flipper”.
Why not replace the whole battery cable with one that has an OEM molded battery end? At least TRY to make it look factory!
Sigh….
My very first car was a ’71 Chevelle in baby blue. Loved that car but ended up moving to Houston in ’78 and a car without AC had to go, so it was traded out. How I would love to have her back.