Chevrolet redesigned the popular Camaro “pony car” in 1970, but it got off to a slow start. Production problems delayed the introduction until after the first of the year, and subsequent sales numbers fell below those of the first generation. This 1971 Camaro is an SS 396 with the Rally Sport package, which the seller pegs at just 750 copies. It fell into neglect before its owner passed away and never got a chance to revive it. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this ambitious project comes with a lot of sheet metal for repairs and is available here on eBay. The current bid is $2,550, and the reserve is north of there.
Because of the short 1970 model year run, the 1971 Camaro saw few changes. Eagle eye observers would notice that the ‘71s had high-back bucket seats while the ‘70s still had headrests. The SS 396 was still offered, though the muscle car market had cooled off some, and the actual displacement was 402 cubic inches (to confuse the insurance people?). The Rally Sport no longer had hideaway headlights, but a very different grille and headlight setup made them very noticeable compared to non-RS models.
This was a one-owner car until its owner passed away recently. The photos indicate a car that has been dormant for a long time, though the engine is not stuck at 51,000 miles (or 151,000 or something else). The original owner had Hurst T-Tops installed, but we don’t know how far into the car’s life it was, or if they prevent water from getting in. The Camaro once had a vinyl roof covering, but has loads of features like factory air conditioning and a tilt steering wheel.
We’re told the vehicle was last driven in 1989, so we assume that’s where the story ends. Has it just been sitting somewhere for 37 years, and in an environment where Mother Nature could have full access? To facilitate a restoration, the seller includes an extra roof, floors, trunk lid, and interior. You’ll have to supply the new hood yourself. The Chevy is matching numbers, but the title is not. The Florida DMV is said to have made an error with the original title that the owner never got around to straightening out. This is a rare car, but does rarity add up to a restoration?
Really rough, even though it’s rare and desirable, it’s hard to see someone restore this body. If the job is tackled I’d be surprised if it weren’t rebodied.
Steve R
The roof is ready to rip off with rust when T Tops are off …
I am Glad Florida is a dry state 😉😂
Rusty as a bed-wetter’s mattress springs. I don’t think you’re going to get anywhere with this other than a parts car. My friend’s sister had one when she was teaching school–in the salt belt. The car pretty much dissolved before it reached 50K miles. When they moved back west they just scrapped it. The girl’s husband said that the body was about to break in two where the front clip joined. There was a guy in that same town, ran a shop near the railway crossing. A Toyota Corolla went over the tracks and actually broke in two.
A friend lived in the city of Fairfield which is next to Travis Air Force base. In the 1980’s and early-90’s he said rusty muscle cars and American made intermediates were common at the local Pick Your Part yards. Many service members brought their cars with them and realized how cheap and plentiful rust free versions of their cars were, replaced them with dry west coast cars, then junked them.
Steve R
Split bumper goodness but after seeing those rust holes in the body immediately left of the passenger door it’s a hard pass for anything other than a rebody or parts car,….
Sad too because I LOVES me some split bumper Camaros(and Vegas).