This 1971 Chevy Chevelle project was on its way to becoming an SS 454 clone. But an engine and transmission have yet to be sourced, so they will have to be added to the buyer’s to-do list. Chevelle SS clones aren’t rare, but most began life as a Malibu Sport Coupe. This one is based on a basic Chevelle, which used to be called the 300 series. Located in Littleton, Colorado, this stalled Chevrolet roller is available here on eBay, where the current bid is just $1,375 against an unmet reserve.
The seller’s car’s VIN decodes as having been a basic Chevelle Sport Coupe, without some of the frills of a Malibu (like carpeting, for example). Chevrolet built 17,117 “standard” V8 Sport Coupes compared to 189,970 of the same body style Malibus. Since the ratio was about 10 to 1, the chances of finding a non-Malibu to perform this transformation were more of a challenge (or an accidental find).
We don’t know how long the seller has been working on this Chevelle. But he/she has run low on resources (mostly time and space), so it’s time to let her go. A bunch of the heavy lifting is in the rear-view mirror, which includes new floors, quarter panels, fenders, front suspension, and carpeting (may not be installed). It was a factory air-conditioned car, and most of the components have survived.
The seller doesn’t mention what motor and tranny were in this copper car when new, but it has a 12-bolt rear end that is original (maybe this vehicle started as a Heavy Chevy?). The trunk is full of parts, and the seller has already sourced much of an SS bucket seat interior, but many of the pieces will need restoring (and it was set up for a 4-speed). The Chevy currently sports Rally wheels, but they don’t go with the sale. Would you follow the seller’s vision and build an SS clone?
It seems someone saw the potential, since the auction was ended and the bids were cancelled (the highest one was $5,000). I think your idea of cloning it into a Heavy Chevy makes more sense than an SS since it started life as a Chevelle, better yet, don’t install any emblems or decals.
The dash is from a 1972 Rally’s are overplayed a set of 5 spoke 71-72 SS Rally’s would look better. As for the 12 bolt rear end, they were incredibly common in 70-72 Monte Carlo’s, El Caminos and even 350 4bbl Malibu’s through the early-90’s. The local Pick Your Parts sold the for $65 (drum to drum) plus a $10 core, they were an easy $150-$200 profit. These were the go to rear end until aftermarket housings became readily available in the early-2000’s, at the same time OE housings were getting hard to find at wrecking yards.
Steve R
I agree with Steve R’s comments. I purchased a 12 bolt rear diff from a junkyard here in Las Vegas in the late 1999 for $250 for my 1971 Chevelle to replaced the 10 bolt diff and the 12 bolt diff was in a Chevelle Station wagon. Those days of finding them for that price are gone and just finding one!
I miss those old scrap yards full of muscle cars and old iron. One of the last ones I went to in the early ’90’s had a white ‘72 (I think?) GTO convertible with a white top and white interior. Was so nice but back then it was just an old gas guzzler with a ripped top. Around the same time grabbed a ‘69 GTO urethane front bumper for $125. Dunno what they go for now.
This Chevy has a lot of potential! Lots of new stuff and floors done is a big plus!
I like Phiibo427 comments. I saw several cars back in the early 1990’s in junkyards in New Jersey were I grew up but I was born in 1972 and just think now if I was able to buy a few of them and wonder what happened to them. A lot of parts back then and they were cheap at that time. There were a few Chevelle converts and several baracudas from the late 1960s. Miss those days of seeing these cars back then.
I like Phiibo427 comments. I saw several cars back in the early 1990’s in junkyards in New Jersey were I grew up but I was born in 1972 and just think now if I was able to buy a few of them and wonder what happened to them. A lot of parts back then and they were cheap at that time. There were a few Chevelle converts and several baracudas from the late 1960s. Miss those days of seeing these cars back then. A lot of hard work has been put into this Chevelle.