1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

Description

Here's the bottom line on this 1971 Chevelle: it's amazing. With a thundering 454 under the hood, a gorgeous Tuxedo Black paint job, and a restored interior, it's a great all-around performer that will fit right in on the show field, too. With so many garden-variety Chevelles out there, it's really refreshing to see one that is just a little outside the ordinary.

There are a lot of guys who think the '71 Chevelle is the best looking of the bunch, myself included. Although not born an SS, it's been professionally built in a way the average passerby would never know the difference. Now featuring a high-end resto-mod rebuild, all those details of original pedigree are out the window anyway. Black was chosen for the build and this beautifully applied finish, along with the white SS stripes means you have a car that won't be overlooked, and most certainly should be feared. The bodywork looks really clean on this one, and the unadorned flanks are straight and free of ripples and blemishes, which is a tribute to both the workmanship and the fact that these are all the car's original panels. The black paint is deep and thick, just like you'd expect from a detailed high-end restoration. A cowl induction hood makes it a little aggressive, but nothing outside the factory specifications has been done-it's very much the way Chevy might have built it in 1971. Chrome is nicely done, and the blacked-out grille gives it a monochromatic look, and aside from the stripes, they just let the clean shape do most of the talking.

The black bucket seat interior uses 1970 patterns, but it'll take an expert to spot it. Showing virtually no wear and exceptional workmanship, this fabulous interior is a great place to spend your weekends. The center console features what might be the coolest shifter ever devised by the guys at GM, and the original gauge cluster has been augmented by a set of auxiliary gauges under the dash. Under-dash A/C is an unusual addition but the setup fits well and blends in nicely, and you can't argue with how effective it is. A powerful Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo lives in the dash and fits like it was born here, and stock carpets, door panels, and headliner round out an interior you'll be proud to call your own. The trunk is clean, and includes a full-sized spare tire and jack assembly.

Power comes from a 454 cubic inch crate motor, which is rated at 425 horsepower. Everything under the hood is as OEM as possible, including the accessories on a serpentine belt drive system, so it drives like a modern car with no fussing. There are a few dress-up items like the bright red valve covers and chrome air cleaner, but the intent was to let the hardware do all the talking; that means a Barry Grant carb, ceramic-coated long-tube headers, and an HEI ignition system. The transmission is a 700R4 4-speed automatic with a deep overdrive for easy long distance cruising, even with the 3.73 gears in the 12-bolt rear. The chassis is very solid and clean, but not detailed for show, which means you can drive this one without worries about dirt and the occasional rain shower. 4-wheel disc brakes provide confident stopping power, and thanks to a set of custom springs and KYB shocks, it has the perfect stance. Rounding out this handsome A-body is a set of Boyd Coddington wheels wearing 255/35/20 front and 285/30/22 rear tires that look more like O-rings.

This car is every bit as cool as it seems and the workmanship throughout is top quality. With overdrive and upgraded suspension, it's a fabulous long-distance cruiser and you can proudly display the spectacular paint and interior anywhere you go. Call today!