1971 Chevrolet Camaro RS

Description

Some regular readers might recognize this slick 1971 Camaro RS, but even though it's back, it's sufficiently revised to warrant a brand new take on its condition. Aside from the great colors and wicked stance, it's been thoroughly sorted and battle-hardened, so that not only does it run 100%, but it's got the hardware to put the hurt on some pretty serious machinery.

If you're going to put giant tires on the back of your Camaro, you'd better have the hardware to back it up. And a lot of guys do spend big to make their cars go fast, but rarely do they get a high-quality cosmetic makeover to match. That's why this Camaro is special. The charcoal gray paint is deep and rich and extremely well done, the product of a lot of time in the pre-painting stages to get everything just right. The fiberglass cowl-induciton hood works in conjunction with the tubs out back to send a message, although it has been cloaked in proper black SS stripes to perhaps add a little camouflage. The RS look, complete with split front bumper and a custom billet insert in the grille opening, is extremely appealing, and combined with the subtle spoiler out back gives this car a very clean look. LED taillights, bright chrome bumpers, and very cool twin exhaust tips in the center of the rear valence make this Camaro stand out before you even turn the key.

The interior was treated to the same kind of high-quality upgrade that you see outside, starting with a pair of supportive bucket seats. They're subtle enough to blend in with the 1971 hardware, using vertical pleats to echo the original seat covers, but offering far more support. There's a 4-point roll hoop behind the driver and thanks to the large-by-huge wheel tubs in back, the back seat is nothing but a memory, so there's a place to hang the 5-point harnesses. The dash is filled with Auto Meter gauges in a custom panel that keeps everything clean and tidy, and you'll note that in true race car fashion, both the radio and the heater have been deleted. However, it's still civilized, thanks to carpets on the floor, correct door panels, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel that warms things up a bit in the all-black interior. A few billet upgrades were part of the recent makeover, and the trunk is neatly finished with a fuel cell and enclosures for the battery.

The 496 cubic inch big block V8 needs no help in the horsepower department and looks fantastic crouching in the satin black engine bay. With finned valve covers, a trick billet accessory drive, and a giant 4-barrel carb, it runs and looks fantastic. Aluminum heads build horsepower and shave precious weight, an HEI ignition lights it off, and brand new shorty headers feed a gorgeous custom exhaust system with electric cut-outs and Magnaflow mufflers, plus those cool Borla tips in back. The front suspension is stock, but there's a built TH400 3-speed automatic feeding a narrowed Ford 9-inch rear that hangs on a 4-link suspension that really plants the tires, yet rides rather well. Brand hew 26/8R15 front and 29x15R15 Mickey Thompson tires were fitted to the Weld Pro-Star wheels to complete the Pro-Street look.

It's fast, no doubt about that, and thanks to the comprehensive freshening, it's reliable and reasonably comfortable as well. If performance matters, but you're not willing to give up anything else to get it, this Camaro belongs in your garage. Call today!