Vehicle Description
If you want a musclebound Chevelle, you can track down some old
heap and restore it, making it just what you want. Or you can
simply come in and buy this 1971 Chevelle SS hardtop that's already
got all the good stuff, including a big block and 4-wheel disc
brakes, and costs a lot less than what it would take to build it
yourself.
Big bad Chevelles never go out of style, and while 1971 wasn't the
peak for performance from the factory, today they can be fortified
with the nastiest powerplants ever devised. Many fans also prefer
the 1971's single headlight look, which seamlessly blends with the
rounded A-body shape. Thanks to a dedicated restorer, the
sheetmetal looks quite good with straight panels that are worthy of
being covered in glossy burgundy paint. It's not a trailer queen,
but the shine is brilliant and believe me, nobody's going to argue
with a car that looks like this, especially not with a big block
under the hood. Painted-on silver stripes, a cowl-induction hood
with pins, and correct SS badges are additional warning signs that
this is not a car to be trifled with on the street. Chrome bumpers,
nice stainless trim, and those four round taillights out back are
every bit as distinctive as the engine note.
Factory buckets, a center console, and a horseshoe shifter are the
highlights of the nicely refinished interior. Correct black
reproduction seat covers give the Chevelle an upscale look that's
also quite comfortable, and the wide back seat is good for road
trips. Factory gauges cover the basics and the wide speedometer
tells you that this isn't a real SS, but at this point, does it
matter? It feels plenty potent from behind the wheel and once the
engine fires, nobody will be asking questions. The coolest shifter
in the world lives between the seats and the carpets are protected
by matching black floor mats. There's also an AM/FM/cassette stereo
in the original slot and in the trunk you'll find correct
spatter-finish paint that only needs a repro mat to look factory
correct.
But you and I both know the reason we love Chevelles is because
their engine bays are big enough to handle the biggest of big
blocks. In this car's case, it's a brutal 396 cubic inch V8 with
goodies from all the big names. It's an EG-coded 375 horsepower
block from a '66 or '67 Chevelle, and it's plenty nasty today.
Equipped with an Edelbrock intake manifold, a Demon carburetor,
long-tube headers, and an HEI ignition system to light the fires,
all coated in Chevy Orange, it's formidable no matter how you look
at it. Power steering and brakes mean that having that big chunk of
horsepower over the front wheels isn't a chore to drive, and the
quick-shifting TH400 3-speed automatic transmission snaps through
the gears with authority. There's also a 12-bolt out back, durable
enough to handle the big block's power, and with twin mufflers the
soundtrack is like an angry god is chasing you. Classic Rally
wheels are one of the better-looking choices for a street brawler,
and the look will never go out of style. Fat 255/70/15 white-letter
radials give it just a bit of rake that makes all the
difference.
This is already the Chevelle you were planning on building for
yourself, all finished and ready to enjoy. All you need to do is
pick up the phone and call!