Real SS Project: 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle
When most people think of the 1970s Chevelle Super Sport, they think of the SS 396 or SS 454. But there was also a less potent version of the car offered with a 350 cubic inch V8. This is one of those cars, which has its original engine and (probably) paint but is in cosmetic distress from years of sitting. Located in Laurel, Delaware, and lot-drivable from a gas can, this real-deal Super Sport is waiting to be restored. Current bidding is hovering at $8,850 here on eBay with an unmet reserve, but you can move to the head of the line with the $20,000 Buy It Now option.
With the muscle car market cooling off, the RPO Z15 SS option could be had with any Malibu hardtop or convertible as long as it came with a V8 engine. Less than 20,000 out of 190,000 buyers went this route in 1971 when the car got a rather serious restyle while maintaining much of the looks of the 1970 models. We’re not sure how many were equipped with a 350 engine, but roughly half were ordered as an SS 454. Horsepower ratings were down slightly from 1970 to 1971, but things really started to change thereafter as the cars began the move to unleaded fuel for propulsion.
According to the seller, this Chevelle SS 350 is not only a true barn find, but also a real SS (paperwork would help validate). It left the assembly line in Baltimore, Maryland with Code 922 Lime Green paint with a corresponding color interior. But that paint has long since deteriorated and the exterior sheet metal is showing more than a fair share of rust that may require some new panels. But the good news is that the undercarriage is solid, sans a little surface rust.
No bucket seats for this SS. It has a bench seat with a column-shifted automatic transmission. Once you attend to the fuel delivery system so you can dispense with the can, the Chevy should be able to drive on its own. The front seat is a total loss, yet the rear seat looks hardly used. We’re told this auto came with factory air conditioning (per the VIN???), but that hardware is now MIA. If you’re looking for one of these muscle cars to restore without having to turn a Chevelle into a clone, would you tackle this one?
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Comments
170,000 Chevelle buyers in 1971 were pretty smart to bypass the SS 350.
Totally restored it will be worth just under what you invested.
Fuel injection system looks modern under hood
This would have been a good looking car when new, uninspiring, but pretty.
The ad reads like the seller is joking around. I’d be surprised if the eventual high bidder completes the transaction.
Steve R
Reads like chatgtp wrote the ad.
$20,000 for this?
$20,000 US dollars
Knock off a couple grand for being column shift and bench seat.
I own a 1971 chevelle since1989. I do not see a a/c boxinthe engine compartment. Still a nice car that can be restored.
I bought a new 71 Heavy Chevy in the fall of 71.it went unsold because of column shift and a 402 big block and no air.out the door cost 5326.Ran real nice.
Had one while living in the NE that had less rust than that but the dr side frame where the lower A arm bracket welds to the frame was weak and rusty, had to have a metal support welded in to keep it drivable. Salty winter roads did it.
Some of you sellers are totally nuts!
Take the wheels off and send it to never-never land
that car never had factory a/c. i think somebody is mistaken. this wont be a cheap resto. good luck!
Nine Thousand: RNM??
Seller & Bidder are both drunk.
I owned a 72 Heavy Chevy with bare necessities. This car has The same heater box as mine-absolutely not an air car.