1971 Chevrolet Chevelle

The height of muscle cars was 1970, before emissions and gas conservation automotive reality began to alter the face of horse power and raw pavement shaking torque. In 1970 the Chevelle was offered with several motor/horse power combinations. The top dogs were the 396, the LS5 454/365hp and the monster LS6 454/450hp motor.

When the 1971 models were rolled out, the 454/450 was still in the catalog, however, Chevrolet says none were produced and none have ever surfaced. (at least that could be confirmed) The 454/365hp motor was still in the line up. Although it was not the 450hp motor, the LS5 365hp motor is no slouch, and many drivers actually preferred it to the gas sucking beast the 450hp motor was.

Since my first car was a 1971 Chevelle Malibu 350, I obviously have a soft spot in my heart and my head for this car. This ebay SS454/365 is the answer to that. When buying a 26 year old car, you really have three ways to go. First buy a rusted old junker, get out your check book and cutting torch and start your journey on a "ground up" "frame off" restoration. Second, buy a good, solid, reasonablly unmolested car, get out your check book and start a "frame on" restoration. Third, involves getting your check book out first and just buying a restored car.

My approach was the second. This Chevelle was a numbers matching (all of the components and colors match the factory data tag) car, had good sheet metal and an interior that, for the most part, had already been refurbished. The car came with an LS6 454/450 motor in the car and the numbers matching LS5 454/365 short block. It also came with the original Muncie M22 transmission and the original wheels with chrome rings still attached. A pretty good starting point.

This car had obviously been raced at some time in it's past. It had a fuel cell in the trunk at one time. (it had a brand new and correct fuel tank when I got it) The car also has had the rear end and rear control arms modified, and a 1/2 size roll bar in the cab. On the down side, it also, like most old cars, had a totally wasted suspension, steering and body mount support structure.

This car was purchased for 17K. I can rebuild the original LS5 motor (with a little horse power upgrade ;-) ) for 5K, redo the suspension and steering for around 3K, repaint for 4K, add some misc goodies for another 3k, sell the LS6 450hp motor for around 4K and have around 28 thousand in a car that should be worth in the mid to upper 30's, and that's probably what I should do.

But! I could also upgrade all the front and rear suspension w/coil over shocks or even air ride, install rack & pinion steering, install a new Tremec T56 six speed double overdrive tranny w/race clutch set up and put a show quality paint job on the car and have 50K in a car thats worth in the low 40's. Now that sounds more like what I do! (I never said I was smart)

At any rate, this type car is not for everyone. For the person who wants a really cool old muscle car/investment vehicle, a lessor motor chevelle or nice numbers matching Camaro would just make more sense. But if you want the real deal, and they are not making any more of these, well, come on in, the waters fine!

Finally, there are a lot of better sources for tips on buying cars, especially older cars than I could give you here and I strongly suggest you follow that adice. I'll add on thing, ask the seller how tight the steering and suspension are, it will tell you a lot!

THIS CAR I PAID $7250 FOR IS NOTHING BUT A RIPOFF. THE GUY LIED ABOUT EVERYTHING. DID NOT DISCRIBE THE CAR AS IT WAS.I TALKED TO HIM AND HE MORE LESS LAUGHED IN MY FACE.AT THIS TIME I WONT BUY ANOTHER CAR OFF EBAY BECAUSE THERE IS NO PROTECTION FOR THE BUYER ON CLASSIC CARS. THIS GUY SHOULD BE BANDED FROM EBAY. MONEY COMES TO HARD.
DAVE DYKEHOUSE

This is a beautiful machine, the I know was a great buy and will only go up from here. The car was delivered in great condition and the seller was more than cooperative with me.

I love the car but I will never make a big buy unless it is local and can inspect the unit first. I have bought a boat and a car on ebay and both where
out of state. I will not buy anything of large value again.

I did not buy the car. It was described in excellent shape. The car had rust down both sides, from front to back. The top was sagging and the doors would not close. The back passanger window would not roll up. And there was electrical problems. Also the owner wanted cash for the payment.

I love the color combo, and the work that was put into restoring it. What I don't like is the dash, A/C and heater controls were disregarded during the restoration. But that's OK. I didn't pay a "top" price for the car, and I enjoy doing this type of work and repairs myself, because I know it will be done right.

Who doesn't love a classic, it is an awesome car!! It runs pretty good, has a few leaking problems, but I don't mind a little fixing up. Still very excited to finally own this car!!

I bought this car because they are very populer. I restore cars for a living. Looking forward to restoring and returning it back to a nice car. Will drive for a while and may sell later.

Car sales man ship was miss leading. Car did not have clear title as stated. Said would have title in 5-10 days never produced .After over 30 days still no title. I returned car after spending money on gas to and back twice to get my money back wich I have not been refunded like i was told, sent address twice, I will never do business with man again .DC

This car is one of the Muscle Cars that will never loose value, or its reputation, always has people looking, It is a very nice car. LOVE IT.