1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS LS5 454

Description

Although the first-generation, 1964–67 Chevrolet Chevelle wore an attractive, angular design, the 1968–up second-generation model took Chevy’s muscle car styling to the next level. The new Chevelle had an absolutely sinister look, blending sensual curves with a semi-fastback roofline.

By 1971, the Chevelle’s design had evolved with distinctive sheet metal, and an upgraded interior offering more modern conveniences. The uplevel Malibu got premium materials and additional interior/exterior brightwork. And SS versions received unique styling, a domed hood, front disc brakes, and a sport suspension.

This 1971 example wears tantalizing options: it rolled out of the Arlington, Texas factory as an uplevel Malibu Sport Coupe, and was equipped with both the top 365-horsepower LS5 454ci big block V8, and the Z15 SS Equipment package that was mandatory with the LS5 engine. Its engine pad stamping and transmission stamping correspond with the car’s serial number.

Finished in Placer Gold with black stripes, the exterior wears the SS domed hood, black grille, and SS emblems. 15” wheels with SS center caps hide factory front disc brakes and the special SS suspension. And the interior wears black upholstery, and is equipped with upgraded Black vinyl SS interior, a center console with floor shifter, an SS Rally gauge cluster with 5,500-rpm redline tachometer, factory air conditioning, and an aftermarket head unit.

This 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS is now offered by the selling dealer with a clean Florida title in the selling dealer’s name.

Highlights

• LS5-powered ’71 Chevelle Malibu SS

• Finished in Placer Gold with black stripes and Black Vinyl SS upholstery

• SS Equipment package

• Numbers-matching 454ci LS5 V8

• Numbers-matching 3-speed automatic transmission

• Factory front disc brakes

• R134a-converted air conditioning

Factory Equipment

• 454ci V8

  • Pad stamping 118726 corresponds with the serial number

  • CPD suffix code corresponds with a 454/365hp LS5 big block

• RUC-code LS5-specific 12-bolt rear end with 3.31 gears from Buffalo, New York, assembly plant

• Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor

• Power steering

• Deluxe steering wheel

• The SS Equipment package includes:

  • Power front disc brakes with rear drums

  • SS suspension

  • Domed hood with hood pins

  • Black grille

  • SS emblems

  • Sport wheels

  • Sport mirrors

• The chassis number (136371R118726) decodes as:

  • 1 – Chevrolet

  • 36 – Malibu 8 cylinder

  • 37 – 2-Door Sport Coupe

  • 1 – 1971

  • R – Arlington, Texas, assembly plant

  • 118726 – Sequential production number

• The trim tag decodes as:

  • 71-13637 – 1971 Malibu Sport Coupe

  • R – Arlington, Texas, final assembly plant

  • 13190 – Production sequence number

  • 706 – Black Elk coated fabric bucket seats (Now black vinyl)

  • 53 53 – Placer Gold paint

  • 12A – First week of December production date

Modifications

• Vinyl SS Interior

• HEI ignition system

• Headers and dual exhaust system with Dynomax mufflers

• RetroSound head unit with rear deck-mounted speakers

Known Imperfections

• Tires have older date codes

• Images detailing the condition of the 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS are presented in the gallery

Ownership History

From the selling dealer, “This rare LS5 Chevelle Super Sport is a blast to drive, and this car’s numbers-matching 454 makes it a solid investment. Don't miss one of the most desirable American muscle cars to ever roll off the assembly line. If you're looking to park a special Chevelle in your garage, you need this 454 car with cold factory A/C!”