1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Four-Speed

Description

While the Chevrolet Chevelle debuted in 1964 with an angular design, the second-generation 1968 model bowed with a more rounded, aggressive look, the hardtop’s semi-fastback roofline drawing inspiration from the recently redesigned Camaro. And by 1971, the Chevelle’s design evolved further with distinctive sheet metal, as well as an upgraded interior offering more modern conveniences.

The big news for 1970 was the SS 454 package, and it was so popular that the 1971 Chevelle brochure said, “Don’t panic. There’s still an SS 454.” Along with those monstrous big blocks, the SS models featured unique styling, a domed hood, and special wheels to go along with a sport suspension and power disc brakes.

Many muscle car owners performed “Day Two” modifications to their rides, which were done soon after delivery and included bolt-on power and appearance parts. This clean 1971 Chevelle SS 454 was built in a similar way — however, first it was completely torn down, cleaned up, and rebuilt. The result is a straight, timeless Chevelle that’s at home at the strip or on the street — but would look best in your driveway.

Highlights 

• Iconic 1971 Chevelle SS 454 rebuilt with period-correct modifications 

• LS6-spec 454 cu-in V8  

• Rebuilt Muncie M-20 four-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in (26) Mulsanne Blue with a Black interior 

• Front disc brakes 

• Vintage Air conditioning 

Features 

• Engine:  

  • “512” CE 454 LS6 engine block with four-bolt mains 

  • Eagle rods and Arias pistons 

  • 427 Corvette iron heads with competition valves and valve springs  

  • 780-cfm VS carburetor 

  • Edelbrock intake manifold 

  • Clay Smith hydraulic roller camshaft 

  • Aftermarket valve covers 

  • Hooker ceramic-coated long tube headers and full-length exhaust 

  • March serpentine belt system 

  • Aluminum radiator with Derale dual electric fans 

  • New fuel tank and fuel lines 

  • New M&H engine, front, and rear wiring (dash wiring is original except for radio plug) 

• Transmission/Rear End: 

  • Rebuilt transmission 

  • New Mcleod clutch and flywheel 

  • Rebuilt rear end with new axles, bearings, and seals 

  • 3.31 gears with positraction differential 

  • New driveshaft and U-joints 

• Wheels/Brakes/Suspension: 

  • 15x7 front, 15x8 rear Cragar SS wheels 

  • 235/60R15 front, 275/60R15 rear BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires 

  • New front brake rotors and wheel bearings and rebuilt calipers 

  • New rear drums, wheel cylinders, and brake lines 

  • New master cylinder and power booster 

  •  F41 front and rear sway bars 

  • New bushings, springs, KYB shocks, MOOG ball joints, tie rod ends, drag link, and idler arm 

• Interior: 

  • New Legendary interior from headliner to carpet 

  • Bucket seats 

  • Factory four-speed console 

  • New glass including smoked side and rear windows  

  • Window regulators and door latches disassembled, cleaned, and lubed 

  • Hurst shifter 

  • 120-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temp, voltage, and fuel level, and factory gauges have been restored 

  • New radio and speakers, with HushMat throughout the interior  

Known Imperfections 

• Minor paint chip on driver side door 

 Included 

• Keys 

• Car cover 

Ownership History

The consignor states, “I bought this car not to sell, but to restore it to a day two build style (Holley four-barrel, aluminum intake, headers, and Cragar wheels) for myself to enjoy. And I have, but it’s time to let it go. The car looks, runs, and drives excellent. It is a factory big-block, four-speed car with a functional cowl induction hood. This car was fully taken apart and completely rebuilt. I spent over three years rebuilding it with attention to detail.”