1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Convertible


Details

The Chevrolet Motor Car Company was founded in Detroit , USA in 1911. The company was merged into General Motors in 1917 and subsequently became a Division of that company. Chevrolet is an iconic American brand that is well known the world over.  The 1950’s and 1960’s were a time of great change in America and the automobile played a significant part in the American way of life at that time. Chevrolet is recognised as producing the great American family car, however, Chevys have enjoyed much success in motor racing, the small block V8 is considered by many to be one of the greatest engines of all time and the Corvette, introduced in 1953, is perhaps the company’s crowning achievement.

Another of Chevrolet’s great success stories was the Chevelle. This mid-sized automobile was first introduced in 1964 and built as a sedan, coupe, convertible and station wagon with many different engine options to cater for all markets. The Chevelle evolved over three generations throughout fifteen years of production.

The muscle car market was significant and important for American manufacturers at that time. The Chevelle SS or ‘Super Sports’ was Chevrolet’s competitor in that space. Today the second generation Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 is recognised as one of the ‘great cars’ of that era.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer a 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Convertible.

Back in 2014 the car had just completed a near decade long restoration that used only top notch components. The paint and chrome was all done.  The whole interior was new and it certainly shows that way.  The car is finished in a fantastic shade of nevada silver (originally 53 – placer gold) over correct black vinyl interior and black soft top.  The car is fitted with a 454 cubic inch crate engine mated to a THM-400 automatic transmission and proper 12-bolt 3.55 posi rear end.  The car is fitted with a host of options including air conditioning, power top, power steering, power brakes with front discs and slotted rotors, bucket seats with headrests, centre console, comfort grip steering wheel, ZL2 cowl induction hood with pins, day/night rear-view mirror, windshield antenna, full Soft-Ray tinted glass, tilt column, AM radio, stainless fender trim and more!  The car currently rides on a set of beautiful period staggered SS wheels with Chevrolet bowtie centre caps and trim rings.  The tires are BF Goodrich Radial T/A measuring 245 front and 275 rear. The car was fitted with a new fuel tank and a host of other new components including brake lines, stainless steel braided fuel lines, rear springs, driveshaft, front suspension (A-arms, ball joints, Gas-matic shocks, springs), steering components, front inner fender wells and more. The owner at the time opted to fit Energy suspension engine mounts, Hotchkis rear trailing arms and front/rear sway bars and a billet finned differential cover.

Note: the casting number on the engine is 14015445 which we understand relates to a Chevrolet 454 engine made between 1978 and 1990. We also understand the casting date of G118 to mean July 11 either 1978 or 1988.

The car was built with driving in mind and as a result it was fitted with a Champion aluminium radiator, under dash SW water temperature & oil pressure gauges and front H4 HID lights that are significantly brighter than stock units and enable this to be a safer car after dark.

This car was purchased by the current owner from the St Louis Car Museum in September 2014 and subsequently imported into Australia. The import approval is dated 29th October 2014. Once arriving into Australia the car has been used sparingly. When purchased the car had travelled a meagre 219 miles since restoration and today the odometer reads only 581 miles.

Today this Chevelle presents in stunning condition inside and out. The Nevada Silver paint looks better than it ever could have in 1971. The interior is basically like new and the cabin is just a very nice place to be. Particular detail was spent in the undercarriage of this car and it certainly shows. Pump the throttle and turn the key and big block 454 burst into life with an almighty growl. She needs a few minutes to warm and settle  . . . and then you go. And go it does with a dab on throttle the car surges forward and just begs for more! The engine noise is quite something and this car makes what many believe to be the quintessential muscle car sound.

Is it perfect? No, there is the odd very minor blemish in the paint and the soft top tonneau cover should be replaced.

The car has been driven enough to correct all post-restoration bugs and the car is ready for its new owner to enjoy.

 

 


Specification

  • -
  • Chevelle
  • 1971
  • Convertible
  • Auto
  • 581 Miles
  • 7440cc

SOLD

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