1971 Chevrolet Chevelle In lieu of the fact of being in production for just 13 years - less time than the Cadillac CTS nameplate - the Chevrolet Chevelle has been heralded as one of the best, most accomplished vehicles ever to don the bowtie. It shared a platform with the El Camino and Monte Carlo: though it was available in convertible, two-door, four-door, and station wagon-wagon body styles, the multivariate Chevelle also share its A-body platform with the El Camino, and the 1970-72 Monte Carlo (though it was coded as a G-body in the latter). Despite wearing one of the most famous nameplates of all time, Chevrolet has yet to revive the name. Though weve heard rumblings and rumors over the years, Chevrolet has vehemently denied claims that a new Chevelle is in the works. For consignment, the year to have, the Chevelle was 1971. From its new grille and new front bumper along with new quarter panels to the new rear bumper with the round tail lights inserted within and miles of fresh dark blue paint with white wide racing stripes, you can turn heads and the tires with this ass kicker. Exterior Steeped in dark blue which is now covering a mix of original sheet metal mixed with replacement rear quarter panels, there is no rust in sight. New bumpers are on both the front and rear, (no re-plating here folks!), along with a new grille and new bright and shiny headlight bezels. The finish is pristine, and all chromed trimmings are excellent. Badging is correct, and from top to bottom, front to back, (housing the new taillights in the bumper), this car is definitely tightly buttoned up. Put a set of 15-inch deep dish rally wheels on all 4 corners with new rubber thrown on for extra style and bling... Its show time! Interior A swing of the door reveals a new Malibu door panel to greet us as we slip into the nicely preserved but wrinkled black vinyl buckets. A black vinyl bench seat stretches across the rear and presents similar to the front with notable wrinkling. These flank the center hump with a B&M shifter. Up front, below the padded dash top, is a simple dash with factory gauges, heater slides and various chrome pulls. There is also a Craig AM/FM/Cassette player mounted into the factory radio location. The thick rimmed Grant GT steering wheels tops the factory tilt column and looks just fab. Black carpet with carpeted black mats floods the floors and wrinkled and sagging but tear free black headliner is above. Drivetrain A stunner if you will upon opening the hood, it is showroom shiny, and sports a 350ci orange/red V8. Topping this mill are chrome Edelbrock valve covers and a chrome air cleaner with a 4bbl carburetor lurking underneath. In back is a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission and putting the power to the ground is a 12-bolt rear axle assembly. Undercarriage Much like the topside very nicely done with only minor surface rust and structurally solid as a rock. Seen are front power disc brakes and rear power drums, independent coil springs for the front and 4 link with coil springs for the rear. A nice clean dual exhaust system with a Cherrybomb mufflers runs rearward to chrome exhaust tips. Drive-Ability This car lit right up and ran beautifully on the test track. I let my partner in crime and all around good guy take the wheel for this drive since he was persistently pestering about having to constantly ride in the trunk. Wonderful tire frying acceleration was noted along with adequate handling and bias free braking thanks to the power front disc brakes. All functions were operational at the time of our cruise and a second lap was enjoyed just so we could hear the roar of the V8 again. A great presentation, fine runner and all very nicely finished off, particularly in the engine bay, but really all over. A job well done with fresh paint, new chrome, and some new interior parts, you cant go wrong with this Chevelle right out of 1971.