Two years before to the 1973 premiere of the third-generation Chevelle, Chevrolet had begun a major redesign.
There was a little something for everyone in the “new” Chevelle. Along with significant modifications to the engine selection, the car had new headlights, bumpers, and grille, among other cosmetic upgrades.
Chevy had lost its superstar status as the SS option it had pioneered in the 1960s. Chevrolet managed to shift the SuperSport from a performance-focused package into an aesthetic enhancement by allowing customers to order it with any available V8 in the lineup.
The only engine that was a forbidden fruit on the SS was the 307 V8, which Chevrolet offered as the base V8 on 1971 Chevelle. Otherwise, you could have any other V8 unit for the Chevelle SS, including the almighty LS5 454.
The Chevelle the assembly lines with the base 307 under the hood, but as you’ll probably figure out fast, this doesn’t matter much anymore. The car spent 33 years locked in a barn, and you can tell this is true by simply looking at the photos in the gallery.
The vehicle sports a very rough shape, with the rust taking a massive toll on the metal parts. The Chevelle is still complete, but I don’t expect the undersides to look good. The owner says the floors and the trunk are still solid, so if you believed this Chevelle isn’t worth a restoration, you might want to go see it in person before making a decision.
Although the V8 is already locked up, this shouldn’t be a deal killer in my opinion. Even without the SS tags, choosing a big-block engine makes sense because the 307 was the standard V8 on the 1971 Chevelle.
For those in the restoration industry, this 1971 Chevelle is a fascinating undertaking because it was found in a barn and is still fully functional. Because of the vehicle’s damaged engine and angular metal structure, overhauling it is a difficult task. It’s not possible to obtain a clear view of the inside, but after being stored for so long, you shouldn’t expect the cabin to retain its shape.
If you want to see the vehicle in person, you can find it in Brazil, Indiana, considering the engine is stuck, it won’t move anytime soon.