The Chevrolet Chevelle, which debuted in 1964 as a rival to the Rambler Classic and the diminutive fourth-generation Ford Fairlane, evolved into a full-fledged muscle vehicle by the end of the 1960s. Although the lineup still offered sedans and wagons with inline-six and small-block V8 engines, Chevy also added a few modified coupes and drop-tops in response to the muscle car trend.
The year 1970 is commonly recognized as the Chevelle’s peak performance year. Chevy also produced a 375-horsepower version of the range-topping SS, which came standard with a 402-cubic-inch (6.6-liter) V8 rated at 350 horsepower (badged as a “396”). The enormous 454-cubic-inch (7.4-liter) V8, which is also offered in two flavors, is another option for customers. The C3 Corvette served as the source for both.
Dubbed LS5, the least potent mill came with 360 horsepower on tap. Then there was the LS6, which had identical displacement but developed a whopping 450 horsepower thanks to a four-barrel Holley carburetor and forged internals. Yup, that’s 25 horses more than the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI that Mopar offered at the time. The torque figure was just as impressive at 500 pound-feet (678 Nm), also slightly higher than the HEMI’s 490-pound-foot (664-Nm) rating.
Chevrolet dropped the LS6 option in 1971, leaving the 1970 version one of the rarest and most desirable Chevelles. Records show that the company built 4,475 cars, but the figure also includes the El Camino. The LS5, on the other hand, soldiered on with 365 horsepower. While not as potent as the LS6, it’s the most desirable option for 1971-model-year Chevelles.
By 2023, it will be harder to discover examples that have not been altered. Even though Chevrolet produced 9,500 units, which is a respectable number, the majority of these vehicles are already rusting in barns and junkyards. One of the vehicles could be the abandoned silver model you see in this picture. The reason I say “might” is because the engine is missing, despite the badges indicating that it should be a 454 LS5, and other pieces indicate that it may have had a small-block V8.
Yes, the 1971 Chevelle SS also came with a small block in 1971, with the base version featuring a 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) rated at 245 horsepower. Chevrolet also offered a 270-horsepower variant of the same mill.
Therefore, is this Chevelle a genuine SS 454 or a 350 vehicle with a phony “454” badge? Is it even a real SS or is it simply a standard hardtop that the previous owner fancied up? With so many parts missing, as our host points out, it’s hard to tell, but perhaps there’s something we’re overlooking. Comment below and let me know. You might wonder why it matters because the car has already been junked. Let’s assume that it is a Chevelle SS 454 LS5. In that case, given how difficult it is currently to find these hardtops, I’d say it’s worth conserving.