REAL DEAL SS 454 W/ LS5 V8, RESTORED & DOCUMENTED W/ BUILDSHEET, PICS, RECEIPTS

For those of you who think that the muscle car era ended in 1970, let this 1971 Chevelle SS454 serve as proof to the contrary. Bright red, loaded with options, brutally fast, and nicely finished, this vivid LS5 Chevelle SS stalks the streets like the muscle car era never ended.With that much horsepower on tap, there isn't much of a need for upgrades, so this one sticks to the factory recipe. However, given that the factory painted it noncommittal code 24 Ascot Blue, it's kind of understandable that during the bare-metal respray that they might want to show off a bit. So it was treated to vivid Cranberry Red, and nothing looks better on a big block Chevelle than this high-impact paint job. It is, as you'd expect, beautifully done and since they knew they were doing a color change, they went the extra mile to get it straight. The only notable demerit is on the roof, where there was once a vinyl top where there are some minor prep issues. Black SS stripes are beautifully applied and belong on this car, which was still an apex predator in 1971. The hood pins, cowl induction hood, SS badges, and twin exhaust tips out back make no secret of this car's true intentions. The bumpers are shiny chrome, it wears correct SS454 emblems, and all the other little details are sharply rendered as well. It's not a perfect car, but for a Saturday night cruiser, it's definitely got the look.The car did come with a code 706 black bucket seat interior, which has been faithfully restored and works equally well with the bright red paint. The seats are correct reproductions that work well with the black carpets and a matching dash, which give it a very inviting look. Given the car's credentials, there are no major modifications or alterations inside, just nicely restored components that more than live up to the standards set by the exterior. Bright gauge faces (including a factory tach), an original steering wheel with a leather wrap, and a center console with a horseshoe shifter make it easy to understand why these are so popular. The car also includes factory air-conditioning, and is fitted AM/FM stereo radio with a CD changer in the trunk, as well as speakers in custom kick panels, so it sounds great inside. The trunk is also correctly finished with a reproduction mat and a matching fifth wheel and tire assembly.The LS5 454 cubic inch V8 cranked out a stout 365 horsepower in 1971, yet was user-friendly enough to run power steering and A/C, making it the best of both worlds. This one wears a correct cowl induction air cleaner, Chevy Orange paint, and other niceties, but it isn't intended to be a show piece. Instead, it's a great driver that still looks good under the hood. Power steering and brakes are included, and the TH400 3-speed automatic transmission shifts without hesitation and powers a 12-bolt rear with 3.31 gears and Posi-Traction. The tidy chassis shows quite well and includes a new Flowmaster dual exhaust system that sounds nasty, but in a red car, is stealth really a priority? Gorgeous factory SS wheels are arguably the best-looking OEM hoops of the era and carry 14-inch Goodyear radials with a lot of life left in them.Fully documented with a build sheet, restoration photos, and receipts, this is the Chevelle that you've been waiting for. And because most guys foolishly think the horsepower wars ended in 1970, it's a lot more affordable than some of its older siblings. Call today!