Documented Magazine Featured Numbers Matching Chevelle SS LS5 454 V8 TH400 A/C

SUMMARY

Every now and then an automaker releases a car that's nearly perfect right off the assembly line. While that list of aces is short, the second generation Chevelle is definitely on it. Armed with a vast, cult-like following, finer Chevrolet A-Bodies tend to leave our showroom almost as fast as they arrive. And this magazine-featured LS5 convertible is sure to continue that trend. Wrapping an original 454/3-speed drivetrain in a detailed, body-off restoration that culminates in sultry triple black aesthetics, this clean Chevy puts the class in classic. And if you're looking for a solid piece of storied Detroit muscle, it's your octane-fueled ticket to all-American bliss!

BODYWORK/TRIM

According to research conducted by a well-known Chevrolet expert, this highly optioned Super Sport was shipped from GM's storied Arlington assembly plant to Smith Chevrolet of Fort Smith, Arkansas where it began a 45-year journey to our RK Motors Charlotte showroom. At the time of its restoration, the car was a rare, super clean survivor that, while nice, needed some pretty serious work. So, its all-original profile was sent to Kessler's Body Shop in Sabrina, Ohio for a no-holds barred rotisserie rebuild. That rebuild began with a full strip of the car's tired, original pigment. Once that paint was gone, massaged sheetmetal stretched correct Tuxedo Black 2-stage under bright Rally Stripes. And today, this Chevy rolls as a stunning muscle car that, no matter how many times you look at it, seems to never lose its appeal.

Naturally, that head-turning appearance is highlighted by a roster of correct trim that's poised to ensure a grand influx of memorable compliments. At the front of the car, a familiar Super Sport grille hangs a small "CHEVELLE" script between a broad bumper and stainless-trimmed T3 headlights. Behind that grille, an appropriately labeled Cowl Induction Hood anchors stainless pins opposite stainless-trimmed glass that's capped in correct Black vinyl. Beneath that glass, traditional door handles and brazen "SS454" emblems float amid bright wheel frames, bright door guards and correct sport mirrors. And, opposite those mirrors, a second broad bumper centers clear taillights and a clean "SS" badge between polished exhaust tips and a Chevelle-branded decklid.

ENGINE

In 1971, the biggest and baddest motor you could shove between the fenders of an all-steel Chevrolet passenger car was the mighty LS5 454 V8. And this car's original LS5 big block, rated at 365 horsepower and 465 lb./ft. of torque, wears a correct 3963512 casting number behind a correct "CPD" suffix stamp and matching 173792 partial VIN. Functional ZL2 cowl induction pushes wind through a chrome-tinged single-snorkel air cleaner, which makes excellent use of a reusable filter element. That element frames a big Carter 4-barrel, which rides a correct 3955287 intake. At the sides of that intake, familiar Chevrolet heads seal a completely refurbished block that, during its 2009 rebuild, was cleaned, hot tanked, inspected and bored .030 over. Inside that block, a fresh Eagle crank spins domed Speed Pro pistons at the sides of a hot Comp cam. At the sides of the block, correct exhaust manifolds, numbered 3989343 and 3989310, prop factory smog equipment in front of pliable Packard TV R Suppression cables. At the front of the block, fresh V-belts spin a correct 13969811 water pump between a rebuilt alternator and old school Frigidaire AC compressor. And at the back of the block, a correct points distributor rides beside a familiar Delco Moraine brake booster. As you've probably noticed, the engine bay is drenched in smooth Satin Black skin, which contrasts nicely against the motor's glossy Chevy Orange facade. And all the details are on target and well done, from polished valve covers and a sly Delco battery topper to tight tower clamps and reproduction GM hoses.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Bottom-side, this convertible's road-ready chassis has been restored to the same high standards as its svelte body and buff engine. Arlington-exclusive Red Oxide primer provides a great foundation for a full suite of stainless hardware. Behind the stout big block, an original Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed hangs a date-correct "CF" assembly tag and matching 173792 partial VIN in front of a correct GM 12-bolt that's finished with friendly, 3.31 gears. Holding that killer drivetrain off the ground is a heavy-duty F41 Sport Suspension, which centers factory power steering between stiff springs, boxed control arms and sturdy sway bars. The car's rebuilt power front disc and rear drum brake system is present, accounted for and functions exceptionally well. The aforementioned exhaust manifolds dump spent gases in to true-dual pipes, which breathe through correct mufflers, correct resonators and polished stainless tips. And power meets the pavement through stylish Super Sport wheels, which lap F60-15 Firestone Wide Oval 60s around stainless trim rings and requisite Chevrolet center caps.

INTERIOR

Featuring a host of rare options, and being one of only 72 convertibles equipped with deluxe shoulder harnesses, this Chevelle's correctly restored interior is both inviting and unique. Its slick front bucket and rear bench seats show hardly any signs of wear. In front of those seats, a straight and crack-free dash hangs a deluxe Chevelle gauge cluster above correct climate controls and an optional Delco stereo. Below that dash, fresh carpet centers an attractive, stainless-trimmed console between tough floor mats, optional seatbelts and a factory horseshoe shifter. At the sides of that carpet, clean door panels found spotless "SS" emblems between crank windows and correct power door locks. In front of the driver, an optional NK4 Sport Steering Wheel laps a correct, tilting column. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk centers a correct jack and full-size spare tire between a fresh mat and correct decklid decals.

PROVENANCE

VIN: 136671R173792

COWL TAG

PROTECT-O-PLATE:

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

With timeless looks and one of the most desirable powertrains GM has ever produced, this Chevelle is the kind of cool classic that'll take your weekends to a whole new level. And, thanks to its clean restoration, the car presents a grand opportunity to own a highly desirable A-Body that's poised to turn heads for years to come. A big block Chevy drop-top that's primed to cruise AND shine. What's not to love?