1971 Chevelle SS  with only 44,455 miles since new. Amazing survivor that retains its completely original interior in amazing shape, all of its original glass and brightwork, and the removed matching numbers LS3 big block engine, now powered by a rebuilt 454 cu in powerplant backed by the cars original matching numbers TH400 automatic transmission. 

     The last owner cared for the car since 1996 here in Arizona. It had been sitting for awhile when he got the car from the original owner. He got it going again but the car seemed to have a slight miss while idling with the #7 cylinder. May have just been a dirty lifter but regardless he decided to remove the original engine and replace with a rebuilt 454 for a little extra power than the original LS3 provided. He enjoyed the car sparingly and it was always carefully garaged when not in use until I purchased in 2026. 

     After my first impression that the cars exterior paint was original I came to the conclusion it did have one respray in single stage Cranberry red right over the original red paint at some point. No primer in between and there are a few areas where paint has rubbed through to bare metal. (likely from the car cover) No evidence of any rust or body repairs ever. There is one dent in the lower quarter panel that occurred when the previous owner had a tire blowout. I opted not to repair that area and leave it up to its next caretaker in case the decision to repaint the whole car was decided.

    All of the exterior glass is excellent and  original. The interior is all original and in amazing shape. The car is very tight like you would expect of an original low mileage vehicle. No rattle box here. Panel fitment is excellent. Windows line up and roll up and down beautifully. Seals are still in good shape.

The engine compartment was cleaned up when the 454 was installed and steel fender liners were used instead of the original plastic ones that were deteriorating. The original Th400 was resealed. The car still retains its original 12 Bolt Posi Traction differential with 2.73 gear for high speed cruising.  American racing polished aluminum rims were installed but the original rally wheels will accompany the car along with the original LS3 engine and associated bolt on parts.

   There are a few pictures of the inside of the quarter panels that still show bare metal where the factory didn’t get the trunk spatter covered. The fact that its not rusty is a testament to how this Los Angeles Built SS has been carefully cared for and properly stored over the years. No weird mildew smells inside like many other original low mile cars. This is a really exceptional completely original matching drivetrain true low mileage car that can be enjoyed as is or repaint for a show contender.