Specifications for a 1971 Chevelle SS

• Chevrolet built almost a dozen types of Chevelles, from four-door sedans to two-door coupes, hardtops and convertibles. It also built the Chevelle Malibu four-door sports sedan and two-door coupe. The two-door Malibu SS coupe was a premium Chevelle and part of Chevrolet's second-generation Chevelle, manufactured from 1968 to 1972.

Changes for 1971

• Following the design cues of their Monte Carlo, Chevy used single headlights instead of the earlier dual-headlight assemblies. The tail lights were also redesigned. Under the hood, the EPA's tighter emission standards played a role. Chevy required all its power plants to run on lower octane fuels, which meant dropping engine compression and subsequently power output. Most of the Chevrolet lineup was detuned.

Engines

• The 1971 Chevelle came with a variety of engine options, all V8s. They included 350- and 402-cubic-inch models, both with two-barrel carburetors, making 245 and 270 horsepower, respectively, at the crankshaft. Each of the V8 engines had their power reduced, except one engine: the 454.

454 LS5

• Despite of the fuel crisis, the Chevelle SS had been set aside as the muscle car of the Chevelle lineup, retaining an option for the 454 cubic inch, LS5 V8 and all its 365 horsepower, which was actually more than the 1970 model. The SS was available with an optional ram-air hood-scoop, adding to the horsepower by pressurizing the air intake that fed a single four-barrel carburetor.

Super Sport

• While some Chevelles were designated Sport Sedans, "SS" meant Super Sport. Prior to 1971, the Super Sport had been a its own series. By 1971, while the Malibu was still the premium Chevelle, the Super Sport became an option package rather than its own line.

Dimensions

• The Chevelle was a midsize car for its day, with an overall length of 198 inches and a wheelbase of 112 inches. Tires stood 76 inches apart and the car weighed approximately 3,400 lb. for the coupe and 3,900 for the lb.