1971 Chevrolet Camaro RS

Description

We seem to have a hard time keeping second-generation Camaros in stock, and for those of you looking for some industrial-strength horsepower, this 1971 RS definitely delivers. With 650 horsepower on tap, some wide-by-huge rear tires to hook it up, and the finish quality of a show car, this is a vicious street fighter with no disappointments.

This Camaro doesn't advertise its potential too loudly, thanks to impressive bodywork that cleverly hides the oversized rear tires. The crouching stance certainly helps, and it's obvious that someone invested enough effort to make this one look fantastic from any angle. The gunmetal gray paint is DuPont urethane with Diamond Black stripes, giving it an understated look that this car wears incredibly well. The slightly oversized cowl induction hood isn't just for show, and the car wears factory RS split bumpers and a short rear spoiler that certainly help with the visuals. The whole car has been de-badged and the panels line up extremely well, so it's ready for the close scrutiny it's bound to get when it rumbles onto the show field. The stretch on the rear wheel arches was so expertly done that it's virtually undetectable without a stock Camaro parked next to it. Nice!

For a car with such heavy-duty race-ready hardware, this one sure is luxurious inside. Handsome ProCar buckets look like they were born in the F-body and match the rest of the interior quite well. A small-diameter wood-rimmed steering wheel adds some warmth and character to the otherwise monochromatic driver's compartment and all the gauges have been upgraded to Auto Meter Ultra-Lites with carbon-fiber faces. You know this car doesn't mess around, though, when you see the radio block-off plate and heater delete, shaving precious pounds in the pursuit of performance. The back seat is gone, of course, replaced by a nicely upholstered bulkhead and a back-half cage that strengthens the entire tub. Shoulder harnesses are tied into that cage for both comfort and safety and a B&M shifter manages the shifting duties. Even the trunk had more than its fair share of attention lavished on it, with full carpets, a fuel cell, and a nicely finished battery box.

The heart of the animal is a 468 cubic inch Chevy built by Patriot Performance. Based on a Dart 4-bolt main block, it spins an Eagle rotating assembly, Howard's hydraulic roller cam, and forged aluminum 10:1 compression pistons, so it's happy on pump gas. Edelbrock supplied an Air Gap intake and carburetor, while the heads are Patriot 320cc aluminum castings for light weight and better performance. The powerplant looks potent with its finned aluminum valve covers and tidy chrome pulley system, which spins both the power steering and hydro-boost brakes, so the big cam doesn't kill your power assist. A Raptor level 3 TH400 3-speed automatic transmission is good for 1200 horsepower, so it'll stand up to the 650 this big block puts out and it feeds a Currie 9-inch rear with 4.11 gears inside. Long-tube headers and a custom dual exhaust system keep it civilized on the street and the 4-link rear suspension actually rides and handles well. Street-sized radials probably help, with 215/65/15s up front and 275/60/15s out back, although it'll easily take more tire if you want it.

Plenty potent but impressively finished, this second-generation Camaro is a no-compromises build that brings the horsepower but doesn't sacrifice comfort to do it. Call today!