1971 Chevrolet Camaro

Description

This 1971 Camaro has a lot going for it: bright red paint, a 4-speed gearbox, and a bargain price. You couldn't build this car for the asking price, and with the way it looks you'll be glad that all you have to do is get in, turn the key, and have fun.

We'll get the bad news out of the way first: this is not a real Z/28 RS, it merely looks like one, but then again, you already knew that, right? The good news is that it's nicely finished with a brilliant red paint job, straight sheetmetal underneath, and a classic high-performance look that explains why these cars are red hot right now. The paint is recent and has a fantastic deep shine and the red is exactly right: not too orange, not too dark, but vivid enough to live up to the billing that the Z/28 badges give it. Correct black stripes are painted on, not decals, and seem to highlight the many interesting shapes that make the all-new second-generation Camaro look so handsome. Finish quality is quite good and it has a great shine that gets noticed, and the overall fit of the bodywork is above average. The black grille and RS bumperettes were neatly installed to give it a unique look that will make a lot of guys do a double-take when they see it, and that's the whole point of a tribute car like this.

Slide into those supportive black bucket seats and you're treated to one of the best interiors of the 1970s. The gauge panel wraps around the driver like a cockpit, with a full array of factory instruments joined by auxiliary dials under the radio in the middle. The seats, carpets, and door panels are in excellent condition and were recently installed, giving it a polished look that goes with the exterior paint job. The big news is that Hurst shifter with cue ball knob that's linked to a stout Muncie 4-speed underneath, so you know this Camaro is a blast to drive. There's also a Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo head unit in the dash that powers trick VR speakers on the rear deck, filling the car with sound that's easy to hear over the aggressive exhaust note. The trunk is a bit Spartan, but it also has nothing to hide.

It shouldn't be a surprise to find a 350 under the hood, but thanks to a recent rebuilt, this one is a bit more potent than the stock '71 small block. Upgrades include a full roller valvetrain with a slightly oversized camshaft, so it has a wonderful lopey idle and great mid-range power, a Weiand intake manifold and Holley 4-barrel carburetor, as well as a Mallory ignition system. Chevy Orange paint means you won't mistake it for anything else and bright chrome dress-up parts make the engine bay really shine. Long-tube headers and a recent dual exhaust system sound downright predatory, and there's a new gas tank hanging just behind the 10-bolt rear end. Classic SS wheels with charcoal centers and bright lips make it look factory-correct and with 235/60/15 Goodyear radials, it sits right.

Nice V8 power, a 4-speed transmission, and it's bright red? This Camaro will definitely not last long on the showroom floor, especially not at this price. Pick up the phone and call today!