Summary

• The 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu will be price between $17,000 and $200,000 relying on situation and trim.
• The convertible fashions of the 1971 Chevelle are dearer than the coupes.
• The 1971 Chevelle had distinctive options akin to a facelifted entrance and a particular variant referred to as the “Heavy Chevy” that supplied excessive efficiency with out the upper insurance coverage premiums of the SS fashions.

The Chevelle nameplate is one of the most iconic vehicles not just in Chevy’s lineup however in muscle automobile tradition. From its second era which started in 1968, The Chevrolet Chevelle was fully re-designed and set its sights on different vehicles from Dodge, Ford, Plymouth, and others. During its manufacturing, the second-gen Chevelle acquired many adjustments which made sure years extra fascinating than others.

Cars like the Chevelle are sought after according to their model year as a result of they’ll include distinctive options that are not obtainable on different mannequin years. Our focus right here would be the 1971 Chevelle and the main adjustments made for this 12 months. While they might look related and have the identical powertrain, a few of these adjustments additionally assist decide what these vehicles are price immediately.

In order to provide the most modern and correct info potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Chevrolet, Bring A Trailer, and Classic.com.

Here’s How Much A 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Is Worth Today

If you needed to purchase a model new Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu in 1971, You would spend between $2,700 and $3,500. Adjusted for inflation, the Chevelle would value round $20,450-$26,500 in 2024, and there’s a host that components that contribute to this value. Just like fashionable vehicles will be had with totally different choices, Classic cars like the Chevelle were available in different body styles and choices. The Chevelle may very well be had in numerous physique kinds however the sport coupe and convertibles are essentially the most fascinating variations.

In immediately’s present market, costs for these vehicles vary between $17,000 for good situation vehicles and as a lot as $200,000 for high trim fashions. According to classic.com, $53,629 is the current average selling price of the Chevelle which is a constructive achieve for anybody who had purchased one after they had been nonetheless low cost. Below is a desk that particulars the anticipated values of the ’71 Chevelle Coupes and Convertibles.

Valuation Highlights

From the desk above, we will clearly see that the convertible variants are dearer than the coupes. Apart from this distinction, the values stay comparatively the identical for every physique fashion regardless of the engine alternative. However some adjustments are distinctive to the 1971 mannequin.

Unique Features Of The 1971 Chevelle

As talked about earlier, the second-gen Chevelle went by means of loads of adjustments throughout its time. The 1970 model saw the biggest design change, whereas the general form was the identical, the entrance grew to become far more sq. with a shorter rear overhang. for 1971, the Chevelle retained the identical styling however there have been some adjustments made for this 12 months.

The entrance acquired a facelift with a single headlight and indicator mild integration into the edges, not like the earlier 12 months with the double headlights and bumper indicators. The grill was made wider with a horizontal line operating throughout. At the rear, the sq. taillights had been changed with two spherical lights. These had been the numerous adjustments however there was additionally a particular variant that was launched with this mannequin.

The Heavy Chevy

High-performance vehicles just like the Chevelle SS fashions had larger insurance coverage premiums than common vehicles. So for the 1971 mannequin 12 months, Chevy released a version named the “Heavy Chevy” however not like the identify suggests, it wasn’t a heavier automobile. To cut back the insurance coverage premiums for Chevelle house owners who needed a high-performance automobile, this automobile was made as an choice to assist bypass this predicament.

The Heavy Chevy was an RPO (Regular Production Option) which was obtainable solely on the bottom Chevelle Coupe. It had many suspension and Chassis upgrades just like what was achieved on the SS fashions. But one of the best half was that this automobile may have any V-8 engine of its alternative besides the excessive spec 454 (7.4 liters) huge block V-8 which was unique to the Chevelle SS. Most folks think about this to be a Chevelle SS with out the badge and it’s extra inexpensive. Good situation Heavy Chevy’s will be discovered for $20,000 however an SS can be round $50,000.

Available With Various V-8 Engines

Engine Specifications

Muscle vehicles have at all times been characterised by their huge screaming V-8s and the Chevelles had been no totally different. There had been V-6 engines obtainable however not for the ’71 mannequin 12 months, some V-8 engines had been additionally discontinued for this 12 months. There had been 4 V-8 engines obtainable with the bottom engine making 200 horsepower and the top-spec 454 engine making 365 horsepower however this was solely obtainable for the SS.

The 350 (5.7 liters) V-8 had two states of tune a two-barrel that produced 245 horsepower and an non-compulsory four-barrel carburetor bumped energy to 270 horsepower. There had been 4 transmission choices obtainable which included a 3/4 pace guide and a 2/3 pace automated which had been routinely fitted relying on the RPO field you ticked. All of this energy was despatched to the rear wheels however whereas these vehicles had been quick for his or her time, they might solely high out at 130 MPH.

1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

While the Heavy Chevy was a cheat code to get the facility and dealing with of an SS, the highest mannequin was nonetheless obtainable for many who didn’t wish to compromise. For 1971, as a substitute of being a standalone mannequin, the SS designation was diminished to an RPO code often called RPO Z15. Ticking this feature meant you needed the SS remedy which gave you entry to any powertrain choice besides the bottom V-8 engine.

The Super Sport (SS) with the 454 was a beast on and off the monitor in comparison with different fashions. It was a race-ready automobile from the beginning with rumors being that the engine energy was conservative as most believed these vehicles made near 450 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. It was one of many quickest vehicles of its time and will sustain with the very best muscle cars of its time.

This was obtainable solely as a Coupe and Convertible, not like the opposite fashions that may very well be had as a sedan. These had been the highest-performing variations of the Chevelle and immediately they’re additionally essentially the most sought-after Chevelle variants with each mannequin 12 months. This means they command large premiums over common fashions with most concours examples fetching near $200,000.

This Hagerty valuation relies on fashions outfitted with the 350 cubic-inch V-8.

What To Look For Before Buying A 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu

One wonderful thing about Chevelles from that is their stellar reliability and the 1971 models are no different. Most house owners give these vehicles an 8/10 reliability ranking and that’s excessive reward for being an previous traditional. But the preliminary operating value will be fairly excessive particularly if the automobile hasn’t been effectively taken care of. But as soon as sorted out, these vehicles can proceed driving so long as they’re maintained. But there are some widespread points to look out for with these vehicles:

Rust

The Chevelle has been out for greater than 5 a long time and one of many main points you’ll come throughout is Rust. The metal used to make the physique panels was not one of the best and wasn’t handled towards rust like fashionable vehicles. So virtually any automobile that has spent a while outdoors may have various levels of rust primarily within the wheel wells and different spots the place water can cover.

Engine Health

These big block engines were built to be driven hard which makes them very sturdy and dependable. But there are issues to be careful for like camshafts since these huge block engines put on out their cams round 100,000 miles. Other engine parts ought to should be checked to ensure they don’t seem to be dangerous or affected by rust.

Electrical Problems

A automobile that is greater than 5 a long time previous will certainly have some corroded or worn-out wires. Even if the automobile has been used usually, it’s suggested to ensure each connection works effective or wants alternative. These vehicles do not have as many connections as fashionable vehicles and ought to be comparatively straightforward to type out.

Doing your due diligence and ensuring the automobile is precisely what the vendor says is vital. Getting a mechanic or an professional who is aware of these vehicles and might spot any points simply will go a good distance. Whether you are in search of a pristine concourse instance, situation, or a venture to construct on, there are various choices to select from.