The second generation Chevy Camaro, often considered a quintessential American muscle car, draws its sleek, aggressive design from European sports cars of the era. While its American heritage is undeniable, its designer looked to the other side of the Atlantic for inspiration.
The result is a car that seamlessly blends European elegance with American brawn. Chevrolet also prioritized drivability, ensuring a balance between raw power and refined handling.
The Camaro’s performance options, ranging from the LT-1 350 V8 to the SS 396 402 ci V8, catered to a wide range of enthusiasts. In 1971, minor styling changes and emissions regulations led to reduced compression ratios and horsepower. Despite this, the second-gen Camaro remains a highly sought-after American classic.
We recently encountered a 1971 model at auction that failed to sell due to the owner’s high asking price of $65,000. Finished in metallic green with black stripes and featuring a Roadster Shop chassis, this Camaro boasts a striking appearance and impressive mechanical upgrades. The Roadster Shop chassis, one of the first units sold to the public for this application, provides a solid foundation for enhanced performance and handling.
Additional mechanical upgrades include adjustable coilovers, a four-link setup with a panhard bar at the rear, and 18-inch American Racing Torq Thrust wheels wrapped in 245/45 front and 285/40 rear Nitto NT555 G2 tires. These modifications not only enhance the Camaro’s appearance but also improve its performance capabilities.
The 1971 Camaro’s interior is equally impressive, featuring tan vinyl bucket seats and a rear bench, a matching dashboard and door panels, a Vintage Air climate control system, a push-button AM radio, a trunk-mounted amplifier, a JBL Bluetooth head unit, an aftermarket steering wheel, and Dakota Digital RetroTech instrumentation.
The interior’s classic design is complemented by modern amenities, providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Under the hood, a 6.2-liter LS3 crate V8 engine delivers 396 horsepower and 397 lb ft of torque, paired with a 4L65E four speed automatic transmission.
The engine features a GM Connect & Cruise wiring harness, a custom air intake, a Holley accessory drive setup, and a ported throttle body. This powerful combination ensures that the Camaro delivers an exhilarating performance, making it a joy to drive on any road.
