The 1971 Chevelle was very similar to the previous year in terms of body panels (in fact the only major differences in sheet metal are the front fenders). The biggest difference in appearance came from the single headlamps and the four-round tail lights which were integrated into the bumper.
While the mighty big blocks were still available in the SuperSport models, emissions and high insurance rates caused horsepower numbers to dwindle. 1971 was the beginning of the end for muscle cars.
The 1971 Chevelle was available in several trim levels including the base Chevelle, Chevelle Malibu, Chevelle Concours Estate, Chevelle SS396, SS454, and the new Heavy Chevy. Each configuration could be ordered with a six-cylinder (except SS) or V8 engine. Body style included 2 door sport coupes, 2 door sedans, 2 door convertibles, 4 door sedans, or 4 door wagons.
Interiors could be optioned with either bucket seats or bench seats and were available in many colors. The most popular were Black, Dark Blue, Jade Green, Sandalwood, and Dark Saddle. The buyer could have ordered a number of different exterior colors including Antique White, Nevada Silver, Tuxedo Black, Ascot Blue, Mulsanne Blue, Cottonwood Green, Lime Green, Antique Gold, Sunflower Yellow, Placer Gold, Sandalwood, Burnt Orange, Classic Copper, Cranberry Red, and Rosewood. Vinyl tops were available in White, Black, Dark Blue, Dark Brown, and Dark Green.
To complement the wide variety of available colors were the available drive train combinations that could be opted for. Base power was had by one of two available six cylinders. Buyers who wanted more power could opt for a V8. Big blocks were in abundance with the regular availability of both 396 and 454 engines.
Manual transmissions were either 3 speeds or 4 speeds and automatic transmissions were either the 2-speed Powerglide or 3-speed Turbo Hydramatics.
About 387,000 1971 Chevelles were produced.
1971 Chevelle OEM Brochure
1971 Chevelle Model Options:
1971 Chevelle Nomad Wagon Information
- Body Styles
- 4-Door Wagon
- Engine Options
- 250 cubic inch 155 horsepower 6 cylinders (Base)
- 307 cubic inch 200 horsepower V8 (Base)
1971 Chevelle Information
- Body Styles
- 2-Door Sport Coupe
- 4-Door Sedan
- 4-Door Wagon
- Engine Options
- 250 cubic inch 155 horsepower 6 cylinders (Base)
- 307 cubic inch 200 horsepower V8 (Base)
- 350 cubic inch 245 horsepower V8 (Base)
- 350 cubic inch 270 horsepower V8 (Optional)
- 402 (400) cubic inch 300 horsepower V8 (Optional)
1971 Chevelle Malibu Information
- Body Styles
- 4-Door Sedan
- 4-Door Sport Sedan
- 2-Door Sport Coupe
- 2-Door Convertible
- 4-Door Concours Wagon
- Engine Options
- 250 cubic inch 155 horsepower 6 cylinders (Base)
- 307 cubic inch 200 horsepower V8 (Base)
- 350 cubic inch 250 horsepower V8 (Optional)
- 350 cubic inch 300 horsepower V8 (Optional)
- 402 (400) cubic inch 330 horsepower V8 (Optional)
1971 Chevelle Heavy Chevy Information
- Body Styles
- 2-Door Sport Coupe
- Engine Options
- 350 cubic inch 200 horsepower V8 (Base)
- 350 cubic inch 245 horsepower V8 (Optional)
- 350 cubic inch 270 horsepower V8 (Optional)
- 400 cubic inch 300 horsepower V8 (Optional)
1971 Chevelle SS (Super Sport) Information
- Body Styles
- 2-Door Sport Coupe
- 2-Door Convertible
- Engine Options
- L65 – 350 cubic inches 245 horsepower V8 (Base)
- L48 – 350 cubic inches 270 horsepower V8 (Optional)
- LS3 – 402 (396) cubic inch 300 horsepower V8 (Optional)
1971 Chevelle SS 454 Information (SuperSport)
- Body Styles
- 2-Door Sport Coupe
- 2-Door Convertible
- Engine Options
- LS5 – 454 cubic inches 365 horsepower V8 (Optional)
1971 Chevelle Heavy Chevy Commercial
1971 Chevelle Engine Codes & Specifications
Engine Type | Cubic Inches | Horsepower (*gross) | Torque (*gross) |
|---|---|---|---|
L6 | 250 cid (STD) | 145 hp @ 4200 RPM | 230 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM |
V8 | 307 cid (STD) | 200 hp @ 4600 RPM | 300 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM |
V8 | 350 cid (RPO L65) | 245 hp @ 4800 RPM | 350 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM |
V8 | 350 cid (RPO L48) | 270 hp @ 4800 RPM | 360 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM |
V8 | 402 cid (RPO LS3) | 300 hp @ 4800 RPM | 400 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM |
V8 | 454 cid (RPO LS5) | 365 hp @ 4800 RPM | 465 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM |
1971 Chevelle Engine ID Codes
6-Cylinder Engine Codes
Code | Size / Carburetor | HP / RPO | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CAA | 250 cid 1x1bbl | 145 hp L22 | 3-Speed Manual | - |
CAB | 250 cid 1x1bbl | 145 hp L22 | Powerglide & TH350 | - |
8-Cylinder Engine Codes
Code | Size / Carburetor | HP / RPO | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
307 | ||||
CCA | 307 cid 1x2bbl | 200 hp L14 | 3-Speed Manual | - |
CCC | 307 cid 1x2bbl | 200 hp L14 | Powerglide & TH350 | - |
350 | ||||
CGA | 350 cid 1x2bbl | 245 hp L65 | 4-Speed Manual | - |
CGB | 350 cid 1x2bbl | 245 hp L65 | Powerglide | - |
CGC | 350 cid 1x2bbl | 245 hp L65 | TH350 | - |
CGK | 350 cid 1x4bbl | 270 hp L48 | 3/4-Speed Manual | - |
CGL | 350 cid 1x4bbl | 270 hp L48 | TH350 | - |
CJD | 350 cid 1x4bbl | 270 hp L48 | TH350 | - |
CJG | 350 cid 1x4bbl | 270 hp L48 | Manual | - |
CJJ | 350 cid 1x4bbl | 270 hp L48 | 3/4-Speed Manual | - |
402 | ||||
CLA | 402 cid 1x4bbl | 300 hp LS3 | Manual | - |
CLB | 402 cid 1x4bbl | 300 hp LS3 | TH400 | - |
CLL | 402 cid 1x4bbl | 300 hp LS3 | 4-Speed Manual | - |
CLP | 402 cid 1x4bbl | 300 hp LS3 | TH400 | - |
CLR | 402 cid 1x4bbl | 300 hp LS3 | Manual | Police |
CLS | 402 cid 1x4bbl | 300 hp LS3 | Heavy Duty 3-Speed (MC1) | - |
454 | ||||
CPA | 454 cid 1x4bbl | 365 hp LS5 | Manual M22 | - |
CPD | 454 cid 1x4bbl | 365 hp LS5 | TH400 | - |
CPP | 454 cid 1x4bbl | 460 hp LS6 | Manual M22 | Not confirmed to exist |
CPR | 454 cid 1x4bbl | 460 hp LS6 | TH400 | Not confirmed to exist |
CPY | 454 cid 1x4bbl | 425 hp LS6 | TH400 | Not confirmed to exist |
CPZ | 454 cid 1x4bbl | 425 hp LS6 | Manual M22 | Not confirmed to exist |
1971 Chevelle Rear Axle Codes
Code | Axle Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CF | 3.31:1 | Positraction 12-bolt (L48 & LS3) |
CH | 2.73:1 | Positraction 12-bolt (L48 & LS3) |
CW | 3.31:1 | 12-bolt (L48 & LS3) |
GA | 2.56:1 | 10-bolt (L65) |
GB | 2.56:1 | Positraction |
GD | 2.73:1 | Positraction |
GF | 3.08:1 | 10-bolt |
GG | 3.36:1 | 10-bolt (Base L6 & L65) |
GH | 2.73:1 | 10-bolt (L14) |
GI | 3.36:1 | Positraction |
GN | 3.08:1 | 10-bolt (L14) |
KD | 2.73:1 | 12-bolt (L48 & LS3) |
RU | 3.31:1 | 12-bolt (LS5) |
RV | 3.31:1 | Positraction 12-bolt (LS5) |
RW | 4.10:1 | Positraction 12-bolt |
1971 Chevelle Factory Options
Regular Production Option (RPO)
Code | Description | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
AK1 | Seat Belts & Front Shoulder Harness - Deluxe, Coupe/Sedan w/ Bench Seat | 91,887 | $16.90 |
- | Seat Belts & Front Shoulder Harness - Deluxe, Coupe w/ Bucket Seat | - | $15.30 |
AQ2 | Electric Seat Back Lock Release | 195 | $25.30 |
AS4 | Rear Seat Shoulder Harness - Deluxe | 245 | $26.35 |
AU3 | Electric Door Locks | 6,430 | $46.35 / $70.60 |
A01 | Tinted Glass - All Windows | 370,582 | $43.20 |
- | (13680 - 07/71) | - | $44.15 |
- | (13857 - 08/71 - 09/70) | - | $46.35 |
A02 | Tinted Glass - Windshield | 6,827 | $30.55 |
A31 | Windows - Electric Control | 10,774 | - |
- | (Station Wagon) | - | $121.15 |
A33 | Tail Gate Window - Electric | 18,479 | $34.80 |
A39 | Custom Deluxe Seat Belts, Front & Rear, Convertible w/ Bench | 799 | $14.75 |
- | Custom Deluxe Seat Belts, Front & Rear, Convertible w/ Buckets | - | $13.20 |
A41 | Front Seat Electric Control 4-Way - Bench | 1,744 | - |
A46 | Front Seat Electric Control 4-Way - Bucket | 1,186 | - |
A51 | Strato-Bucket Seats | 52,638 | $136.95 |
A85 | Deluxe Rear Shoulder Harness, Convertible | 72 | $26.35 |
A90 | Rear Compartment Lid Release - Electric Control | 3,060 | n/a |
B37 | Floor Mats | 127,473 | $12.65 |
- | (13680 - 07/71) | - | $7.00 |
B85 | Body Side Molding Upper | 24,174 | $19.00 |
B90 | Door Window Frame Molding, 4 Door Sedan | 9,547 | $26.35 |
B93 | Door Edge Guards, Coupe & Convertible | 170,733 | $6.35 |
- | Door Edge Guards, Sedan & Wagon | - | $9.50 |
- | (13680 - 07/71) | - | $6.50 |
C05 | Folding Top | 5,089 | $0.00 |
C08 | Exterior Soft Trim Roof Cover, Coupe | 240,635 | $94.80 |
- | Exterior Soft Trim Roof Cover, El Camino | - | $64.60 |
- | Exterior Soft Trim Roof Cover, Monte Carlo | - | $126.40 |
C50 | Rear Window Defroster, Coupe/Sedan | 36,416 | $31.60 |
- | Rear Window Defroster, Convertible | - | $36.90 |
C51 | Rear Window Air Deflector | 9,239 | $21.10 |
C60 | Air Conditioning - Deluxe | 311,464 | $407.60 |
- | (13857 - 09/70) | - | $416.45 |
- | (13637 - 09/70) | - | $402.35 |
- | (13480 - 09/70) | - | $411.05 |
D35 | Outside Mirror - Remote Control | 97,133 | $12.65 |
D33 | Outside Mirror - Remote Control | - | - |
D34 | Vanity Visor Mirror | 26,334 | $3.20 |
- | (13680 - 07/71) | - | $3.25 |
D55 | Front Compartment Console (requires A51) | 46,614 | $59.00 |
D88 | Sport Stripes | 13,382 | $79.00 |
F40 | Special Front and Rear Suspension (n/a w/ SS) | 17,711 | $17.95 |
- | (13680 - 07/71) | - | $18.30 |
F41 | Special Performance Front and Rear Suspension (Incl. w/ SS) | 16,431 | $30.55 |
G67 | Rear Shock Absorber Level Control | 2,297 | n/a |
G80 | Rear Axle - Positraction | 33,994 | $46.35 |
- | (13637 - 09/70) | - | $44.25 |
- | (13680 - 07/71) | - | $47.35 |
JL2 | Power Front Disc Brakes (Incl. w/ SS) | 83,868 | $69.55 |
J50 | Vacuum Power Brake Equipment, Drum (n/a w/ SS) | 124,996 | $47.40 |
K30 | Cruise Master Speed Control | n/a | $63.20 |
K85 | Alternator, 63 Amp - w/o AC | 3,620 | $26.35 |
- | (04/71) | - | $26.90 |
- | Alternator, 63 Amp - w/ AC | - | $5.30 |
LS3 | Engine - V8, 402 cid, 4-bbl Carburetor, 300 hp | 17,656 | $172.75 |
- | (05/71 - 13857) | - | $146.40 |
LS5 | Engine - V8, 454 cid, Hi Performance, 365 hp | 9,502 | $279.10 |
- | - | - | $285.15 |
L48 | Engine - V8, 350 cid, 270 hp | 78,771 | $73.75 |
- | (13857 - 8/71 - 9/70) | - | $47.40 |
L65 | Engine - V8, 350 cid, 2-bbl Carburetor, 245 hp | 119,379 | $26.35 |
- | (13680 - 07/71) | - | $26.90 |
MC1 | Heavy Duty 3-Speed Transmission, LS3 Only | 548 | $132.00 |
M11 | 3-Speed Floor Shift Transmission, L48 Only | 2,511 | $132.00 |
M20 | 4-Speed Transmission, Wide Ratio, LS3/L48/L65 Only | 9,786 | $195.40 |
- | (13480 - 09/70) | - | $199.80 |
M22 | 4-Speed Transmission - Heavy Duty, Close Ratio, LS5 Only | 3,035 | $237.60 |
M35 | Powerglide Transmission, 6-Cylinder Engine | 66,625 | $179.55 |
- | Powerglide Transmission, 8-Cylinder Engine | - | $190.10 |
M38 | Three Speed Automatic Transmission, TH350 | 402,488 | $216.50 |
- | (13680 - 07/71) | - | $221.40 |
M40 | Three Speed Automatic Transmission, TH400 | 21,333 | $237.60 |
NK2 | Deluxe Steering Wheel | 1,898 | $15.80 |
NK4 | Sport Steering Wheel | 8,962 | $15.80 |
N33 | Steering Wheel - Tilt Type | 41,853 | $45.30 |
N40 | Power Steering | 477,812 | $115.90 |
- | (13680 - 07/71) | - | $118.40 |
- | (13857 - 08/70 & 13637 - 09/70) | - | $110.60 |
PA3 | Special Wheel Trim Cover | 24,009 | $15.80 |
PH1 | 15x7 Wheels | n/a | $10.55 |
PK2 | G78-14B G/B White Stripe | 16,807 | $32.30 |
PL3 | E78-14B B/B White Stripe | 153,912 | $28.15 |
PM6 | G78-14D G/B White Stripe | 11,587 | n/a |
PM7 | F60-15B G/B White Letter | 19,542 | n/a |
PU8 | G78-15B G/B White Stripe | 101,248 | $30.20 |
- | (13857 - 03/71) | - | $32.30 |
PX5 | F78-14B B/B Blackwall (w/o 300 hp engine) | n/a | $17.95 |
- | F78-14B B/B Blackwall (w/ 300 hp engine) | - | $23.20 |
PX6 | F78-14B G/B White Stripe (w/o 300 hp engine) | 113,593 | $48.10 |
- | F78-14B G/B White Stripe (w/ 300 hp engine) | - | $53.35 |
- | (13680 - 07/71 w/ L65) | - | $48.80 |
- | (13637 - w/ 307 cid) | - | $46.00 |
P01 | Wheel Trim Cover | 208,162 | $26.35 |
P02 | Deluxe Wheel Trim Cover | 8,392 | $84.30 |
P90 | G70-15B G/B White Stripe | 22,904 | $49.35 |
T58 | Rear Wheel Opening Skirt | 17,602 | n/a |
T60 | Heavy Duty Battery | 36,319 | $15.80 |
- | (13680 - 07/71) | - | $16.15 |
UM1 | AM Push Button Radio & Tape Player | 22,164 | $200.15 |
UM2 | AM/FM Push Button Radio & Tape Player | 3,923 | $372.85 |
U14 | Instrument Panel Gauges, Requires V8 Coupe/Convertible | 16,994 | $84.30 |
U35 | Electric Clock | 42,174 | $16.90 |
- | (13680 - 07/71) | - | $17.25 |
U63 | Radio - Push Button | 423,833 | $66.40 |
- | (13680 - 07/71) | - | $67.80 |
U69 | Radio - AM/FM Push Button | 39,079 | $139.05 |
U76 | Windshield Antenna | 510,724 | n/a |
U79 | AM/FM Stereo Equipment | 7,894 | $239.10 |
U80 | Auxiliary Rear Speaker | 90,512 | $15.80 |
V01 | Heavy Duty Radiator, 6-Cylinder Engine, Included w/ AC | 5,353 | $14.75 |
- | Heavy Duty Radiator, V8 Models, Included w/ AC | - | $21.10 |
V30 | Front & Rear Bumper Guards | 37,640 | $31.60 |
- | Bumper Guards, Front Only | - | $16.15 |
V55 | Roof Luggage Carrier | 17,121 | $57.95 |
YD1 | Axle For Trailering, Requires Base V8, L48, L65, LS3 & TH400 | 1,663 | $12.65 |
YF3 | Heavy Chevy Package | 6,727 | $142.20 |
ZJ7 | Special Wheel, Hub Cap & Trim Ring | 109,037 | $45.30 |
- | (13857 - 03/71) | - | $41.10 |
- | (13680 - 07/71) (13857 - 08/71) | - | $46.30 |
ZJ9 | Auxiliary Lighting Group, Malibu Convertible | 36,996 | $15.80 |
- | Auxiliary Lighting Group, Malibu Sport Coupe or Sedan, Monte Carlo | - | $21.10 |
- | Auxiliary Lighting Group, Chevelle Coupe or Sedan | - | $23.70 |
- | Auxiliary Lighting Group, Chevelle Pickup / El Camino | - | $18.85 |
ZL2 | Special Ducted Hood, Requires SS Option and LS5 | 4,079 | $158.00 |
ZP5 | Appearance Group, Coupe/Convertible | n/a | $53.80 |
- | Appearance Group, 4-Door Sedan/Sport Sedan | n/a | $56.95 |
ZQ2 | Operating Convenience Group | n/a | - |
ZQ9 | Rear Axle - Performance Ratio, Standard V8 & TH400 | 302 | $12.75 |
- | Rear Axle - Performance Ratio, LS5 Only | - | $33.75 |
Z15 | SS Equipment Group | 19,293 | $357.05 |
- | (13680 - 04/71) | - | $364.80 |
Z20 | Monte Carlo SS | 1,919 | $484.50 |
Z35 | 300 Deluxe Trim Option - Canada Only on 13437 Series Chevelle | n/a | n/a |
703 | Interior Trim Vinyl - Black | 16,775 | n/a |
705 | Interior Trim Vinyl - Black | 69,826 | n/a |
714 | Interior Trim Vinyl - Sandalwood | 39,475 | $19.00 |
721 | Interior Trim Vinyl - Antique Dark Saddle | 35,036 | $19.00 |
726 | Interior Trim Vinyl - Dark Blue | 1,945 | n/a |
731 | Interior Trim Vinyl - Antique Dark Jade | 43,613 | $19.00 |
956 | Color Combination - Two Tone | 5,991 | $31.60 |
960 | Color Combination - Two Tone | 4,150 | $31.60 |
968 | Color Combination - Two Tone | 3,140 | $31.60 |
969 | Color Combination - Two Tone | 4,511 | $31.60 |
971 | Color Combination - Two Tone | 2,090 | $31.60 |
977 | Color Combination - Two Tone | 3,685 | $31.60 |
