When it comes to human beings, it is easy to fall in line and be part of the pack. The ones that stand out do so because they approach life in a different manner. That also holds true with the hot rods and customs that we build – a lot feels the same. Those who show a dose of creativity may be more likely to capture our attention like our Pick of the Day, an LS2-powered 1971 Chevrolet Malibu convertible. It is listed on ClassicCars.com by a seller in Jacksonville, Florida. (Click the link to view the listing)
Starting with the 1962 Lotus Elan, hidden headlights would soon become a “thing,” with the Chevrolet Corvette following the next model year. This styling feature would last into the early years of the Millennium. Mainstream vehicle adoption of hidden headlights appears to have begun with the 1965 Buick Riviera, while the most mainstream of brands, Chevrolet, never joined the bandwagon the way other manufacturers did. We all know that the 1967-69 Camaro with the Rally Sport package featured hidden headlights; much less common was the 1968-69 Caprice and 1969 Kingswood Estate wagon with the option.
Notice that the Chevelle never acquired hidden headlights. That seems to have eschewed other trends as well during that era, such as spoilers. Even air induction – something that was available for the GTO starting in 1965 – never became a thing until 1970. The Cowl Induction system that was available through 1972 became one of the more efficient systems on the market.
For 1971, Chevrolet facelifted the Chevelle, reflecting the influence of the 1970-½ Camaro, including its dual headlights and round taillights. Under the hood was another big change because General Motors decided to introduce low-compression engines a year earlier than the federal mandate. The Super Sport also became a watered-down package, now available with 350 two-barrel and four-barrel engines in addition to the big-blocks. The LS3 400 (really, 402ci) was rated at 300 horsepower, while two 454s were available: the LS5 454, which increased by five horses to 365 horsepower (though that was advertised and not on paper), while the LS6 fell to 425, which still was quite substantial. However, for some reason, the LS6 was only installed in the Corvette.
Coming full circle, here we have a very nice LS2-powered 1971 Chevrolet Malibu convertible with what looks to be hidden headlights. Clearly this was not available from the factory, but the builder created a graceful look that gives 1969 Camaro RS vibes. “Nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration completed in 2015 by Mike Staveski of RMR Dream Cars/Time Machines in Hudson, Florida,” says the seller. “This 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle was a standout at the 2015 SEMA Ignited after-party held on Friday, November 6 with a crowd of hundreds in attendance. The car was also the star of the Atech Motorsports stand at SEMA, wowing onlookers with its blend of classic Chevelle styling and 21st century craftsmanship.”
Power comes from an all-aluminum LS2 with a Rootes-type Magnuson supercharger backed by a 4L60E four-speed automatic. Out back, you’ll find a 12-bolt rear with 3.73 gears and Positraction. Other features include four-wheel disc brakes and QA1 adjustable coilovers.
In black lacquer with ghosted SS stripes and red accents, this Chevelle looks great with its full-width grille and the best that modernity has to offer . . . plus it has SEMA cred! Creativity and quality do not come cheap, however, which is why you will need $114,999 to own this special Chevelle.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
