Hello,

I have the oppertunity to purchase a 71 chevelle that's in great shape but i need help determining what i'm actually looking at including it's value.
From the visual looks of it, it's an SS model with a numbers matching 454 and (3 speed 400 automatic). However when i run numbers online the first 3 numbers of the VIN (136) come up for a Malibu V8. I was hoping they'd come up (138) for a Chevelle Malibu SS V8 which would make more sense.

The car is in immaculate condition and fully restored, but from the online price tools the value between these VINs is really big. The 138 with factory air, 454, etc is listing around $29500, while the 136 with 454 option, air, and SS package is around $11000.

I'm just trying to make sense of this all because the guy's firm price that is selling it is $15,000 and i want to be sure if i'm getting a great deal on a semi rare car or i'm overpaying.

The final weird thing is that the car has a black vinyl top which i can't find anywhere.

For clarity the complete VIN is as follows:
136371R110290.

Thanks for everyone's help....i need to make a decision today or tomorrow!

The third digit "8" to determine an original SS car only applies to the 66-68 model years.

http://chevelles.com/shop/ss_ident.html

Dean,

Thanks for the quick reply. I read the article and everything is checking out as a true SS. GREAT article, seems there are alot of clones floating around and I certainly don't want to get suckered.

Again, I appreciate your help!

Since its been fully restored, it would be just about impossible to tell if its a true SS or not unless you find a build sheet or if he has the protecto plate.

1-chev division
36-malibu
37-2 dr. hardtop
1-year 1971
R-build sheet-Arlingto-Texas
Production number 110290
graemlins/beers.gif

Based on Dean's post, all the tell tale signs check out for the car. Correct gauges and placement, etc. I don't see any red flags from that article link.

However i'm still not sure what to make of the VIN because with that VIN could it still be a factory original SS? Sadly, i can't locate the build sheet unless it's hidden above the gas tank or behind the glove box!

Look at al carson's post. That's all the VIN is going to tell you. Might be an SS, might not.

Without a build sheet, POP, invoice or some other paperwork, you can't really prove that it's an SS. Also, it seems like a lot of people with Arlington-built cars never find build sheets. Maybe the guys in that plant threw them all away...

Engines can be restamped, too.

All that being said, if the car is complete, straight, restored, rust free, everything works, etc. $15K might not be a bad deal, even if it is a clone.

I agree gigem. I think it's worth $15k even without the build sheet (which may still be hidden in the car somewhere). Either way, it's a great fun car. I just got done checking it out from under a lift, and it's completely rust free and in great condition. Seems like a winner to me!

Thanks for all the help guys. It's greatly appreciated!

Don't forget to post pictures of it once you get it home.

if it is in the condition you say it is worth 15k w/o the build sheet. Don't get your hopes up on the build sheet....you probably aren't gonna find one on a Arlington car. What's your build date on the cowl tag? My 71 ss is R115879 so it is built close after yours.

I'm picking it up this Sunday, so i'll take pictures and post them here. I think it's going to end up replacing my 68 camaro SS/RS. I'll keep everyone updated and provide more information! Thanks!