1971 Chevelle
Welcome to the definitive factory decoding guide and technical reference for the 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle. Showcasing refreshed front-end styling with single-unit headlight bezels, prominent twin-domed tail lights integrated into the rear bumper, and revised emissions-compliant powertrains, the 1971 Chevelle marks a pivotal evolution in the classic A-body generation. Highlighted by the SS Option (RPO Z15) package—available with the 350 Small-Block, 402 Big-Block (Turbo-Jet 400), and the mighty LS5 454 V8—the 1971 lineup delivered bold muscle car design alongside updated interior configurations. Whether you are verifying a true Super Sport, decoding a Fisher Body cowl tag, or restoring a Chevelle Base, Malibu, El Camino, station wagon, sport coupe, or convertible, this resource offers factory-correct documentation. Explore complete reference breakdowns for VIN plates, engine suffix codes, build sheet decoding, interior trim options, exterior paint codes, rear axle ratios, power teams, and RPO production numbers to properly identify and restore your 1971 Chevy Chevelle.
Chevelle, El Camino, or Monte Carlo?
Decoding Information Links
- Engine Suffix Codes ~ 402 & 454 Production Numbers & Pad
Listing of engine ID codes for size, horsepower, and transmission type. - Engine Horsepower/Torque Specifications
Table of standard and optional engine horsepower ratings and torque specifications - Exterior/Interior Color Combinations & Convertible/Vinyl Top Colors
Exterior paint colors and recommended interior trim codes. - Fisher Body Number Plate Decoding
Decode your Fisher Body Number Plate (a.k.a. trim tag, cowl tag, firewall tag). - Fisher Body Number Plate General Breakdown
General decoding of Fisher Body Number Plates (a.k.a. trim tag, cowl tag, firewall tag). - Is it an SS?
How to tell if a 1971 Chevelle is a true SS. - Interior Trim Codes
Listing of all interior trim codes found on the Fisher Body Number Plate and samples of many. - Interior Paint Colors
Ditzler interior paint colors. - Interior Trim Combination Chart
Listing from GM parts book on all Chevrolet trim numbers, materials, and applications. - Paint Codes
Listing of all exterior paint codes found on the Fisher Body Number Plate and samples of many. - Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards
Decoding Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards ~ See samples via Chevelle and El Camino links below. - Rear Axle Codes
Axle ratio, date, manufacturing plant. - Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Plate Breakdown
Generic decoding of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plates.
Other 1971 Reference Material Links
- Build sheet Examples
Examples of some of the often asked questions like drive shaft stripe colors, engine/transmission, etc. - Trim Tag Examples
Examples of every assembly plant’s trim tags for Chevelle and El Camino/GMC Sprint. - Trim Tag Analysis
Analysis and breakdown of trim tag formats for the various assembly plants. - Engine Photos
Partial VIN stampings – Production Numbers of 402 and 454 V8 Engines - Interior Photos ~ Bench Seat
Examples of several interiors by code number. - Interior Photos ~ Bucket Seat
Examples of several interiors by code number. - Interior Photos ~ Monte Carlo
Examples of several Monte Carlo interiors by code number. - Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous paperwork/dimensions/weights/model identification. - Options and Accessories when installed by Chevrolet
Options and Accessories when installed by Chevrolet - Options by Quantity/Cost
Options listed as RPO and/or Accessory. - Options by Quantity & Percentage of Possibilities
Options listed by RPO and percentage sold. Chevrolet no longer reported the options by series/model availability. - Physical Year Calendar Weeks
January 1 through December 31 - Power Teams
Engine, transmission, rear end combinations. - Production Year Calendar
August of 1970 to July of 1971. - Production Numbers By Plant
Last VIN reported by GM for each assembly plant. - Production Numbers By Series/Model
How many of each style, model, and engine type (L6 vs. V8) was produced. - Standard Interior And Exterior Equipment
Standard Interior And Exterior Equipment by Chevelle series. - Steering Wheels/Door Panels/Instrument Panel
Different steering wheels, door panels, & instrument panel by Chevelle series. - Trim, Moldings, and Front Sheet Metal
Part numbers from GM Parts & Accessories Book. - Warranty Protect-O-Plate cards ~ Chevelle/Monte Carlo
Examples of Chevelle/Monte Carlo Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards. - Warranty Protect-O-Plate cards ~ El Camino
Examples of El Camino Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards. - 1971 Chevelle Sport Coupe, Convertible, Sedan, & Station Wagon Photo Gallery
Photos of 1971 Chevelles in almost every color offered. - 1971 Chevelle El Camino Photo Gallery
Photos of 1971 Chevelle El Caminos in almost every color offered. - 1971 Monte Carlo Photo Gallery
Photos of 1971 Monte Carlos. - Dealer Brochures
A variety of 1971 Chevelle dealer brochures - 1971 Trivia
Just for fun stuff.