Where Were You In….1971
Where Were You In….1971
Contributed by https://www.facebook.com/RussMullerPhotography
American Graffiti asked, “Where were you in ’62?” Last month, my question was “where were you in ’79?” This month I ask, where were you in 1971? Things were starting to change in the automotive world by 1971. Insurance companies were making it difficult and expensive to insure high-horsepower factory hot rods, and the newly established EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) began to impose mandatory emission level regulations. These regulations led to the auto makers detuning their engines and offering lower-performance engines in many vehicles, either by reducing compression or displacement (or both). All was not bad, however, in 1971. Solid performance vehicles could still be ordered from any of the Big 4. AMC was still offering formidable options at the time, and a ’71 Hornet SC360 was capable of 14-second ¼ mile times. So, just for fun, here’s a quick look at two performance cars and one personal luxury car from 1971…
Chevy Nova SS:
The Super Sport package was added to the Nova option sheet in 1963 and included special badges and trim, and later, optional engines. By 1971, the 396 cubic inch V-8 was no longer available in the Nova SS. The top performance engine available was the 4-barrel 350. Reduced compression (which helped to enable the
use of reduced-lead/unleaded fuel) and the change in horsepower rating from SAE gross to SAE net made the 270-horsepower rating look tame, but the Nova was still capable of mid-7 second 0-60 mph runs, and 15-second ¼ mile times. There was 7,015 Nova SS made in 1971, and this example belongs to my friend Alan. It came with a 350 Turbo Hydra-matic transmission, and a 12 bolt, 3.31:1 posi rear. It has the Custom Interior option, with woodgrain trim on the doors, as well as the optional floor shifter with console and gauges. It was originally Burnt Orange with a sandalwood vinyl interior, and came with air conditioning, power steering and optional power front disk brakes. It now has a 383 cubic inch stroker engine under the aftermarket cowl hood.
Plymouth Road Runner:
1971 saw the Chrysler B-body platform get a major styling update, with a much more aerodynamic “fuselage” style that proved to be a winner on the NASCAR circuit. Much like GM, Chrysler offered a detuned, low-compression engine choice. This allowed the Road Runner to be insured without the premium that
insurance companies were charging for muscle cars. The base 383 cubic-inch V-8 was rated at 300 horsepower. Backed by a TorqueFlite automatic transmission and 8 ¾ rear with 3.23:1 rear axle, 0-60 runs were in the 7.5 second range, and ¼ mile times were in the mid 15-second range. 14,218 Road Runners were made in 1971, and this beautiful example belongs to my friends Curt and Trish. It features the base drivetrain, power steering, power front disk brakes and air conditioning. The InViolet exterior has been repainted once, and the black bench seat interior is original and shows well.
