1971 Chevrolet SS: Reader ride

By: Gavin De Bres, Photography by: Gavin De Bres

Date: 15.07.2014

Gavin De Bres' 1971 Chevrolet SS...

Reader's ride: Chevrolet SS

Gavin De Bres' 1971 Chevrolet SS

This is my rare South Africa-assembled Chevrolet SS. General Motors in South Africa assembled them from CKD HG Monaro kits. I grew up in Zimbabwe and my dad and uncles had cars ranging from late-1960s South African XW Ford Fairmont (Falcon) GTs and Rancheros (running 351 Clevelands) to early-’70s Firebird Trans-Ams. I grew up wanting a ’70s muscle car.

When I was 40, I tracked down this original 1971 Chev SS, which I brought with me to Australia. It is an unrestored, matching-numbers car which I had fully registered and complied in Australia. It was assembled in 1971 and was purchased new from Jowell’s Garage in Springbok by its first owner in May 1972 and I have the original owner’s handbook and warranty book.

My car has the 308 Holden V8 (never been opened) with its original Rochester carbie, factory power steering, limited-slip 10-bolt diff and four-speed manual gearbox. I have re-tempered the rear leaf springs and fitted new Kings front coils.

The interior is the original black/white houndstooth check but I had sheepskin seat covers made locally for the front seats and also fitted a venetian blind. It runs 14 x 7-inch Aunger Hustler rims which I made Chevrolet centers for (I also have the original steelies). It has only done 66,000km and drives and rides beautifully.

 

*****

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