1971
Chevrolet Camaro Z28 - "Sleek, Fast, and Ready to Race"
"When you drive a Z28, you are not
just moving down the road. You are commanding a legend."
The
1971 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 remains one of the most iconic muscle cars of its
time, embodying the power and style of the early '70s. Despite facing
challenges, including a two-month strike at the Norwood, Ohio plant, the Camaro
line persevered, carving out its legacy in the competitive world of American
pony cars.
A Brief History
The
1971 Camaro Z28 came equipped with a potent 350 cubic-inch V8 engine, producing
330 horsepower and 360 lb.-ft of torque. Although the horsepower ratings were
adjusted due to new emissions standards, the Z28 still held its ground,
delivering exhilarating performance for its era. Chevrolet's decision to reduce
the engine's compression ratio may have disappointed some enthusiasts, but this
was a necessary step toward meeting future environmental regulations.
Though
performance may have taken a slight hit due to these regulatory changes, the
Z28 remained a powerful machine, with 0 to 60 mph times around 7 seconds and a
quarter-mile time of 14.8 seconds. Its distinct split bumper design and
aggressive stance made it an instant favorite among gearheads.
In terms of production, 1971 saw a total of 4,862 Z28 models produced, which was the lowest-selling Camaro variant that year. Despite this, the Z28 continued to build its reputation as a car built for true enthusiasts.
Sales and
Legacy
The
1971 Camaro Z28 originally retailed for around $2,848. Today, prices for a
well-maintained Z28 can soar, with solid examples fetching between $60,000 to
$90,000, depending on condition and rarity.
|
Year |
Original
Price |
Current
Price (Solid Condition) |
|
1971 |
$2,848 |
$60,000 - $90,000 |
One
of the most notable designers behind Camaro’s iconic look was Henry Haga, whose
vision of sleek lines and muscular contours helped define Camaro’s aesthetic.
Chevrolet’s production team, driven by a passion for performance, ensured that
every Camaro left the factory as a true embodiment of American muscle.
Colors and
Options
The
1971 Camaro Z28 came in a range of vibrant colors, including Mulsanne Blue,
Nevada Silver, and Cranberry Red. However, the most iconic hue for this model
was undoubtedly "Sunflower Yellow" – a color that captured the
essence of '70s muscle cars.
Competition
In
the pony car wars of 1971, Camaro held its own against fierce competition like
the Ford Mustang, AMC Javelin, and Dodge Challenger. Even with a dip in
production across the board, the Camaro secured its place as a top contender in
the muscle car arena.
"The 1971 Camaro Z28 is not just a
car. It is a time machine, taking you back to an era where speed and style
ruled the streets."
Below
are the detailed engine specifications and performance stats for the 1971 Z28:
|
Engine
Type |
Size |
Carburetor |
Horsepower |
Torque |
|
L22 I6 |
250ci |
1x1bbl |
145 hp |
230 lb.-ft |
|
STD V8 |
307ci |
1x2bbl |
200 hp |
300 lb.-ft |
|
Z28 |
350ci |
1x4bbl |
330 hp |
360 lb.-ft |
|
LS3 |
396ci |
1x4bbl |
300 hp |
400 lb.-ft |
Performance
Stats
|
0
to 60 mph |
Quarter
Mile |
Engine |
Source |
|
7.0 sec |
14.8 sec 96.35 mph |
350ci/330hp |
Popular Hotrod (8/71) |
The
1971 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a piece of muscle car history, revered by
collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its blend of performance, design, and
enduring legacy continues to captivate the hearts of those who appreciate the
golden age of American muscle cars.