1971 · Chevrolet · United States
1971 Chevrolet El Camino SS: LS6 Joins the Chart, the El Camino Share Still Doesn't
A single RPO Z15 SS package on the Malibu/Custom El Camino; the El Camino share of 19,293 SS cars is not separately published.
United States · researched through 2026-09-22
This record's own overview states that for 1971 the reference reports 19,293 Malibu and Malibu/Custom El Camino series cars fitted with RPO Z15 SS equipment, 9,502 of them further equipped with SS 454, and that no El Camino-specific split of either figure is given. The Malibu El Camino, model 13680, was listed as V8 only that year with 36,042 built, while the lower-series El Camino recorded 4,506 V8s and 1,058 sixes.1,1
This record's own key facts restate the Z15 figures, 19,293 line-wide with El Camino share unknown, and add that the 1971 power-teams chart reproduced by the reference lists the 425-horsepower LS6 454 as an option on the V8 Custom El Camino with SS equipment, paired with either Turbo Hydra-Matic or the M22 special close-ratio four-speed. A separate production-totals source gives 41,606 El Caminos built for 1971 across every trim and engine combination, a figure this record's key facts note matches the sum of the file's own body-scoped rows, while adding that the source marks El Camino SS with an asterisk, meaning it was an option on the Custom V8 model rather than a separately tabulated body style that year.1,1,2
This record's own production rows break that 41,606 total into three body-scoped counts: 36,042 V8 Malibu El Caminos, 4,506 V8 lower-series El Caminos, and 1,058 six-cylinder lower-series El Caminos. Alongside those it carries the 19,293-unit Z15 line-wide installation figure and the 9,502-unit Z15-with-SS-454 figure as separate rows, both explicitly labeled not an El Camino count, so a reader cannot mistake either option-installation total for a body-style production total.1,1,1,1
This record's own prices section lists three 1971 figures: $3,069 for the V8 Malibu El Camino, with a second figure of $3,074 dated April 1971 also on the source; $2,961 for the V8 standard-series El Camino, with a second figure of $2,988 dated June 1971; and $2,891 for the six-cylinder standard-series El Camino. Its engines section documents a 145-horsepower 250 six standard, a 200-horsepower 307 V8 standard on V8 models, a 245-horsepower L65 350, a 270-horsepower L48 350, a 300-horsepower LS3 402 with dual exhausts, a 365-horsepower LS5 454 for SS 454, and the 425-horsepower LS6 454, which the record notes has no torque figure because the reference's own 1971 engine-specifications table carries no LS6 row at all.1,1,1
This record's own transmissions section documents a standard three-speed coded ZW4, an M11 floor-shift three-speed for L48, a special MC1 floor-shift three-speed for LS3, an M20 four-speed for L65, L48 and LS3, an M22 special close-ratio four-speed for LS5 and LS6 with SS equipment, an M35 Powerglide for the two smaller engines, and an M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic across most of the range. Its options section prices Z15 SS equipment at $357.05 retail, with a second figure of $364.80 also listed, against the same 19,293-unit line-wide installation figure already carried in the production rows.1,1
This record's own paint section lists fifteen solid colors by code, from Antique White through Rosewood, and its interiors section documents eleven trim codes by description and model list, every one of them carrying no production count in this record's own fields. Its own unpublished leads section flags a Wikipedia-sourced claim, not corroborated elsewhere in the record, that from 1971 SS equipment could be ordered with any V8 including the base 307, a claim this record's own engine and transmission listings do not confirm or contradict for the El Camino specifically since none of those rows states which engines Z15 itself could be combined with.1,1
Fact sheet · 1971 · United States
The numbers
1971 Chevrolet El Camino SS — A single RPO Z15 SS package on the Malibu/Custom El Camino; the El Camino share of 19,293 SS cars is not separately published.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-22.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
- Z15 SS: 19,293 line-wide, 9,502 with SS 454; El Camino share unknown.1
- The 1971 El Camino power-teams chart reproduced by the reference lists the 425-hp LS6 454 as an option on the V8 Custom El Camino with SS equipment, with Turbo Hydra-Matic or the M22 special close-ratio 4-speed.1
- Team Chevelle's production-totals page gives 41,606 El Caminos built for 1971 across all trims and engines, matching the sum of this file's own body-scoped rows; it does not separate an El Camino-specific SS count from that total (Z15 was an option added to the Custom V8 model, not tabulated apart from it).2
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu El Camino, V8 only (13680)1 Malibu · 2-door sedan pickup · V8 · US tabulation | 36,042 | built, model-year | Reported |
| El Camino, V8 (13480)1 Chevelle · 2-door sedan pickup · V8 · US tabulation | 4,506 | built, model-year | Reported |
| El Camino, six (13380)1 Chevelle · 2-door sedan pickup · 6-cyl · US tabulation | 1,058 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| RPO Z15 SS, Malibu and Malibu/Custom El Camino combined1 SS · Malibu sport coupe, convertible, El Camino · V8 · US tabulation Not an El Camino count. | 19,293 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Z15 with SS 454, Malibu and Malibu/Custom El Camino combined1 SS 454 · Malibu sport coupe, convertible, El Camino · LS5 · US tabulation Not an El Camino count. | 9,502 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Camino, all series (total)2 2-door sedan pickup · US tabulation Equals the sum of the rows above (36,042+4,506+1,058), which are independently sourced to ChevelleStuff.net; that match is corroboration, not the basis for this row. The source marks El Camino SS as '*' (an option on the Custom V8 model, not separately tabulated) for this year, consistent with no El Camino-specific SS row being added. | 41,606 | built, model-year | Reported |
Rows are separately scoped; do not add them. No El Camino SS count was found.
Paint and trim codes are from the Chevelle-line tables; paint counts on the source are for all Chevelles and are not shown here as El Camino counts. Trim counts are shown only where the trim code is listed for El Camino models; a count that also covers other models says so.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Malibu El Camino, V8 (13680)1 | $3,069 | manufacturer's suggested retail price, base V8; the source adds $3,074.00 dated 04/71, 1971 model year |
| El Camino (standard series), V8 (13480)1 | $2,961 | manufacturer's suggested retail price, base V8; the source adds $2,988.00 dated 06/71, 1971 model year |
| El Camino (standard series), six (13380)1 | $2,891 | manufacturer's suggested retail price, base engine; excludes taxes, license, options, 1971 model year |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS5 · Turbo-Jet 4541 454 cu in · 4-barrel | 365 hp @ 4,800, 465 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross); 285 hp @ 4,000, 390 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE net) | SS 454 | Not yet sourced |
| Turbo-Thrift 250 six1,1 250 cu in · 1-barrel | 145 hp @ 4,200, 230 lb-ft @ 1,600 (SAE gross); 110 hp @ 3,800, 185 lb-ft @ 1,600 (SAE net) | standard, El Camino six-cylinder model | Not yet sourced |
| Turbo-Fire 307 V81,1 307 cu in · 2-barrel | 200 hp @ 4,600, 300 lb-ft @ 2,400 (SAE gross); 140 hp @ 4,400, 235 lb-ft @ 2,400 (SAE net) | standard, El Camino V8 models | Not yet sourced |
| L65 · Turbo-Fire 350 V81,1 350 cu in · 2-barrel | 245 hp @ 4,800, 350 lb-ft @ 2,800 (SAE gross); 165 hp @ 4,000, 280 lb-ft @ 2,400 (SAE net) | optional, El Camino V8 models | Not yet sourced |
| L48 · Turbo-Fire 350 V81,1 350 cu in · 4-barrel | 270 hp @ 4,800, 360 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross); 175 hp @ 4,000, 290 lb-ft @ 2,400 (SAE net) | optional, El Camino V8 models | Not yet sourced |
| LS3 · Turbo-Jet 400 (402 cu in) V81,1 402 cu in · 4-barrel | 300 hp @ 4,800, 400 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross); 260 hp @ 4,400, 345 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE net) | optional, El Camino V8 models; dual exhausts | Not yet sourced |
| LS6 · Turbo-Jet 454 V81 454 cu in · 4-barrel | 425 hp (SAE gross) | listed as optional on the V8 Custom El Camino with SS equipment (Turbo Hydra-Matic or M22 4-speed); the reference engine table for 1971 has no LS6 row, so torque is not shown | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Transmissions
| Transmission | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|
| ZW4 · 3-speed (standard), column shift1 | standard with the 250 and 307 | Not yet sourced |
| M11 · 3-speed, floor shift1 | L48 | Not yet sourced |
| MC1 · Special 3-speed, floor shift1 | LS3 | Not yet sourced |
| M20 · 4-speed wide-range1 | L65, L48 and LS3 | Not yet sourced |
| M22 · Special 4-speed close-ratio1 | LS5 and LS6 with SS equipment | Not yet sourced |
| M35 · Powerglide1 | 250 and 307 | Not yet sourced |
| M40 · Turbo Hydra-Matic1 | 307, L65, L48, LS3, LS5 and LS6 | Not yet sourced |
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
Z15RPO |
SS equipment1 | $357.05 | 19,2931 Reported |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
11 (904) |
Antique White1 | Not yet sourced |
13 (905) |
Nevada Silver1 | Not yet sourced |
19 (919) |
Tuxedo Black1 | Not yet sourced |
24 (907) |
Ascot Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
26 (976) |
Mulsanne Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
42 (910) |
Cottonwood Green1 | Not yet sourced |
43 (922) |
Lime Green1 | Not yet sourced |
49 (911) |
Antique Green1 | Not yet sourced |
52 (912) |
Sunflower Yellow1 | Not yet sourced |
53 (925) |
Placer Gold1 | Not yet sourced |
61 (919) |
Sandalwood1 | Not yet sourced |
62 (915) |
Burnt Orange1 | Not yet sourced |
67 (916) |
Classic Copper1 | Not yet sourced |
75 (917) |
Cranberry Red1 | Not yet sourced |
78 (918) |
Rosewood1 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
703 |
Black Coated Fabric (bench seat) (models 13436, 13437, 13446, 13469, 13480)1 | Not yet sourced |
705 |
Black Elk Coated Fabric, Black Coated Fabric (bench seat) (models 13637, 13639, 13646, 13667, 13669, 13680, 13836, 13845)1 | Not yet sourced |
706 |
Black Elk Coated Fabric (bucket seat) (models 13637, 13667, 13680)1 | Not yet sourced |
713 |
Light Sandalwood Coated Fabric, Antique Light Sandalwood Coated Fabric (bench seat) (models 13436, 13446, 13480)1 | Not yet sourced |
714 |
Antique Light Sandalwood Coated Fabric (bench seat) (models 13636, 13637, 13639, 13646, 13667, 13669, 13680, 13836, 13846)1 | Not yet sourced |
715 |
Antique Light Sandalwood Coated Fabric, Antique Light Sandalwood Coated Fabric (bucket seat) (models 13637, 13667, 13680)1 | Not yet sourced |
720 |
Med. Saddle Coated Fabric, Antique Med. Saddle Coated Fabric (bench seat) (models 13436, 13480)1 | Not yet sourced |
721 |
Antique Dark Saddle Elk Coated Fabric (bench seat) (models 13636, 13637, 13646, 13667, 13669, 13680)1 | Not yet sourced |
722 |
Antique Dark Saddle Elk Coated Fabric (bucket seat) (models 13637, 13667, 13680)1 | Not yet sourced |
731 |
Antique Dark Jade Elk Coated Fabric, Antique Dark Jade Coated Fabric (bench seat) (models 13636, 13637, 13639, 13646, 13667, 13680, 13836, 13846)1 | Not yet sourced |
732 |
Antique Dark Jade Elk Coated Fabric, Antique Dark Jade Coated Fabric (bucket seat) (models 13637, 13667, 13680)1 | Not yet sourced |
Identification
Read a 1971 Chevrolet VIN
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Same model year
Also in 1971
- AMC AMX The AMX name moves onto the redesigned Javelin as its top model. It is a derivative badge, not a continuation of the two-seater. 2,054 were built, all with the 360 or 401.
- AMC Hornet SC/360 AMC's one-year compact muscle car pitched as an insurance-friendly alternative. AMC reportedly planned 10,000, but 784 were built.
- AMC Javelin A new, flared-fender Javelin, with the AMX name as its top model. Javelin won AMC the 1971 Trans-Am manufacturers' championship.
- AMC Matador Machine The Rebel Machine's unadvertised successor, a 'Machine Go' option package for the Matador hardtop. Production is unknown; published guesses run from 43 to 68.
- Buick Riviera The boattail Riviera: 455 rated 315 gross / 255 net, GS 330 / 265; 3,175 of 33,810 were GS.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX Compression fell to 8.5:1, the GS 350 and GS 455 were merged into one GS series of 9,170 cars, and the GSX became an appearance package on any GS.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS A single RPO Z15 SS package now spanned small- and big-block V8s; 9,502 of 19,293 SS cars carried the LS5 454, and Chevrolet began printing net ratings beside gross.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova SS limited to the L48 350 per the source; Rally Nova (RPO YF1) offered. Enthusiast-compiled production: 194,878 cars; Super Sport 7,015.
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS The last SS 454 year: RPO Z20 on 1,919 of 128,600 Monte Carlos.
- Dodge Challenger Challenger's second year lost the SE, the R/T convertible, and the T/A; a new pillared coupe joined the hardtop and convertible, and production fell to roughly a third of 1970's.
- Dodge Charger A new, shorter third-generation body absorbed the Coronet two-doors and the Super Bee; it was the last year for the R/T and for a factory Hemi Charger.
- Dodge Coronet R/T and Super Bee The end of the line for Coronet performance: the two-door Coronets were replaced by the Charger, taking the Super Bee with them.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon Dodge's version of the Duster fastback arrived as the Demon, and the Demon 340 became the performance Dart: 10,098 built, plus 85 Canadian Swinger 340 Specials.
- Ford Maverick Grabber The Grabber became its own model with a dual-scoop hood, and the 210 hp 302 V8 arrived; Classic Industries counts 38,963 Grabbers.
- Ford Ranchero GT The second Torino-based Ranchero year; reference counts give 3,632 GTs, while Barn Finds rounds the GT figure to about 3,900 of 24,946 Rancheros.
- Ford Thunderbird The last fifth-generation year kept the 360-hp 429 as standard; production fell to 36,055.
- Ford Torino A carryover year for the 1970 body; the Torino Cobra now came standard with a 351 four-barrel and offered the 429 Cobra Jet-R, but only 3,054 Cobras were built.
- Mercury Comet and Cyclone The final Cyclone year: production fell to a few thousand across Cyclone, Cyclone GT and Cyclone Spoiler.
- Mercury Cougar A larger second-generation Cougar, new body codes, and the one-year 429 Cobra Jet option, fitted to 448 cars.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds Compression fell to 8.5:1 for regular fuel, the W-31 was dropped, the sports coupe was gone, and 4-4-2 production fell to 7,589.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda Four headlamps and a new grille marked the second E-body year; the Hemi and 440 Six Barrel stayed on the 'Cuda order form, but Barracuda-line production fell to about a third of 1970's.
- Plymouth Duster 340 and 360 The Duster 340's second year brought a new grille, a Thermo-Quad 340 rated 275 gross and 235 net hp, and a $2,703 list price, while output fell to about 12,900.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite On the redesigned 1971 Satellite body the GTX fell to 2,942 cars, only 30 of them with the Hemi.
- Plymouth Road Runner Redesigned on the new Satellite body as a hardtop only, the Road Runner fell to 14,218 cars, and a 340 joined the 383, 440, and Hemi.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am The 455 HO year: the Trans Am's biggest engine, 2,116 cars, and a Formula line split across three V-8s.
- Pontiac GTO Lower compression, dual gross and net ratings, the 455 HO as the top engine, and production down to 10,532.
- Pontiac Grand Prix Boat-tail styling, lower compression, and the manual transmission gone by March: 116 of 58,325 had one.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The Tempest name gives way to T-37; the GT-37 option carries on and the 455 HO is available in two-door LeMans models.