Not Even Close: LSA-Powered 1971 Camaro RS Fails to Reach Reserve Price
Drag race-prepped 1971 Camaro RS has more than 900 horsepower, but that is not enough to convince buyers to part with the cash.
A stock 1971 Camaro RS with the Chevy 350 V8 would make about 245 horsepower. That might not sound like much today, but it is about 100 horsepower more than what the V8 in a Camaro would produce just a few short years later thanks to ever tightening emissions standards. The 1970s were a dark period for horsepower lovers–which is a shame because those second-generation Camaros are really cool looking cars.
If only they had decent power, they would probably take a bigger share of the on the open market. That is what a dealer in Kansas was counting on when they listed this supercharged LSA-powered Camaro for sale on Bring a Trailer recently.
Thanks to the engine transplant, this 1971 Camaro RS makes more than 900 horsepower at the flywheel running on E50. A dyno run confirms the car is producing 658 horsepower and 599 pound-feet of torque at the rear wheels. Thanks to items such as a 2-speed Powerglide transmission, Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S tires out back, Lakewood 90/10 front drag shocks and more, this car is ready to take on the drag strip.
The seller claims it is good for a mid 10-second quarter mile time. Despite that, bidding stalled at $44,500 which was short of the reserve price. And while we don’t know exactly where the reserve price was intitially set, it appears to be significantly higher than the high bid. The car is currently listed on the dealer website with an asking price of $67,500. Why did this car fall short of the asking price by more than 40 percent?
Engine Upgrades
Someone spent some serious money upgrading the engine room in this car. It starts with an LSA crate motor from GM Performance Parts. It comes with STG Motorsports cam and pushrods. The supercharger has been modified with a reinforced intercooler brick, a solid isolator, and a blower lid from a Cadillac CTS-V is used to help everything fit under the original flat Camaro hood. Billet fuel rails are used with upgraded injectors. There is an LSX Concepts LSA race drive belt, Lingenfelter 9.17-inch lower pulley, ZPE 2.45-inch upper pulley, and the list goes on and on.
Other Upgrades
Outside of the engine compartment the 1971 Camaro RS saw a number of additional updates. These include the 8.5-inch 10-bolt rear end, a Strange Engineering chromoly driveshaft and axles, and Centerline Warrior billet wheels are just a few highlights. Sit in the driver’s seat and through the four-spoke steering wheel you will find a Holley EFI 6.86-inch Pro Dash Display. This is not some half-hearted Camaro build. So, why did it fall short at the auction?
‘Reserve Not Met’
Why did this car fall so far sure of the seller’s expectations at the auction? Well, there could be a million reasons that have nothing to do with the car itself, such as overall market conditions. A lot of classic car values are falling right now. But on top of that, the car was originally finished in Classic Copper, and it has been repainted orange with white stripes. We like the orange paint, but Classic Copper is a fantastic original color that would have been desirable on this car. No matter the reason, as of this writing the car is still available. If you like what you see, you may want to reach out to the dealership directly. With the car fresh off a failed auction attempt there may be more room for some negotiations.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
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