Changes were relatively minor for 1971. The most noticeable were the addition of the high back bucket seats. Front disk brakes were added to the standard equipment lists along with floor carpeting. Performance was down slightly due to the engine modifications made to allow the use of unleaded fuel.
The 1971 Camaro was offered again in three basic models. The standard that came with the 307ci V8 and a six cylinder engine was available for those looking for a little better fuel economy. Of the 91,481 base Camaros sold, 11,177 were fitted with the six cylinder engines.
The Super Sport was the “affordable” performance model. The 1971 Camaro SS came with a host of performance upgrades including a heavy duty sports suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars and special shock absorbers. The SS option package also included appearance and comforts items. The base engine for the SS was the 350ci V8 with 300 horsepower. The 396 (really 402ci) was available as an option. The SS package added $314 to the price of the base Camaro and was well worth it if performance was the main goal.
The Z/28 returned with its 350ci V8. As usual the $790 package was designed to make the Camaro a proper road car with corning ability to match the best cars on the market at that time. The 1971 Camaro Z/28 was a well balanced car and was probably the best Camaro to date and one of the very best for many years to come.
