When it comes to the classic Chevelle, there are a lot of guys that think anything after 1970 is too new. Fortunately, that mentality isn’t wide spread as evidenced by this restomodded 1971 Chevelle Malibu that is coming up for sale at the Mecum auction in Dallas, Texas, this September. Restored by Karl’s Performance in 2013, the car has proven itself a fun and reliable piece of history, as it has racked up 10,500 miles since the restoration was completed.

Under the Chevelle’s hood is a tire-frying 496 cubic-inch big-block engine with forged SRP pistons, a hydraulic-roller cam by Comp Cams, Air Flow Research cylinder heads, and a FAST XFI fuel injection system. Making the car sound great is a set of Lemons ceramic-coated headers, and a complete 3-inch Flowmaster exhaust. All assembled, the behemoth delivered 450 horsepower when measured at the rear wheels on the chassis dyno.

Behind that is a TCI-built six speed automatic transmission activated by a pair of paddle shifters mounted at the steering wheel. Rounding out the drivetrain is the requisite 12-bolt rear with a Posi and 3.08 gears. The suspension consists of Hotchkis front and rear sway bars, Global West tubular A-arms, QA1 12-way adjustable shocks, and Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes.

Inside, things look mostly stock, but did receive some upgrades like a pair of Procar Elite 1200 front bucket seats, and Alpine CD stereo with Bluetooth connectivity, and Vintage Air’s Gen IV Sure Fit A/C system.

All together, the entire package looks to be well executed, and will surely deliver a couple hundred thousand miles of fun for the new owner. Why shouldn’t that be you behind the wheel of this gorgeous Chevelle?