Hello all, I know this post is kind of long in the tooth. But I bought this car in the 2021 Mecum Kissimmee Aution in Jan 2021. In now resides in LaVernia Texas, just outside of San Antonio. As I read the threads I see there are some questions concerning its authenticity. Quite understandable. I wondered when buying it, but I took them at their word because the car looked awesome. Unfortunately, the pictures were ancient and yes this was part of the John Scotti collection out of Montreal, CA. I started to wonder when I went to the the Stage 1 Registry and it was not located there. I have alot of the original paper work that came with the car. Unfortunately, I do not have the build sheet. Still maybe somewhere on the car, but they say it was a frame off resto. I do have the POBF that they claim came off the fuel tank, but it is impossible to read. I was able to track the car to 1977 in Virginia and then Pennslyvania, then Indiana, then on to Canada for a spell, then sold at the Sotherby's auction for $35k from John Scotti collection back in Indiana in 2014. It spent 5 years at the Corpus Cristi Car Museum from 2014-2019. Then sold for $30,250 at World Wide Auction in Corpus Cristi in 2019. It was listed at the Mecum Jan 2020 Kissimmee Auction. Reserve bid was $30K, so no sale. It finally sold to me this year. Total Price was $46K delivered. Now I wish I had known it was for sale in Corpus, but oh well. The guy that I bought it from put new tires on it and at least they were expensive. I have paperwork that said the last time someone changed the oil was in Sept of 2005. It had 98,900 miles at the time, I saw a Picture at John Scotti's with 99,180 miles. So apparently from 2014 until I bought it this year only 8 miles were put on it, because I received it with 99,188. I say all of this to say this, it was a trailer queen for the past 16 years, that I can figure out. Now it is a driver. Is it a Stage 1? The jury is out. Please look at the pictures I am attaching and give me your opinions, be honest, because this is what this forum is all about. There may be more evidence, but I do not know where to look. Thanks, Chris
Hey welcome aboard that is a stunning 71 stage one from your pictures the transmission is original to your car it is a factory stage one. The Engine stampings are a little crude but they could be original here’s pictures of the locations,you should have an LWB 340 to posi rear The code would be on the axle tube on the driver side facing the ground.
The only way to document a 71GS stage one is with original paperwork or original Drive Tran parts Which your car has a.k.a. the transmission and maybe the engine. What you need to do now is check the carburetor and distributor and check the corresponding build dates to when the car was built. Hope it all works out for you good luck Frank.
I can’t find the rear end number, but I cannot squirm under the car. The build states 2nd week of sept 1970 which is just when they went on strike. Does any one have a photo of the rear end/ carb location. I just don’t know where to look. Thanks!
OK that explains why you have an 0W transmission which is an Oldsmobile transmission from the factory. Here’s a picture where to look four the carburetor numbers Driver side right past the linkage see picture
I don’t have a picture of the rear but I know the rear code is on the axle tube facing down I would check the driver side and passenger side I believe 71 is on the passenger side I know for sure that 70 is on a driver side code LWB 3.42 posi.
So that is correct. I’ll keep searching for the rear end, so it looks pretty good except For the distributor, I guess I’ll take that. Thanks Gents!
Hello Sameolepan! Welcome to the mystery of '71's. Here is a picture of mine. On the passenger side looking from in front of axle tube looking toward the back of car. Troy
The stamping on the rear axle tube on my 71 Stage 1 is on the passenger side. Get a light under there with you and depending on the underside, you may need a rag with some degreaser.
I got under there and scrubbed it well and still cant see it, I will have to wait until I get it on a rack. So I am guessing that it is 60%+ correct. I can see the Distributor swap, but not the rear end. I need the number or rip the car apart for the build sheet. Also pray that the were the honorable workers who really did not want to strike didn't screw around. Thanks All, Chris
