There’s plenty to love about this match-up. Classic American muscle against fine German engineering. Both associated with “The Big Three.”

The BMW’s relationship to the big three refers to Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The Chevelle’s association to the big three comes from Detriot’s Chevrolet, Ford and Chrysler automakers.

America’s big three against Germany’s big three. America against Europe. ‘Murica against Germany.

There could not have been a better selection to represent the American Musclecar group. In 1971, the Chevelle was America’s second best selling car and the most popular mid-sized car. The SS version of the Chevelle was, and still is, very desirable. Priced around $3,000 in 1971, this is one of the last popular years for Chevelle car collectors. 

The BMW sedans have a solid reputation as finely engineer automobiles that make the most efficient use of the power available. Plus… they do it smoothly.

So in a side-by-side drag race, which gets the best traction and the biggest drive off the line? 

Surprisingly, the Chevelle shows that it has the right stuff to jump out into the lead and keep pulling away from the luxury performance sedan. Make no mistake about it… the Chevelle wins without question. 

We give the Chevy a nod for winning the race but acknowledge that the Chevelle could go to a car show after the races and win best in show at a collector car event as well. Let’s see the German big three compete with that!