1971 Nova SS questions

I am looking at a 1971 Nova (SS?). I know there is no paper work saying it is or isn't a true SS. Here is what I know about the car. It is a true 4 speed car, front power disc brakes, no power steering, no a/c, and it doesn't have the factory engine in it but it was a V8 car. It does have all of the SS emblems, ect. Is there any chance of finding out if it is a SS or a clone? Thanks for any help.  

There is really no way to verify an SS for 1971 without some original paperwork. In-dash tachs, floor consoles/shifters, console gauges, bucket seats and even 12-bolt rears are NOT indications of a real SS. There were real Super Sport Novas built with the standard dash, column shifters, bench seats and 10-bolt rears. However, you can guess at it's originality. First, 1971 Super Sports have power front disc brakes. The next thing to check is the engine code. If the engine is original (the last 6 digits of the VIN are stamped on the engine block) and it has a application code (also stamped on the block) that decodes to an SS only engine, then you have a real SS. Without the original engine or some original paperwork, you're basically out of luck.

To be an SS, the begining of your VIN number should start with: 114271W

VIN Tag
Digit 1 GM Division  (1 = Chevrolet)
Digits 2 and 3 Model Series (14 = Nova, V8)
Digits 4 and 5 Body Style (27 = 2 door sedan)
Digit 6 Model Year (1 = 1971)
Digit 7 Assembly Plant (W = Willow Run, MI)
Digits 8 thru 13 Production Sequence #  (Starts at 100001)

Also check the cowl tag, to be an SS line one should start with: 711427WRN

Cowel Tag
71 = 1971
1 = Chevrolet
14 = Nova, V8
27 = 2 door sedan
WRN = Willow Run, MI

Information obtained from:  www.novaresource.org

Good luck,  
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Steve - Daytona Beach, Florida
1963 Chevy II Nova SS

Thanks for the info but I have done all that I can do to find out if it was a true SS and from what I have found out from the 2 previous owners it is a true SS. I did buy the car so either way I am stuck with it for now.  

Cool, fix it up and drive it.
I'm sure you will love it !!
 
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Steve - Daytona Beach, Florida
1963 Chevy II Nova SS