How many 1971 Chevelle SS 454's where produced ?

I am looking for any information on how many "True" 1971 Chevelle SS - 454
where actually produced (or an approximation). I have read on MCG and
Chevellestuff, that an exact number isn't available, as the SS option was given
to all V8 engines in 1971, as well as El Caminos and Trucks. I don't know how
accurate that information is, so I'm asking here. There has to be someone
that knows the approx. number of the 454's produced in 1971. Outside of all
the things to look for in a true SS car, is there a way to tell what the production
run number of mine is, by Vin # ? by block # ? anything ? Thanks for the
help...