1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

Description

1970 was the pinnacle year for Chevy's Chevelle, offering a long list of options and powertrains to suit just about any buyer's tastes. There were even two different sizes of big block SS models, with this attractive hardtop packing its original 396 cubic inch V8, a formidable performer that was also very user-friendly. Attractive colors, a quality restoration, and the perfect balance of show and go, this is a great car just waiting for its next chance to show off.

Forest Green is this A-body's original color, so when the time came to bring it back up to snuff, they didn't hesitate and put it right back on. Of course, that was only after all the panels were sufficiently straightened and aligned and the primer was blocked to eliminate any imperfections. There's a bit of gold in the finish so it really glows in the sunlight and proper SS stripes are part of the package. It was completed about ten years ago and driven perhaps 5000 miles since then, but aside from some very minor blemishes, it shows extremely well. Correct SS features like the cowl-induction hood with pins and the blacked-out grille were faithfully reinstalled, and all the bright pieces were either polished, re-chromed, or replaced during the build, so it sparkles today. For fans of big block power in a subtle, low-key package, this Chevelle really delivers.

It also received a full restoration inside, where the original green vinyl upholstery was replicated and reinstalled. Bucket seats and a console weren't standard in the SS, but probably should have been and a majority of owners ordered them that way. The upholstery is in excellent condition and correctly mimics the factory work, and for those of you looking to spot a fake, we can tell you with confidence that this is a real-deal SS, and it has the round gauges in the instrument panel to prove it. The horseshoe shifter is easy to use and looks awfully cool in the center console, and for authenticity's sake, they even kept the original M radio in the dash. Aftermarket Sunpro gauges were added under the dash, along with a column-mounted tach, but those are forgivable upgrades in a car like this, especially since it begs to be driven every chance you get. The trunk mat may very well be original, and it also includes a, full-sized spare with jack assembly.

We confirmed that the 396 under the hood is this car's original, numbers-matching powerplant. Now displacing 402 cubic inches, it makes plenty of torque and is a lot more user-friendly than the snarling LS6 race motor. Some of the perks of the 396 are power steering and brakes, which make it very easy to drive, and it's happy to idle in traffic without getting cranky. The engine is pretty stock and looks good with its Chevy Orange paint and shiny chrome valve covers, but you can also see that they went the extra mile and included reproduction hoses and clamps to make it look right. A rugged TH400 3-speed automatic powers a 12-bolt rear, and the very clean chassis only shows a Flowmaster exhaust system as the lone deviation from stock. 14-inch SS wheels are fitted with 235/60/14 Firestone radials that look great and ride well.

Complete with its original build sheet, this Chevelle is a great combination of correctness, quality, pedigree, and performance. The fact that it's also so affordable makes it all the more remarkable. Call today!