1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

Description

1970 was a banner year for Chevelles, with no fewer than five big block engine options, two SS packages, and a long, long list of options. This cool 1970 SS 396 is a real sweetl car that now carries a 454 cubic inch big block that delivers the performance that made these cars legendary, as well as a look that still turns heads today.

Finished in code 25 Astro Blue, which is this car's original color, there are few other predators on the road as potent as the 1970 Chevelle. The black SS stripes and cowl-induction hood certainly help reinforce that image, and when you're going to attract this much attention, it's always smart to do it right. Fortunately, this car was rebuilt from the ground up with paint that was done about ten years ago, and today it is straight, solid, and shiny. Workmanship is quite good throughout, with straight panels, good gaps, and a great finish on the two-stage urethane that will stand out anywhere you go. It carries all the correct SS gear, including the blacked-out front grille, SS bumper insert, and badges on the front fenders. In a sea of LS6 clones, it's refreshing to see an SS still spec'd out the way the factory intended, although it's far from subtle, even with the low-key color.

The Chevelle's interior counts as one of the triumphs of 1970s General Motors design. The bucket seats have been reupholstered using authentic seat covers in the original patterns, and the back seat has been restored to match. There are a few signs of use over the years, but overall it looks quite good. Matching black carpets are the right pile and weave, and the door panels are proper SS pieces. That's the original dash, full of factory-issued round gauges, further proof that this is a real SS, and while the original gauges include all the vital information, a pair of aftermarket dials were tucked under the dash. There's no console and you know we like the industrial-strength look of the 4-speed sticking out of the transmission tunnel just as much. This SS also offers an AM/FM/cassette stereo that fits neatly in the original slot, so the dash hasn't been hacked up to make it fit. The beautifully finished trunk wears a fresh mat and carries a matching full-sized spare and jack assembly.

Engine choices were confusing in 1970, and the L34 was actually a 402, not the old familiar 396 (although it was still called the SS 396), but it's all academic now, as a 454 crate motor was installed in its place. Whatever the displacement, the stout big block still delivers that insane wallop of torque when you step on the loud pedal. There are plenty of upgrades and lots of chrome, including a big Holley up top, chrome Edelbrock intake manifold, MSD ignition, and a trick twin air cleaner up top. It starts easily and pulls like a freight train, with 4-speed manual clicking off precise shifts without blinking at the engine's prodigious output. Other new equipment includes a fresh power brake booster and master cylinder, a fresh alternator, and long-tube headers with a shiny ceramic coating. The chassis features cleanly painted floors, a rumbling Flowmaster exhaust system with correct tips and SS wheels wearing fat 225/70/14 front and 225/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials for a perfect street-fighter look.

With a beautiful restoration, this potent Chevelle has just the right mix of show and go that's a blast to drive. Call today!