18k Documented Miles: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

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I’ve often wondered whether there is any such thing as the ultimate barn find. Of course, the definition of “ultimate” will change from one person to another. A car that ticks all of the boxes for one enthusiast could leave another feeling cold. This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 ranks pretty highly for those passionate about classic American muscle cars. It was unearthed after years spent hidden in a barn, and it has been returned to a factory-fresh state for a new owner to enjoy. If that isn’t enough to satisfy you, the documented odometer reading of 18,000 genuine miles could rate as the icing on this automotive cake. The Chevelle is located in Standish, Maine, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $95,000, but the option is available to make an offer.

I have never shied away from my love of classic cars that wear the Blue-Oval badge, but vehicles like this SS could result in my becoming a GM convert. Its appearance wasn’t this nice when it emerged from the barn, so its owner at that point treated the car to a complete rotisserie restoration. His attention to detail has been meticulous, and the Chevelle looks like it has just rolled off a showroom floor. The Astro Blue Metallic paint has an incredible depth of color and shine, and it appears to be flawless. The Black hood and deck stripes add a great contrast, and when you examine the panel condition and gap, you will struggle to find better on a Chevelle of any description. The panels are laser straight, and their alignment appears to be perfect. The gaps are tight and consistent, and it should be no surprise to learn that the car is completely rust-free. The exterior looks impressive, but the state of the underside is potentially even better. There is not a hint of corrosion anywhere and no evidence of fluid leaks from the drivetrain. The SS rolls on its spotless original Rally wheel, wrapped in a fresh set of BF Goodrich tires.

The owner had the entire drivetrain removed and rebuilt to its original specifications as part of the restoration process. The Chevelle remains numbers-matching and features the L34 version of the 402ci big-block that churns out 350hp. All of that power needs to find its way to the road, and it does so via a 4-speed manual transmission and a 12-bolt Posi rear end. Life behind the wheel is made easier by the original owner’s decision to order the SS with power steering and power front disc brakes. This wasn’t the most potent package that Chevrolet offered in the ’70 Chevelle, but there’s not much to complain about when the car in question is capable of demolishing the ¼ mile in 14.6 seconds. It is no surprise to discover that the engine bay’s presentation is flawless after the restoration work. It’s so clean that I suspect that dust would be afraid to land in there. However, this car is about more than mere looks because it comes with a significant collection of documentation. It includes the original Order Form, Protect-O-Plate, and unequivocal paperwork that confirms that the odometer reading of 18,034 miles is genuine. I’m not sure if that makes this the lowest-miles example in existence, but it would make it pretty close. The owner also includes a folder full of paperwork and photos that documents the entire restoration process for this classic.

While the panels, paint, and drivetrain came in for some refurbishment work, it appears that all this Chevelle’s interior required was a deep clean. It is upholstered in Black vinyl and features bucket seats and a console. The original owner also ordered the SS with the optional AM/FM radio/8-track player. This has made way for a more modern stereo, but the owner includes the original unit for those seeking a factory-fresh appearance. Apart from some stretching of the vinyl on the driver’s seat, there’s not much to criticize with the condition. The remaining upholstered surfaces look perfect, while the dash and pad are equally impressive. I can’t spot any faults with the carpet or headliner, which means the buyer won’t need to spend a dime inside this classic.

As I initially said, I’ve always wondered whether there is any such thing as the ultimate barn find. It seems that regardless of how amazing one car might be, another will almost inevitably appear that will raise the bar further. For our Bow-Tie enthusiasts, this 1970 Chevelle SS 396 would probably rate pretty high on their list, and while a better example may be uncovered in the future, this is one of the best that has appeared to date. Is that thought enough to motivate you to scrape together the funds to park it in your garage? If it is, I could hardly blame you.

Comments

  1. TimS

    Have to admit it only caught my eye because it was a color besides Requisite Red.

    Like 13
  2. Classic Steel

    So 19K at 1/4 mile at a time?

    Not sure why engine needed going thru other than gaskets etc. or possibly carburetor gone thru too.

    Like 10
  3. Steve R

    Beautiful car.

    There are several 70 SS Chevelle’s with documented mileage below 5,000!including LS-6’s.

    Steve R

    Like 12
  4. Ike Onick

    A blank canvas rescued and made into a masterpiece. The American Dream.

    Like 8
  5. Frank Sumatra

    And to think as a Senior in high school (1971) I got a ride in a 1970 454 to the Kenan Center Rink for hockey games. The driver was fellow Senior Paul LaCroix (How’s that for a hockey name). It was his Mom’s car. His Dad was a manager at the GM Tonawanda Engine Plant (The #1 Team)

    Like 13
  6. RKS

    Nice car for sure but claiming the mileage at 18,000 doesn’t mean anything if it’s been completely restored.

    Like 26
    • CCFisher

      My thoughts exactly. 18,000 miles with a rotisserie restoration and a fully rebuilt drivetrain isn’t much different from 118,000 miles with a rotisserie restoration and a fully rebuilt drivetrain

      Like 34
  7. Bamapoppy

    Oh. My. God. Love it. Love it. Love it. How much would the unrestored version of this have worked up the national car judges? We’ll never know.

    Like 8
  8. Vance

    My biggest question, is how do you only drive a beautiful car like this a mere 18k miles? I have control issues, and I have not led the the perfect life. When I bought my first new car, a 1987 Ford Mustang GT, I couldn’t wait to get up and start that car, hear the engine rumble, and drive the hell out of it. I took great care of this car, but they are built to be driven and enjoyed. It just seems kinda weird to me that you wouldn’t enjoy the car. Nobody is guaranteed tomorrow, and to not drive this beautiful car is a waste. You can’t take it with you.

    Like 14
    • Denny Tuttle

      The way I did it Vance ,I had a handful of other toys to keep me busy68 Camaros 70 chenille’s nova’s and get the Camaro out that I ordered new just once or twice a year and arm the tires up .My son now has my Camaro and he babies it too.

      Like 2
  9. A.G.

    One thing which always bothers me is seeing painted door latch hardware. Not to R&R the hardware for the paint job is a shortcut. It’s a visible flaw which is difficult to miss. To see the hardware painted on a rotisserie restoration makes no sense to me. It’s a fine looking car but for $95K I’d expect better.

    Like 17
  10. JC

    It’s really nice but at 95k, “normal everyday enthusiasts” are out… it will probably go to some “Collector” who will stick it in their garage with the others like a giant matchbox… ugh.

    Like 7
  11. Larry D

    $95K for a ’70 396 (402) Chevelle? What would he think a 454 was worth?

    Like 4
  12. Jack

    Why would an original 18K car need an extensive restoration like this. It should be in mint condition now that all that work was done on it. This is an excellent restored car now, not an original survivor. Front disc brakes were standard on the SS396 package in 1970 and not an option

    Like 3
  13. 86_Vette_Convertible

    It’s a good looking car overall but one thing I noticed bothers me. Look at the frame shot from right behind the passenger side front where it turns in. To me it looks like there had been severe rust damage to the bend in the frame. Why would there be than much rust damage on a 18K miles car?

    Like 1
  14. Ken

    Hard to find any auto that is not original

    Like 0

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