The seller advertises this 1970 Chevelle SS396 as a “Real SS 396 4 speed car with cowl induction. Car needs everything” Now usually when one states that a car needs everything that means a rather robust restoration. Well, this example needs that and quite a bit more. This Chevelle is located in Olathe, Kansas and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $5,400 with 31 bids tendered so far.

For Chevelle aficionados, the 1970 version seems to be the penultimate SS. While very similar in appearance to the ’71 and ’72 models, the quad headlights and high-horsepower mills of the ’70 seem to favor that model year. One of the biggest concerns surrounding these three years is the ease of cloning. It was 1968 that was the last model year that a Chevelle SS could be defined via the VIN and that’s one of the reasons sellers will make a demonstrative claim attesting to a car’s genuineness, etc.

In 1970, a Chevelle SS meant either a 396 or 454 CI engine with power ranging from a standard 350 gross up to a very potent 450. This example, which is believed to have been an RPO L34 variant (350 HP) is now a roller so yes, it’s a yousetabee. Also, gone to the four winds is the Muncie four-speed manual transmission. The seller advises that he does have a 1973 vintage 454 engine and four-speed transmission that can be made available. Of note, the fender wells are missing too.

The exterior of this “Black Cherry True SS 396” is, well, finished in Black Cherry, a popular ’70 shade. It also was wearing a white (trim tag code “A”) vinyl top covering at one time too and it’s probably best that it has been removed considering their knack for trapping moisture. Other than the non-original hood, the body is not too hot as it shows lots of rust and some dents.

While there is an inside, there is no interior, it has been gutted. All that remains are swiss-cheesed floors.  The dash and instrument panel appear to still be in place but there is no direct or identifying image. It doesn’t look like its bucket seats and center console are available.

The seller adds, “Has original master cylinder with bleeders” to which a response of, “Frankly Scarlett, I don’t give a ….” seems appropriate. It’s hard to understand the relevance or value of what is probably an unusable master cylinder. What this car was doesn’t matter, what it is now is the basis point going forward – it’s not going to have true ’70 Chevelle SS396 value. But it could be built into a decent street performer/hot rod, it just won’t have the original cachet. That said, I imagine there are better examples (ones that cost more but will need less) that can be had. What do you think?