396/4-Speed Project: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

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This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS has enough of the right stuff to grab the attention of most bowtie fans quickly, and there are plenty of positives here to get excited about.  However, this cool Chevy is also a project, and there are a couple of mechanical uncertainties that might merit an inquest to the seller.  This one’s up in Marshall, Minnesota, and can be seen here on eBay, with the present bid of $10,600 not enough yet to make the reserve disappear.  Another option is to make it yours today, as there’s also a buy-it-now price of $29.950.

Some good news is that the original 396 comes with the car, although the valve might be one good indicator of why it’s been partially disassembled.  This photo is the most comprehensive view we get of the powerplant, which looks like it’s been dry for quite some time, but the seller says he’s still got the complete engine including the intake and exhaust manifolds.  The original 12-bolt posi is still out back, but there’s no mention of a transmission and I’m not spotting one anywhere, so maybe it’s worth asking about the 4-speed’s whereabouts.

The Chevy has been under the same ownership since 1985 and received its only repaint the following year.  The factory finish is said to have been gold, but who doesn’t dig a red Super Sport, so I understand the desire to have changed colors.  The only metal that’s ever been replaced is the lower quarters, and if it’s just a driver you’re after, the outside may be satisfactory.  However, if a higher-level exterior is in the plans for the future owner, they’ll have to decide whether or not to return the body back to its original gold.

Few specifics are provided regarding the interior, other than the seller telling us he still has the seats but they will need recovering.  The pad looks like it’s separating from the dash, or vice-versa, so there’s some work to be done in here too, although overall this car seems like it’s got decent bones to work with.  What are your thoughts on this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS?

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Comments

  1. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

    I think that the days of a car in this condition being worth the seller’s BIN are long gone.

    Like 13
    • Mark F.

      I don’t think a car in this condition ever was worth 30k. But seems like a decent project car for the auction price.

      Like 1
  2. Denny

    Carefull ,some things don’t seem right .Its the little things that are missing.

    Like 1
    • Mark F.

      Which little things? Unless the boxed rear control arms are missing I’m not seeing anything little missing. Has the proper clear parking light lenses, and everything in the pictures seems correct, has a build sheet showing the 396. Has the seats just not pictured, only thing that seems like it may be missing is the transmission and shifter

      Like 0
  3. Archie

    29K is a lot of money to ask for a puzzle that may or may not have all the pieces.

    Like 0
    • Mark F.

      Yes 29k is too much. Further up I mentioned it wasn’t a bad project for the auction price which at the time was at 12k. (Although the reserve wasn’t met) But I have said before on other projects, a disassembled car used to be more of a problem than it is these days. You can literally look up anything you have questions about on your phone, and cars like Chevelles, Camaros, and Mustangs have parts so readily available that buying someone else’s partially completed project is really not that big of a deal anymore.

      Like 0
  4. Ron from MnMember

    I’d definitely go back with the gold paint color. Sick and tired of “restoration red”

    Like 0
  5. Steve R

    Sold on 10/28/2024 for a high bid of $25,100.

    Steve R

    Like 0

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