The Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 is one of the most desirable muscle cars in the current classic market. Pristine examples command impressive prices as enthusiasts clamor over one another in a bid to park one in their garage. With values continuing to rise at an impressive rate, sellers are willing to push the envelope with the right car. That could prove the case with this 1970 SS with a claimed 44,000 miles on the clock. It is listed here on Craigslist in Eatontown, New Jersey. The price is an eye-watering $100,000, although the seller may entertain offers. I must thank Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this stunning survivor.
I’m disappointed that the seller doesn’t supply better photos in their listing. When dealing with a classic of this caliber within this price bracket, taking some care to provide high-quality shots will pay dividends. However, we need to do our best with what we’ve got. The Chevelle wears stunning Forest Green paint that shines beautifully. There are no apparent flaws or defects, and the factory stripes look crisp and clean. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the SS has been the recipient of any prior restoration work, but he does claim it retains 100% of its factory steel. The panels are laser straight, and the underside shots reveal rock-solid floors wearing their original factory undercoat. The original owner ordered the car with a cowl induction hood to improve engine breathing, which is never a bad strategy. The exterior trim sparkles as impressively as the paint, the glass is flawless, and there is no evidence of stains or other problems with the Rally II wheels.
Pop quiz for the uninitiated: When is a 396ci big-block not a 396ci big-block? The answer is from the 1970 model year when Chevrolet slightly increased the bore diameter of the 396, which enlarged its capacity to 402ci. However, the badge recognition of the 396 was so strong that the company elected to continue referring to the upgraded motor by its old capacity. This SS features the L34 version of the big-block, producing 350hp. That power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes as welcome inclusions. Buyers could purchase more potent versions of the SS 396 in that model year, but most were happy with a car that could turn a 14.8-second ¼-mile ET off the showroom floor. The seller indicates this classic has a genuine 44,000 miles on the clock but doesn’t mention supporting evidence. It is worth noting that the car remains 100% original and numbers-matching, which increases its desirability among potential buyers. They recently handed it to a mechanic for a thorough check-up, confirming it is in excellent health. It runs and drives as it would have in 1970, with no vices or issues. As well as some genuine Chevelle spares, the original Build Sheet and other documentation help verify that this SS 396 is the real deal.
This is the only interior shot in the listing, and it tells us little beyond the fact the original owner ordered the car trimmed in Saddle vinyl. The engine bay shot confirms they didn’t select air conditioning, but beyond that, we’re flying blind. Regardless of what options they may have chosen, you would expect the interior of a classic in this price range to present at a high standard. The seller doesn’t mention any problems, but I suspect potential buyers will wish to perform an in-person inspection to confirm that everything is okay.
There’s no arguing that this 1970 Chevelle SS 396 is a stunning classic, and its condition and odometer reading should place it at the top end of the current market. However, that raises the question of whether the asking price is justified. Even if potential buyers can confirm the claims, recent sales results suggest the seller may be overreaching. Of course, it is worth remembering that if you don’t ask, you don’t get. There will always be a group of enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for the right classic, which may prove the case here. Do you think the seller will achieve their price, or do you have a lower figure in mind?
Why does that drivers door panel look so bad? Photography issue maybe? I have a 1970 Pontiac with 325,000 miles and the drivers door panel looks way nicer than this
its a 137617 not 13817 did they change since 67′
It’s a beautiful car, but I believe they would be insulted with a reasonable offer. The car is worth what someone is willing to pay. But I believe they will fall well short on this one.
I guess I just didn’t pay attention to the column shifted SS cars being a teenager in the 70’s, because I just don’t remember seeing them !!! Part of the excitement of owning or seeing an SS was the floor shifter with or without the console and the bucket seats
Yup! The bench seat and column shifted auto really take away from the coolness of the SS package. Although I could probably live with a bench seat 4 speed! Doesn’t seem like a $100k car to me, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it brings that much in the current market
I stopped counting at 20 very significant items that are not original to the car plus the right front fender is likely changed. Hideous presentation for $90k car.
Steve, I did the same thing. I’m far from an expert but, even I saw enough to make me question the car’s history.
this is a conversion from a malibu to a wanna-be super sport !! a true super sport did “not” have the trim molding on the rocker panels.
True, but… a previous owner may have liked the moldings and installed them, it was not unusual at all to see things like this done way back when. The seller, along with his ludicrous price states he has the build sheet and documentation that should prove its provenance. I also believe that anyone who would be building a clone would not have left that molding on…
Why on earth do we care whether the factory installed the parts or someone else did. It is the parts combo that make the car NOT WHO PUT THEM ON !!!!
$90k? It’s obvious this guy watches a lot of TV auctions: “This car is the type of car you see at mecum and Barrett Jackson not your local dealer.”
Where do you get the idea that these stripes are even the factory stripes, let alone that they’re crisp and clean? They appear to be rounded off on all corners?
Your right the inside corners should be squared off didn’t see that at first, now i wonder if they are painted or vinal
It depends where it was built. The stripes vary from plant to plant.
That’s why he said it is like the cars at Mecum or Barrett Jackson. They look great in pics but up close many of the auction cars are fancy slap together that look great running through the auction till you get them home and discover what you really bought. Not all but many of them. This one fits right in with that group.
nice car terrible pictures especially in this price range
He’s asking a crazy price for that car, way overpriced!……the car’s condition doesn’t appear pristine, and it’s not an L78 for sure….Turbo 400 on the column doesn’t excite anyone either…..the smog system’s missing in action….I just gotta’ say, “Are you kidding’ me”???……
automatic on the column 100.000 no way, and with that color combo at the most 60.000
all right, all right, all right
all right
On cars with 99,999.9 digit odometers be skeptical of any claims of “low mileage”.
It’s absurd after fifty years on the road to put any stock in the number on the odo, especially when one remembers how common and easy it was for dealers and private wrenchers to roll them back.
$100,000 only if the guy throws in a vinyl top and porthole opera windows dammit.
“Car is exactly like the day it was bought.” Except is isn’t.
I’m no expert but the fire wall tag says 136 and I thought SS cars were 138?
138 was up through 1968.
I would like to see Patrick Glen Nichols get his hands on this car & see just how original it is. A lot of red flags for me. I’m not saying it’s a clone, but clearly has had work & changes done to it. If it is really a rust free 70 Chevelle SS, it would be a well bought car at $50-60k, but no where near $90-100, that’s getting into LS6 money.
Has anyone noticed the chrome rocker panel trim on this vehicle? No SS Chevelles in 1970 – 72 ever came with rocker panel trim. That’s a sure sign it was originally a non SS car. It’s very possible this is a clone.