You’ve probably heard the old saw that is often applied to valuable muscle cars that goes something like this, “Of the 4,439 1970 SS 454 LS6 Chevelles built, there’s only about 7,000 still in existence!”. That’s a stab at all of the Chevelle clones that have been “manufactured” over the years, the ’70-’72 editions, in particular, models that lend themselves well to such an endeavor. Today’s subject, claimed to be a genuine LS6, 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS454, appears to be authentic and is listed as number 94 in the LS6 Registry – good to know. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at this uber-Chevelle and see what was so special about it. It’s located in Phoenix, Arizona and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $45,100 with the reserve not yet met.
Now, I don’t have a real reason to suspect that this car is not what it’s purported to be, but there are a few items that aren’t correct. And for that reason, I find that it’s beneficial to go through the proper research when dealing with such a high-dollar collectible. And full disclosure, I’m no expert on these, I only know what I’ve read. This car was initially sold in Canada though it was built at Chevrolet’s Broening Highway (Baltimore) assembly plant. The research that I was able to uncover states that the first LS6 was built, in Baltimore, on December 9, 1969, and went to a GM executive. Production ended at the conclusion of the model year which was either late July or early August of ’70. As for production volumes, I’ve found two, 4,439 and 4,475, though the former seems to surface more often – pretty good volume for a model equipped in such a manner (the engine) that Chevrolet never advertised or promoted it. I believe GM still had a ten lbs. of curb weight per gross HP rule in effect in ’70 so the 450 gross HP rating put this one under the ten lb. minimum. No worries I guess, Chevy just went ahead and built them anyway and tried to keep it internally on the DL.
So, the heart of the beast is the 450-gross HP 454, CI V8 engine. The one in our subject car is not original to it, it’s coded “CE” and is, ostensibly, a warranty replacement block swapped out in ’71. The seller claims the heads, however, are from the original engine. What I noticed, under the hood, at first glance is that this is a non-cowl induction model and every genuine one of those that I have witnessed came with a dual inlet, closed-element air cleaner. This car is wearing a typical fourteen-inch Chevrolet open-element piece. Also, the PCV valve has been replaced with a chromed breather (driver’s side valve cover) and the oil fill (passenger side valve cover) is a black rubber plug – it should be a chrome-plated twist on/off cap. Beyond that, it looks as it should, including the A.I.R. pump. The Turbo-Hydramatic 400’s “CY” code is correct – this is a heavier-duty version of the already heavy-duty 400 and is proper for this car. The transmission tag’s Julian date is 353 (December 19) so this car would be a very late ’69 or early ’70 build. The differential ratio is not stated but I believe there were only two available, either 3.55 or 4.10. So, how’s it run? Well, it looks like it should be a spectacular performer but the listing is silent on that matter.
Wearing a beautiful finish of Forest Green, this Chevelle is a real standout, especially without the hood and deck lid stripes (just my subjective preference) – SS Chevelles of this era are difficult to find, so unequipped. The finish is non-original, it’s a 1996 respray but it has held up beautifully. The vinyl top covering was also replaced when the respray occurred. One item that is troubling is the existence of the stainless steel rocker panel molding, there shouldn’t be one on a SS model. There are numerous underside images, as well as one of the trunk, and this Chevy would appear to be as sound as it looks. Here’s a walkaround video for your review.
Inside is the standard Chevelle SS issue in its reserved and understated presentation. Optional bucket seats and a center console are in place, along with what appears to be an eight-track Delco radio, but that’s about it. Curiously, there were no engine gauges or tachometer originally specified, just warning lights. The vinyl upholstery is said to be original and it presents just as it should.
The seller refers to this Chevelle as a “survivor” but I can’t agree with that designation due to the respray and the non-original engine block. That said, it is a magnificent example and claimed to have only experienced 58K miles. I suppose the original owner knew that he had something special and cared for it accordingly, though I can’t explain the replacement engine block (though I have an idea…). So, knowing the stratospheric levels that GM A-bodies of this era trade for, and considering that this car is an apex model, what do you think it will take to make the sale?
Obviously a very special muscle car. The two negatives: automatic transmission and the CE engine. My guess is the car is worth $85,000.
2 more negatives, no build sheet and malibu trim on rockers .
The malibu trim may be correct. As starting in 1969 the SS became a option to any Chevelle sold. It was not a stand alone model after 1969 . I knew a fellow who had the 1969 Chevelle Malibu. SS it had all the malibu trim but had the 396 -375 hp and the SS emblems .
No build sheet but it’s Canada built so it has documentation that US built Chevelles don’t have showing exactly how it was built, hence its inclusion into the registry. Yes, a replacement block but that seems to be fully documented as well. All of that said I’d have it verified by one of the well known experts who personally inspect and verify LS6s and L78s.
Just read the ad, claims to have build sheet as well.
Of interest regarding the rocker trim, this has been a debate for years and there are multiple cases of SSs coming with them if even by error.
https://www.chevelles.com/threads/70-chevelle-ss-with-rocker-panel-mouldings.84362/
Hi I like the SS. What is not to like it is nostalgic. But prices for 450 hp 454 are as many muscle car’s, are really not worth it. They are not, not. They have a place yes and just think a car that maybe cost 7-9 thousand now are worth 85k plus. Plus, they are money pits. Finding parts at time are rare and frustrating. So go buy
a used v8 4.4 TWIN TURBO BMW 2016 and a bumper-to-bumper warranty. Maybe 25-28k. Parts available
I am not sure I’d take the plunge on an 8 year old twin turbo BMW given BMW’s recent service interval recommendations but otherwise, I agree with your general premise that late 1960s and early 1970s muscle cars are overpriced for what they objectively are. This is because Boomers are in their twilight and flush with cash. That’s why a ’70 SS454 goes for 90k plus. It’s all nostalgia. The cars’ capabilities have zero to do with it.
Friend mechanic at the car club built his – old boomer, guessing for less than 90K. Nostalgia yes, like going back in time, small town car scene. People with cash, little smarter too usually being older.
Gorgeous purple, white stripes, showing a little pearl. He did the engine, interior, body work and paint.
A privilege to take a ride in, had plenty of power as well.
That’s how aftermarket works with ANYTHING though. (For example, you think a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle with a perfect grading is actually “worth” 12 million dollars?) And it isn’t just Boomers, it’s the people with the money to blow. There’s people in their 50s paying outrageous prices, and it’s going to be like that as time goes on. As long as there’s a demand for something, top dollar will always be shelled out willingly.
Ya boys!! Wheres the white stripes, cowl hood, cowl ram air box. Ive owned six. Color correctly done. Not looking for more missing thats enough!!
A friend of mine bought a new one in 1970 and also had to have the motor replaced. His wife had a fender bender with it at one time so it’s had some body work and paint on that area. He does start it about once a month but it’s going to need a repaint and who knows what else. 53 years garage stored in non climate control, it will need a lot more than paint
Great article as usual J.O keep it up. 👍
Never a fan of the horseshoe 🐴 shifter, they look ungainly to me, rather have a column shift.
Looks fantastic in the dark green paint.
A real tire-roaster here.
I still say boooo to the guy writing this. Do ur homework befor printing. The decalls on the air cleaner are reproduced. I still own 2 ls-6 vettes and one convertible ls-6 in forest green, one ls-6 elk in forest green , all 1970’s outta 6 i bought brand new in high school. Yep had a lotta money back then. Still original owner of four. Ss all had rally stripes. All mine are 4spd. Radio delete, no ac, heat only. Ground pounders. This car a quick put together fake!!!!
I believe that a few of the first couple hundred out of Baltimore, there were a few stripe deleted SS LS6 cars.
As I stated in the post, the air cleaner is incorrect, so the decals are immaterial. Regardless, decals usually don’t last 53 years and often need to be replaced. That doesn’t adversely affect the value of the car. As for the stripes, they were not standard. For someone who claims to be an owner, since high school, you should know that. They were standard with a cowl-induction hood unless the orderer requested a delete. With a non-cowl induction hood, such as this car possesses, they were an extra, specifically, option RPO D88 ($68.50).
I’m not sure what Corvettes have to do with this post, regardless, sounds like you’re the one that needs to be introduced to some research.
JO
You’re the one needing to do homework. The information is readily available. The flapper hood and stripe package was an option. Standard issue was a flat hood and without stripes. That also brought about the mentioned dual snorkel air cleaner. You could have a flat hood and stripes (the mentioned D88 RPO) for a price. You could also stripe delete on a flapper hood optioned car for a credit.
Bad blab was probably one of those who played up his wealth. Probably owned them in his own mind!
Nope.
Man I sure had thing for the ’70 Chevelle SS when they came out. Who didn’t? But I was nine and these were the cars my brother and his friends all drove. In SE Michigan cars like this were considered common. Everyone worked for the auto companies so the money flowed and horsepower raged. I never get tired of seeing all the different combinations of equipment and features these cars could have. Your car was distinctive and different from all the other green ones in the parking lot.
I’m not sure if this makes sense but I think some will know where I’m going.
I owned a 1969 Buick Sylark hardtop coupe. It had bucket seats and the center console with the horseshoe shifter, I loved it. I loved the car wish I still owned it.
I am biased owning a 70 Olds in similar color scheme, but I do love Sherwood aka Forest green and black. To me, a very classy color scheme of the era. I cannot figure out what’s going on with the rocker trim though. I am no Chevy expert, but I am fairly certain an SS Chevelle had those rocker trim pieces omitted…? Other than that, not a huge deal (well, price wise, yes) with a service or NOM block…I’d just feel way less guilty putting the LS6 through its paces in the city. It’s funny how tastes change as you age because when I was younger, as far as I was concerned, the more rallye stripes the better! Now, I could take ’em or leave ’em, but truthfully, on these SS Chevelles, I prefer them sans stripes – understated, no “hey, look at me,” just discreet and confident muscle. My kinda car, although as is the case for many muscle car enthusiasts these days, my bank account does not have enough zeros.
I love my 69 Skylark, plan on keeping it till I’m too old to enjoy it.
I love my ’69 GS400 4-speed car too…what’s not to love? Mine is a Signal Red, Black Top, Black interior, 69K original-mile car with a factory Chevy 12-bolt 3.55 Posi, factory tach, buckets, Rally Wheels, Red Stripe Wide Ovals, Rally Steering Wheel, and the Rally Road and Ride Control Package with front and rear sway bars, boxed control arms, etc. These are the best looking of all of the A-bodies in my opinion. No one mistakes it for another Chevelle, lol.
To share an experience, I’ve never owned a Chevelle, but the first car I ever drove all by myself was my uncle’s 70 SS396 4spd.
It was in 70 or 71, so I would have been 12-13. It RUINED me. I’ve been chasing horses and banging gears ever since, and I’m pretty sure I’ll never stop.
At his funeral two years ago there was a photograph of that car among many others. My heart nearly stopped when I saw it, which is probably a strange reaction to a faded photo of a long-gone hunk of iron.
I personally would be looking in to the authenticity of this car….several things seem off .
Not a big fan of green or vinyl roofs and absolutely cannot handle the green interior!
In 1970 I sold an LS6 Chevelle automatic in silver with black stripes. When we ordered it there was no option for the flapper hood, it just came with it! I don’t believe this car is the genuine article.
The hood, RPO ZL2, was a $147.50 option and only available with option RPO Z25 which was the SS396 package. A later release of the GM Vehicle Information Kit, the source for this information, indicates that it was available with SS equipment in general. The updated Info Kit is dated June 15, 1970 but it’s likely that the SS454’s cowl Induction inclusion happened long before June of that year.
JO
The Canadian documentation should prove out the VIN is of a real LS6. That is most likely why this car is in the registry. it is much harder to fake since you can order the original import/export paperwork with buildsheet and or sales order forms from GM of Canada. That, like I said earlier, only proves the VIN. It could be a swapped tag.
My girlfriend’s best friend’s boyfriend (follow that?) had a blue 70 LS6 Chevelle four speed. One double date, he climbed into the back seat and told me to take it through the gears like I stole it. He wanted to see what it felt like, not driving, but riding. I had driven plenty of fast cars, but that was the pinnacle. Unbelievable power for a street-legal machine.
I know SS396’s were assembled in Oshawa, Ontario, did the fact this car have and LS6 determine it was assembled in the US?
No, SS396s and SS454s were assembled in many places besides Oshawa, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Flint, Kansas City, and Van Nuys. There was also some late in the model year production at Arlington, TX.
JO
J.O dishing replys 🙌
I bought myself a 70 SS396 for my HS graduation gift. It did not have stripes or cowl induction, was bench seat 4 speed in a robins egg color that escapes me but it had a white painted top. This was an original owner car in 1978. As soon as I got it I painted it Jade green with metallic. Roof too but left the chrome molding.
And by the way it was $800, which was all I received for my graduation gifts
Let’s be kind and respectful to the BarnFinds writers. They are under a deadline and may not have all the car knowledge of all the cars we read about.
This is not an easy position, and if you think it is, Pull up a chair! I know what it’s like. You’re the writer, researcher, proof reader and sometimes even illustrator. Just finding information on some models can be difficult and time consuming.
It is easy to rattle off specs. if you’re a C2 Corvette lover or a Mustang owner. I can pick apart a certain cars only because I’ve owned them or work on them in a friend’s exotic restoration shop.
No worse I own a 67 Buick Gran Sport 400. It is about 90% complete but parts are not as accessible as I would like. I would have liked a 64-67 GTO-GOD TO OVERPRICED. The Buick has its upside 10 grand cheaper than the GTO in some cases 20k 340 HP AS OPPOSED TO 350 OR 335 whatever a bit heavier but has AC in many Gran Sports, does the 1/4 in.1 second less [stock]. As far as the writers go they are doing their job and the ownness is on the buyer . But muscle cars are nostalgic true but way overpriced. YES. But still would love a 66 GTO.
Could have bought a 71 SS 454 4 speed, silver, black stripes, cowl hood, bucket seat console car for less than $2000 back in 1977. Couldn’t come up with the $200 down payment on grocery store wages. Kicked myself over the years for not trying harder to scrape up that down payment. Was just a few months before I got a job in construction making $300 a week, decent money at the time. Too late though, the car sold pretty quickly. Wonder sometimes if it’s still around…
The LS6 Registry does not guarantee that the cars registered are real BUT they do ALL they can to ensure the validity of any car they register. The seller of this car says he has all of the documentation to prove what this car is. That is the end of the conversation. Capisce?
@454rat
Si
Could be a changed tag. As mentioned before there are questions that need clarified. Nice car, too much controversy though.some of the things like the oil filler cap and air cleaner would have been so easy to make right, even if lost. I’m sure registry has been fooled before. Needs checked out a little more. Nice car either way.
Had a friend back around 74, got a 70 LS-6. Car was all black, vinyl top, body, interior and a beauty. Cowl induction and 4 speed with plenty of power. Only thing was, his wheels were different, wider spokes. I have seen those wheels on other Chevy’s but the magnum style seems more popular. I like the others, personally. Had Cragars on my 69 Judge, 3 1/2 front, 10 rear.
If your friends wheels were different than the ones in this post, they were not factory wheels for a 70 Chevelle SS. 14×7 was the only SS wheel available.