The full-size Chevy Impala continued to be one of the best-selling U.S.-made cars in 1970. At more than 600,000 units, a GM labor strike prevented the nameplate from coming close to its 1965 record of one million copies. Estimates are about 10,000 were convertibles, but we’re betting that ones ordered with the new 454 cubic-inch “Turbo-Jet” V8 may have been few and far between. That could make the seller’s edition a fairly rare find here in Ham Lake, Minnesota. Available via a dealer here on eBay, the current ante is $7,600 with an unmet reserve.
Fifth-generation Impalas were a wrap in 1970 with modest styling updates over the similar 1969 models. We’re betting that most ’70 big Chevies came with a 350 V8, but the LS454 was a new option replacing the 427. There were no more Impala Super Sports as the mid-size Chevelle was better suited as a muscle car. The 454 would have been rated at between 360 and 390, depending on which Chevrolet product the engine went into. The one in the seller’s car was rebuilt 10,000 miles ago and had the bore increased, so we don’t know what its output may be now. And the selling dealer overlooked providing a photo of the engine bay.
We’re told this Chevy has 63,000 miles, which makes you wonder why the beefy motor needed a refresh. Not a true survivor, the Forest Green paint is in presentable shape and could be original (or an older respray). The interior matches the exterior and seems tidy enough, while the contrasting white top is not perfect but would be serviceable if there are no leaks.
This Impala is well-equipped with a TH-400 transmission and power steering. No mention is made of power front disc brakes, which I would want with the heavy powerplant. We’re told the AM/FM stereo came from the factory with a cassette player, which I didn’t know was on the options list that early in the decade. If you don’t want to spring for a full restoration, we see no reason you couldn’t cruise with the ragtop, as-is.
One thing I’ll never understand is why a dealer, like this, from a rust prone area doesn’t include undercarriage pictures when there is a lift in the background of several pictures. These are supposed to be professionals, yet they ignore something that would take little effort and increase sale price. It’s hard to believe this is an accidental oversight. This looks like a nice car, but pictures in an ad often don’t give an accurate representation.
Steve R
Go further down in the E-Bay add plenty of underside and engine pictures.
Thanks
Steve R
Why can’t people but at least one engine bay pic is beyond me.
Went to dealer site saw 131 pictures even underneath. I think its 163,000 miles my opinion. Rebuild big block why? Any papers on it? The way the car ,top and interior looks. Also the suspension could use some help. Right now it at $8,400.00 and reserve not meet. Do they want North of $10,000.00? Or more. I was surprised to see NO AC! I know they have those AC kits comes complete with everything you need or have a shop installed it. It’s a cool ride to have so good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
On the plus side, this is the last year for a conventional convertible top from GM, so any good top place can fix this car’s top. Unlike the following year which introduced the dreaded scissors top.
The 67s and 68s had absolutely beautiful styling in my opinion. In the late 80s and 90s I must have had about 6 of them – I was addicted, and my ex was not happy about it. But they were gorgeous, including a metallic blue with white top 327 convertible, and two big block sport coupes, one black 427 and a gold 396 4-speed. I loved them. It still shocks me how the styling went from snazzy to snore in 2 short years.
not many with a 454 made. i would replace that nasty exhaust system, pull the trans and reseal that. then lose those mud flaps the most likely saved it from the rust. a little more tlc and you got a cool cruiser
GM Delco did not offer an AMFM cassette player combo until 1978 on a few models, before being widely offered on most 1979s.
A slight misnomer here is that a 1970 full-size Chevy had a 345hp 454, not 360hp, as the less powerful of the (2) 454s on the option list. (http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/chevy/70cvf/bilder/15.jpg)
Love the mud flaps!
Had the 1970 more door version with a 454 back around 1985 or 85. Couldn’t believe the torque it had. It was a surprisingly large but quick sleeper car!
Look close in the top well, every convertible I’ve ever owned was rotted under where the top went into and even though you can but floor and trunk pans everywhere the space between the rear floor and trunk usually has to be fabricated. Also look at the frame on it where the cross member bolts in real closely, they rot like hell there. The 454 is rare, but not enough to warrant much over a 350 hammer price to me. From past experience I’d look real close at every inch of the floors and frame before bidding on this one and would want to make sure the engine’s a 70 and not an 84 Suburban motor put in place of it.
The bidding ended with a final bid of $9,000. Apparently the reserve wasn’t met.