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50k Genuine Miles: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

It is said that in life there are only two certainties, death and taxes. I’d be willing to add a third to that list. If you have a really nice 1970 Chevelle SS 454, and you list it for sale with a low opening bid and No Reserve, then bidding on that car will be quite spirited. That’s the case with this Chevelle. After opening at $100, bidding has already risen to $34,100. The Chevelle is located in Winter Garden, Florida, and if you would like to join the bidding war (and who would blame you), you will find it listed for sale here on eBay.

It’s hard to know exactly where to start with this car, but I will say that while the Autumn Gold is the original color and looks extremely nice, the paint itself isn’t actually original. The car underwent a repaint more than 15-years-ago, and it seems to have survived extremely well. The owner says that there are a few minor blemishes, but that these don’t show up in the photos. The white vinyl top looks to also be in good condition, while the Chevelle also features a full-functioning cowl induction hood.

What’s not to like about a 454ci V8 that’s pumping out 360hp? That’s what you get in this Chevelle, along with a Turbo 400 transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Judging by the text in the listing, I don’t believe that the engine is original, but it does appear as though the transmission, and the 12-bolt Posi rear end both are. The overall presentation under the hood is quite good, but there are a few additional wires kicking around under there that I would be very inclined to tidy up. The news keeps getting better with this one, as it has only covered 50,795 documented miles, and the car is driven on a regular basis. It also comes with two original Build Sheets, which is an added bonus.

The Build Sheet describes the interior trim color as Ivory, but that seems like a bit of poetic license to me. Careful ownership really shows, and the owner has been in possession of the car since 2002. The interior trim is said to all be original, and it’s pretty hard to pick faults with it. One of the few things that I noted is that the original factory radio/cassette player is gone, and there is a different one in its place. Credit where credit is due though. The owner has achieved this feat without damaging the dash in any way, so if an original unit can be sourced, then it should be a fairly simple swap. There are also some aftermarket gauges mounted under the dash, but I don’t find them to be a great concern. The original gauge cluster, including the factory clock and tachometer, all look to be in good condition as well.

For the person who is looking for a classic that they can hop into and enjoy immediately, this 1970 Chevelle SS 454 looks like a really strong candidate. The blood flows blue in my veins, but if the opportunity presented itself for me to park this car in my driveway, I wouldn’t think twice about it. What about you?

Comments

  1. Avatar Superdessucke

    Let’s see, this, or that crusty red 1967 base Camaro that’s going to cost an additional $40,000 to restore on top of the $20,000 you’re going to pay to make it yours. Hmmm. Such a tough choice…

    Like 3
  2. Avatar scott leaf

    I too have one. Canadian built by GM. Ordered with no stripes and no hood pins.All original with docs ! It is a a stylish, powerful, piece of rolling art.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Chris M.

    It’s alot of fun paying thousands to guys who paint cars. Not to mention the bliss one experiences with bills from the chrome shops!

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Will Fox

    Nice “SS”, but it has suspicion written all over it. Admittedly, the engine isn’t original, and now I have to wonder if this car ever had a 454 from the factory. Also, the interior–while very nice & neat as a pin, has me wondering if this car was ever an “SS” to begin with. This one will take someone that’s more of an “SS” expert than I to go through with a fine-tooth comb.

    Like 1
    • Avatar RayT

      I’m no expert, but wouldn’t the build sheet — which the seller says is present — make it possible to verify the car’s authenticity?

      You can read the seller’s description in two ways as either the engine and transmission are “numbers-matching” (which can be checked) or as the transmission only being original.

      Looks like a fun car, one that I couldn’t say is or isn’t good value for the money. But I kinda like it.

      Like 0
    • Avatar Boatman Member

      Build sheet doesn’t lie,Will. RPO Z15 454 SS.

      Like 1
      • Avatar Steve R

        If it’s not a forgery. Which are being manufactured nowadays.

        Steve R

        Like 0
  5. Avatar Nevadahalfrack Member

    As a public service, someone should send this sale to the guy with the POS rust bucket SS from Millen, GA. for a reality check! Original or not, that GA car could NEVER look this good for any recoverable amount of money it’ll take to make it whole again.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Boatman Member

    Could you get a cassette radio in 1970? More than likely was an 8-track.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Ike Onick

    wow, wow and…Wow!

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Superdessucke

    Back to the car, I’m a big fan of gold on these 1968-72 A-bodes, though I’ve usually seen it paired with black stripes, interior and top. This is interesting to see it in white. I still think I prefer black but this could grow on me. It looks unique in a sea of red and black 1970 Chevelle SS’s, that’s for sure!

    Like 1
  9. Avatar canadainmarkseh

    Nice car one of my favorite Chevies.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Chris

    Auto on the column non matching# motor & its already over 32K whats the deal? Yes nice colors & car but not seeing what the big deal is here folks. Now if it were a 4spd or atleast buckets & auto on the floor I’d understand or is it me?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Raymond Hurst Member

      Sorry bud, but it’s just you. Build sheet adds at least $10,000.00 to the value, original engine or not. For my use, build sheet car worth as much as ”original engine” car with no documentation. You can stamp a vin on any engine. Just MY opinion. Column shift, bench, no problem if real SS.

      Like 1
    • Avatar Andy

      I agree with you Chris.

      Like 0
  11. Avatar TimM

    Great car!!! Do I need to say anything else????

    Like 0
  12. Avatar DC from Ohio

    It has the wrong trunk lid emblem. The one present is a ‘71/‘72.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar 71Boss351

    I agree with Raymond. The pedigree from the factory makes it worth more as you know how it was born.

    Like 0

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