When it comes to the survivor category, some classic cars will be more desirable than others. Ranking highly in the desirability stakes is the 1970 Chevelle SS 396, and this is one that would seem to tick a lot of the right boxes. It is original and unmolested, it is rust-free, and it has a mere 51,000 original miles on its odometer. Bring all of those factors together and it becomes easy to understand just why bidding on the vehicle has been so strong and enthusiastic. The SS is located in Brooklyn, Iowa, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. That strong bidding has pushed the price along to $40,050, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

There were plenty of nice colors for buyers to choose from in 1970 for their new Chevelle, but Fathom Blue must rank amongst the best of them. That is what this car wears, and it is nicely complemented by a Black vinyl top. The paint is largely original, although the Chevelle has had some minor touch-ups over the years. The driver’s side front fender has received a repaint at some point in the past, and while the owner says that the color match is extremely good, he says that you can pick it if you examine the vehicle carefully. The rest of it is basically original, and while it wears one or two marks and scratches that you would come to expect after 50-years, there is nothing major for the next owner to worry about. The only area that I might be tempted to look at would be the lower rear quarter panels on both sides. There is no rust and no major problems, but the paint in this area is looking thin from the sort of grit blasting that can occur over time. I would be tempted to think about addressing this in some ways before the steel can become exposed, which could potentially allow rust to develop. The panels are free of any rust problems, and while the floors wear a pretty typical coating of surface corrosion, there is no actual rot to contend with. The vinyl top appears to be in as-new condition, while the trim, chrome, and the glass all looks very nice.

When is a 396ci V8 not a 396ci V8? The answer is in a Chevelle SS 396 from 1970 onwards. The 1970 396 engine had received a very minor increase in bore size from this model year, and this actually increased the capacity to 402ci. However, Chevrolet chose to continue referring to the engine as the 396. That is what we find here, and this 396 should be producing a rather punchy 350hp. That power then finds its way to a 12-Bolt 3.31 Posi rear end via a 4-speed manual transmission. This combination certainly provided the SS with lively performance, with the vehicle capable of despatching the ¼ mile in 14.6 seconds. This is a numbers-matching car, and when you look at the overall condition of the rest of the Chevelle, it is probably no surprise to learn that it is in great mechanical health. The engine has been pulled at some stage. This was to replace the gaskets and have hardened valve seats fitted to cope with modern fuels. In addition, the Chevy has received a new master cylinder, new tires, new shocks, and a new exhaust during its lifetime. The original parts have been retained if the next owner wants them, but the rest of the vehicle remains untouched, and exactly as it left the factory. So, how does it run and drive? Very well, apparently. The 396 sounds perfect, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the owner says that it is ready to be driven across the country. He also claims that the Chevelle has an original 51,000 miles on the clock, and given the enormous pile of documentation that is being included in the sale, I have no doubt that he has evidence to verify this claim. While he doesn’t offer a comprehensive list of the documents, we do know that it includes the Owners Manual, two Build Sheets, the original spare keys and the blanks, along with a large folder full to the brim with paperwork.

Given the story so far, I’m not surprised to learn that the Chevelle’s interior is as original and untouched as the rest of the vehicle. This is doubly impressive because the car was ordered with white vinyl trim and upholstery, and this is a color that is more prone than any to suffering from major deterioration problems. It can become dirty and stained very easily, while it also has a reputation for developing a yellowish tinge over time. None of those issues have befallen this Chevelle, and no one has seen fit to molest the interior to fit a stereo or other aftermarket items. About the only issues with this interior are that the foam on the driver’s seat has started to compress a little bit, and this has tended to exacerbate the stretching of the cover on that seat. It isn’t bad, but you can notice it. Both bucket seats also have very small holes in the upholstery, and I would be inclined to do something before the small holes have a chance to become big ones. The owner hasn’t touched them for fear of disturbing the originality of the SS. However, I think that having the foam in the driver’s seat replaced and the holes blind patched would be a fair compromise to protect the covers on a long-term basis. Otherwise, the rest of the interior presents beautifully, and while there aren’t a lot of luxury appointments, an AM radio and air conditioning should both help to make life pleasant on the road.

This 1970 Chevelle SS 396 is a stunning car, and its combination of condition, originality, and its low mileage help to explain the significant interest that has been shown to this point. It is a steel fist that is wrapped in a silk glove because while it has a classy and even elegant look to it, burying the right foot would reveal a true American muscle car. I can only guess at what the reserve might be, but if I was to take a stab at it, I would be inclined to think that bidding might need to advance at least another $10,000 before it is even close to the mark. If it turns out to be lower than that and if I had the money available to do so, I would be very tempted to join the bidding war. Would you?