While muscle car sales were beginning to feel the pinch by 1970, Chevrolet still found buyers for an impressive 53,599 examples of its iconic Chevelle SS 396. Today, the 1970 SS 396 is one of the more desirable muscle cars, and good examples draw plenty of interest and healthy prices in the current market. That should be the case with our feature SS because it presents beautifully and has a genuine 65,000 miles on the clock. It has no apparent needs and is ready to be driven away by a lucky new owner. The SS is listed here on Craigslist in Spencer, Tennessee. It could be yours by handing the seller $33,000. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for spotting this gem.

It is disappointing that the seller only supplies two outside shots of this SS because it makes it challenging to assess its overall condition. The general impression is that its Mulsanne Blue paint shines impressively, with no glaring faults or problems. It is unclear whether it has been the recipient of any restoration work, but if the odometer reading is verifiable, the paint may be original. The panels are straight, with no bumps or bruises. The seller claims it is rust-free, and the fact it has always been garaged will help its cause. The stripes show no evidence of checking or lifting, while the chrome and glass appear spotless. The poor photo quality would make an in-person inspection essential, but the initial impression of this classic is positive.

If a buyer in 1970 had their heart set on equipping their new Chevelle with the L34 big-block V8, they had no choice but to order an SS. The company didn’t offer the L34 as a stand-alone RPO, but it was the entry-level motor in the SS 396. That is what we find lurking under the hood of this Chevelle. The 1970 model year also saw Chevrolet slightly increase the 396 to 402ci, although they elected to leave the SS 396 model designation untouched due to brand recognition. This beauty sends its 350hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed M21 manual transmission, allowing the SS to storm the ¼ mile in 14.6 seconds. The engine bay presents better than I would normally expect in a classic of this vintage, which may indicate restoration or an engine rebuild. However, it is a numbers-matching vehicle that runs and drives well. The engine doesn’t leak or blow smoke, and the seller claims it has a genuine 65,000 miles on the clock. They don’t mention verifying evidence, making that a question worth asking.

I’ve always considered White vinyl interior trim a brave choice in a classic, as it is prone to stains and yellowing. However, this Chevelle hasn’t suffered that fate. The upholstered surfaces look crisp and clean, with only slight stretching of the cover on the driver’s seat to suggest any age. The remaining surfaces look excellent, as do the dash and pad. There are no visible aftermarket additions, and the original owner equipped it with desirable features like bucket seats, a console, and a pushbutton AM radio.

The sales figures graphically told the story of the decline of the classic muscle car. The 1970 SS 396 total of 53,599 looks impressive until you compare it with the previous year’s 86,307. That represents a fall of nearly 40% in a single year, and the situation only worsened as safety and emission regulations transformed the lithe and muscular into the heavy and slow. Automotive engineering developments mean it is now possible to buy a new car off the showroom floor that could show this Chevelle a clean set of heals, but you have to wonder how long that will be the case. Rising fuel prices and the shift to electrification mean preserving classics like this is becoming more critical than ever. Are you up for that challenge?