Upon first glance, this appears to be an original 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396, as the seller of this vehicle states in the condition line that this vehicle is “untouched”. However, as you read on I think what he means is that it has not been touched since 1981. There’s a considerable amount of work to be done here, but if you are in the market for a 1970 Chevelle SS to restore this may be a good car for you. Located in Homosassa, Florida, it can be found here on eBay with an opening bid of $25,000. With about two and a half days to go, so far nobody has placed the first bid as of this writing.
The main thing that is not untouched is the engine. Gone is the 396 that this Chevelle left the factory with and in its place is a 1973 model 454 engine. No other details are given about the current powerplant, other than it turns over although the seller has not attempted to start it. The good news is that the motor is connected to a 4 speed, and power is supplied to the rear wheels by a 12 bolt rear end. Again, no word on the condition of the rest of the drivetrain.
What we do know for sure is that the car has had the same owner since 1972 but has been sitting since 1981, and from the looks of things it appears that most of the setting has been outside. The seller says the car is pretty solid but does need to be restored. Fortunately, we do have some good photos that show some of the details about the body and underneath part of the car. The vinyl top is long gone, and there is a considerable amount of rust on the top, trim, and around the back window. Overall I have to agree that a lot of the rest of the body does look pretty solid and perhaps quite a bit of it could be salvaged for a restoration. It’s also good to start with a car that has the original paint still intact. Inside the trunk area is going to need some work, and it’s kind of hard to tell from the photos if that’s mostly surface rust on the chassis or if it goes deeper. Other than part of the back seat, most of the interior is there and intact.
For certain this Chevelle does need a lot of work and the original engine is gone. Nevertheless, the car does have a lot of good things going for it and it’s always nice to start with a vehicle that is intact and mostly complete. Plus the 4 speed and 12 bolt are helping me to see through some of the things that the next owner of this SS will be dealing with. The car comes with a build sheet and clean title as well. What are your thoughts on this 1970 Chevelle? Do you think for what you are getting that a minimum of $25,000 is a fair price?
Nice, but it looks like if the Big Bad Wolf comes around and Huff & Puff & Blow, the Chevelle will be an instant roofless convertible !
This thing looks real bad from every angle, inside and out. $5000.00 would be pushing the limit and someone would want to buy it real bad..
Looks really heavy on the front end. But as I always say, don’t be afraid to give it gas!
Restoration would cost big bucks and w/o the original engine not sure you could ever recoup your investment.
And at $25,000 it shall remain untouched.
Can-O-Worms
To muck $ for a muscle car with a nom slug of an engine but some nut will buy it
The rust I can see scares me, the rust I can’t see, terrifies me!
25K for this? Good luck as this is making my fully restored same year Vette worth more and more.
Yikes. Double yikes. Rust on top means serious rust on the bottom. This might (and that’s even a skinny might) be a parts car. Dream on…dream on! (With thanks to Steven Tyler!!!!)
Its sitting 15 miles from me ,should go look at it. Remember in Florida cars rust from the top down and this one has a good start at it. Plus a 73 smog 454. I need to get a close look at it.
The owner should be ashamed to be responsible for this beautiful car being reduced to junk.
With the 1970 ls4-5 and 6 , how much are we going to loose on not having the original l78 375 396 in the car, 10 grand? Ive had the 396 and the 454, are most folk fixated on the 454 chevelle? Would accountants and bean counters ascertain that to make the most money that a 454 clone car would be more profitable than a restored NOM Chevelle? Im pretty sure the people who would want to have fun would see a Possible Dynacorn ( new yay) body and while we are at it throw in one of those Zz572 jobbies. 5000$ ??? I would kill to find tuxedo black bucket 4 speed induction hood big block in this day an age for 5 grand , my first was 375(1981) my second 500$1985 ish( like i can remember anything now) and it has its pedigree, whats not to love! Sure its got rust and rot , its a 70. And its Black ,
There is an idiot for every POS for sale these days. Twenty five years ago, this heap would be scrapped. The problem today is too many dreamers watch Barrett Jackson.
I’ve seen worse. Proof of the pedigree adds 5 to 10 thousand to the value. Recoup your investment??? Some people are in it for the love of the cars, not the love of the money. I would much rather have a non original engine ”real” SS than a non original engine clone. Cost the same to build.
At 25k this is not something you want to get involved with even if the original 396 was present, 10k is about the high ceiling for this
Think they added xtra 0
With what kind of shape it’s in that maybe pushing it