This is a genuine big-block 1970 Chevelle SS with air conditioning. Or at least that’s the way it left the factory! It’s located in Lumberton, North Carolina and is listed for sale here on eBay, where spirited bidding is over $6,000 but has not yet met the reserve. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Charles F. for this rusty but significant find!
Unfortunately, as you can see from this picture, time hasn’t been kind to this Chevelle. We don’t know any of the car’s history from the ad, but we do know that there’s a lot of surface rust. The car is said to be complete, with one issue: the 396 big block V-8 that should be under the hood has been replaced with a 427 big block. That’s a real problem for value and makes the car less attractive to someone wanting a perfectly original car. However, keep in mind, this is still a big-block Chevelle SS!
Here’s the offending engine. Hard to believe someone wouldn’t want a 427 engine in this car! However, I don’t see some of the air conditioning parts, so I’m not sure about the completeness of the car. I’m wondering if that radiator is original; can any expert out there verify that?
Inside the car is a mixed bag. I think these are original seats, but I can’t be sure. Most of the SS’s I found while researching had bucket seats, but that doesn’t mean that this car couldn’t have had a bench. While the seat doesn’t look too bad, the dash, door panels and lots of other components of the interior are going to have to be replaced if you are going to restore this one.
Ah, but here’s all the trim! I’m sure someone that knows these cars better than I do could tell which piece goes where, but I sure couldn’t! That being said, it’s nice to see all those stainless steel pieces included with this car. So tell us — is it worth restoring this car to original? Or would you not worry about getting a numbers-correct 396 and just have fun with the 427? Let us know in the comments below!
Real interesting find. If it actually had the matching numbers 396, I suspect it would sell for 3 times more than it is going to. If it was the LS6 version, who knows what something like this would sell for…
Maybe it’s better not to have the original engine, those cars end up restored and sitting in a garage or up for sale because of how much money was spent on restoring it. You get nervous parking a nice car just about anywhere, some a hole could put a scratch or dent in the car and no matter how calm a person you are your going to be upset. I’d get it running and drive it, enjoy it for what it was built for, driving.
I agree.
A 427 or another big block would be fine with me. Matching numbers does create as much value for me as it does for some others.
’70 SS great looking model, and there were bench seats available as part of the package.
I was thinking that 134 in the VIN was the mark of a true SS. Maybe that was earlier versions, or the SS option without the buckets and console. I do remember SS Chevelles with bench seats when new.
On earlier Chevelles the SS was a separate model and therefore the vin began with 138 vs. 136 for all other Chevelles and Malibus. By 1970 it was just a trim option and the only way to verify a true SS is to have documentation that includes the Vin number. There are, of course, many other things about the car that will give you a good guess but at that point you’re still guessing.
The 427 is better than seeing a 350 in there. I would make it drive safely and make sure it does not rust further make ihe int. nice and orig. and drive it…………….
I think that’s just a metal cover and part of the radiator bracket, that’s making it look like an aftermarket radiator Jamie…..not completely sure though.
Looks like it was marinated in standing water.
Ok~ looking at the pics~Sure I would take a 427~ But~ lets look a bit closer~ Howz that Uni-body sir? Hum! Price be Negotiable?
@jd … were built on a full length chassis, NOT uni-body.