How much 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS do you expect for less than $1,000? The answer is in Owatonna, Minnesota, and here on Barn Finds Classifieds and here on eBay, where what is very much a project car is on sale. The high bid so far is $2,350.
The shell, which comes with a clear title, is minus what was presumably a 350-horsepower 396 V-8 (though if you specified RPO Z15 you got the 454 cid mill). The owner isn’t specific about the missing engine but does say the automatic transmission is still in the car. The car was originally well-equipped, with power disc brakes, power steering, air conditioning, and a 12-bolt rear with rear sway bar and boxed rear control arms (the F-41 suspension option). Not all of that is still there.
I drove one of these once. It was a car owned by Hemmings Motor News, which in the days when the benevolent Terry Ehrich was still in charge used to host regular open houses for the press. You could drive anything in the fleet, and enjoyed a restful stay at a Vermont bed and breakfast. I remember one of these, a Model T, assorted woodies and panel wagons, and an early 1930s Plymouth I found quite sprightly. The Chevelle could leave rubber on the road, and that was a prized feature.
This eBay car came with a “power dome” hood and black-accented grille, which are still there, and wide-oval tires on sport wheels, which aren’t. “Components missing from firewall out,” the seller says.
The bodywork has been started, meaning the rear quarters were replaced. There’s a whole lot more to do, but although the car looks fairly bad closer inspection reveals only surface rust and no visible accident damage. The bumpers are straight and still there, as is most of the trim. It looks fairly good underneath. That 12-bolt rear is visible.
It comes down to how much you want a 1970 Chevelle SS. It would help if you can do bodywork. The interior is there, but looks rough, with split vinyl seats and a mildewy dash (featuring round-gauge SS instruments, without a tach). The console and hoop-type shifter are still in the vehicle.
If you have access to a rusted-out ’70 Chevelle, the mechanicals could definitely slot into this one. And this is such a popular muscle car that it’s well served by the aftermarket, at a price. You could buy a crate motor. There’s no question that this car can be restored to its former glory. Is this a potentially good project?
Bring your own motor (electric), or engine? Big difference.
That’s a 10 bolt, the seller has even changed the ad to state that.
I like 70 Chevelle SS’s, but a car like this doesn’t make financial sense. There are better places to spend your money. Anyone not fixated on a specific year, make or model can find decent performance cars at reasonable prices.
Steve R
The F41 HD suspension was standard equipment on the 1970 Chevelle SS396. It was not offered on the El Camino’s as they were factory equipped with air shocks on all models.
Less than 1k? Uhhh, it’s at almost 4k and there’s still 6 days to go.
Great point, Steve R. It continues to amaze me that Chevelles, Camaros, Mustangs and E-body Mopars, among others, frequently get bid to ridiculous prices, seemingly regardless of their condition or economic viability, while cheaper alternatives are ignored. Perhaps if people utilized some common sense when bidding, over time prices might drop to a more reasonable level.
Seems like any car wearing SS badging is going for stupid money junk or not!!! It’s climbing out of the good deal price range to the over priced can’t possibly be serious price!!!
No matter how many times you see it happen, the money people will pay for wrecks like this is still mind numbing.
I just thought of something funny
It’s 1985 imagine the reactions as you tell your friends ” Check out this Chevelle, I got for $500″
Interior looks like it spent some time under water. And even for a salted roads state car that’s a bunch of heavy rust underneath. Better factor in a complete frame off rebuild on this one.
😃 I HAVE A 1970👍396, 4 BOLT, 885 HEADS,
DECKED, B&Bd, FORGED INTERNALS, PRIMED, NOT FIRED 😎
Something like that could make a guy say, “Well I’ll be dipped!”
Seats aren’t original. AC has been ripped out. The dash is pretty much toast. What is the switch they have bolted to the dash with a SHCS, a defroster or the jet booster? This car has been messed with, a lot. I’m guessing original 12 bolt was swapped out too.
Methinks someone’s mess and nothing I would want to sort out.
This one just isn’t rare enough for the amount of work it needs to bring it back to life.
No black panel on the back, no “SS” on the grille… what’s the evidence this is even an actual SS? In any case, this thing is basically junk.
Like holy 1970 sea monster Scoob! Run raggy,ruuunnnn😁
It’s amazing how many of these SS Chevelles in this condition keep showing up on Barnfinds. I like Chevelles especially ones with Big Blocks and 4 speeds. The 1970s with the 454s are my favorite. It’s a shame that people let these cars get in that condition.