The Chevelle SS 396 was one of the hottest muscle cars in the genre’s heyday. It was so popular that at one time (1966-68) it was a series of its own rather than an option on Chevy’s mid-size Malibu. In 1970 it was back to option status and in L34 form produced at least 325 hp. That’s the set-up that was once in the seller’s Chevelle, but it’s a roller now that has been left to the elements to determine its fate. The seller believes it’s restorable, but a lot of time and money (mostly money) will be needed. Located in Delmar, New York, this Malibu is available here on eBay for $10,500 (Buy It Now), or you can beat the current bid of $5,300 and see if it cracks the reserve.
Chevrolet made a small but important change to the 396 big block V8 in 1970, increasing displacement to 402 cubic inches. Some say that was an insurance move because the 396 had developed a reputation for performance that was an instant red flag for insurance companies (aka higher premiums). Despite being “only” an option, some 53,600 Malibu and El Camino versions were equipped with RPO Z25 (the SS 396) in 1970, plus another 8,700 or so with the new SS 454. Estimates are that the L34 was the most popular choice.
From appearances, this 1970 Super Sport has been dormant for some time. Its engine and automatic transmission (TH-400?) were likely liberated long ago to go into another project with better bones. But it’s said to be a real-deal SS 396 (it was hard to tell in those days without documentation) and has what’s left of a bucket seat interior and console. For a two-owner vehicle, it’s not seen the kind of love that many of these did for changing hands so little.
The paint was once Desert Sand, which the seller says was a rare choice with a matching vinyl top (removed) and interior (Saddle in color). There is ample rust, especially around the rear window where the sheet metal has been eaten away. The rear quarter panels and trunk floor have also not faired too well. The car fell short of turning the magic 100,000 miles with an odometer reading of 91,599. If you were to restore this Chevy, it wouldn’t ever be numbers matching, which means you have an open book here to work with.
That’s an awful lot of money for a body tag , even the vin plate is rotted away ! I guess some blue 307 Malibu will soon disappear off the face of the earth and a nice gold “true” SS car will take its place
Man, I don’t know. With no original drivetrain there’s no “true” SS to even fake. Good thing, prevents someone from getting scammed down the road.
Yep
Only thing worth saving from the crusher is the tag.
I’ve done enough restorations over my 70 years to realize it.
And I agree that a blue 307 Malibu will pop up on eBay as a good cowl induction 396 SS.
Wow. This car unfortunately is totally shot. Not only is the body rotted everywhere, and serious rust. The whole frame is rotted too. With no matching number drivetrain, there’s no value to even justify a five hundred dollar price. Maybe the rear and dash components?
The dash core may be somewhat valuable, I just sold one for $450. The instruments themselves are likely unusable. If the rear is a posi, a 12 bolt 3:31(likely) is worth WAY more than $500. It also has the ZL2 cowl induction hood, that looks (on the outside that is) to be salvageable, console parts, the grille and stainless trim… I’d pay $500 for it in a second if it was close!
You are right, even s rusty pile like this has a lot of salvageable parts, don’t forget the column, big block specific intermediate shaft, Th400 kickdown, bucket seat cores, back seat cores, and all the small parts that can be salvaged. If this had been smashed in the back and was relatively rust free, there would be thousands in parts. Most on this website don’t have a clue. I’ve got a 71 El Camino that was hit in the rear, it’s small block, factory Tach/gauge, bucket seats, 12 bolt, disc brake, I figure it should easily clear $4,000-5,000 once you add up all the $30-50 small parts.
Steve R
I can solve this car’s rust problems for $17,500. “Hello, Dynacorn?”
There’s no car there.
Send it back down to the Titanic , and let it die in peace. RIP
I noticed it still has the original radio
Ill take the steering column buckets and console thats it maybe the dash\
The dash and gauges are the most valuable of the three.
Steve R
It’s not an SS car VIN 136 indicates car was a small block car 307 or a 350 car???
wrong
I second the wrong
Moe, that only works through 1968, after that SS’s don’t have a specific VIN. The one exception is the 1972 SS with a 454, since that engine was only available in an SS, the W engine code in the VIN is proof.
Steve R
Another pass the bong.
Wow $10,500 for that pile of rust owner claims it can be restored but I think by the time you’re done you can just buy one already running and driving for less than what it would take.
Couldn’t pay me to take that junk.
Ran when parked. Braaaaaaaa Haaaaaaaaaa
Love barn finds. Why do we list scrap piles on here
Because there are laws against discrimination and people will protest if ones rights are violated and the streets would be filled with broken down rust buckets.
somebody show some mercy, and put that thing out of its misery
I often wonder what happens to these rust buckets. My guess – probably 1 in a 1000 actually gets restored. It’d be interesting to track what happens, if that’s even possible.
👎
Think it’s sitting at 5grand for a dash and partial vin….
Round dash instruments but a Malibu rear bumer? A red flag and a photo finish?
You can see the outline of where the bumper pad was once on the car. You could also order the U14 instrumentation on a non-SS car.
Rust in piece good night chevelle