Of all of the Chevrolet muscle cars from “back in the day”, the 1970 Chevelle SS is probably the most iconic. If you watch enough TV auctions you’ll come across ’71 and ’72 Chevelle’s that have been dressed wearing a ’70’s grille, quad headlights, and square taillights. Why? The ’70 seems to be the most desirable model year of the era, the one that attracts the biggest $$$. This listing for a 1970 SS396 Chevelle is interesting on more than one front so let’s look it over closely. This Chevy is located in Salem, Wisconsin and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $25,100, reserve not yet met.

This car is advertised as documented and original with just 51K miles on its clock. Maybe it is but the only visual documentation is the protect-o-plate and that’s not really documentation. Repair and service receipts, from day one forward, forms that actually display the recorded mileage all along the way, would constitute true documentation. Perhaps the seller has more but it’s not referenced in the listing.

The exterior does show quite well, the black lacquer finish appears to be free of fade or oxidization. Same with the chrome bits like the bumpers, they still have a strong shine and no sign of bleed-through surface rust. There is some patched over rot in the lower quarters and they’re going to eventually need attention. Judging from the image of the trunk, the quarter panel damage probably occurred as a result of weather leaking into the trunk and settling in the trunk pockets – it’s a common problem with these vintage A-bodies. And that being the case, a picture or two of the underside would be warranted. Beyond this observation, the exterior presents very well for an unrestored car.

What makes an SS396 Chevelle the car that it is? Well, it’s the 350 gross HP, 396 CI V8 engine of course. That being the case, why in the world would the seller not include an image of it? Search me, fish… The seller claims, “It is a very fun car to drive and it runs and drives really well“. That’s good to know but an engine image would be even better and it would help to cement the legitimacy of the survivor tag. Gear changing is handled by a Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic transmission.

The interior looks fine for an original car that has exceeded a half-century of age. It looks as originally intended except for the auxiliary gauges that have been attached beneath the dash, just above the center console. The seller denotes a small tear in the driver’s door panel – it’s very minor. The vinyl upholstery and dash pad are in fine shape but the black nylon loop carpet has typically faded to a brown/bronze shade. The interior really needs no attention.

The seller concludes his listing with, “Not going to tell you it’s a perfect rust-free mint condition car but it’s a really nice low mileage true SS numbers matching car that’s in really great condition for its age. It still shows really well for an unrestored original paint car“. That appears to be the case, but considering what these trade for, and it’s probably close to twice the current bid, I’d like to see some more documentation and an opened hood, how about you?