Fresh 402: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Tribute

There is a problem with the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396. Values have climbed steadily recently, putting high-end drivers out of reach for most mere mortals. Enthusiasts must either give up their ownership dreams or settle for something less desirable. However, our featured Chevelle offers a third option. A well-executed Tribute can deliver an equivalent ownership experience, from the looks to the brutal power under the hood, for significantly less. That makes this car an excellent alternative for those willing to compromise, especially since it packs a fresh big-block under the hood. Big thanks to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the Chevelle listed here on Craigslist in Arona, Pennsylvania, for $37,000 OBO.

There’s a lot to unpack with this Chevelle, with the listing suggesting it is a recently completed project build. Its Forest Green paint looks flawless, which isn’t surprising given it is fresh. There are no visible chips or scratches, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. Encouragingly, the seller insists the car retains 100% of its original sheet metal, confirming it has never undergone accident or rust repairs. That is a definite positive, because tin worm can be a problem. The contrasting White stripes look as crisp as you’d expect, and the trim and glass are excellent. Rounding out the package is a spotless set of Rally wheels with sparkling centers and trim rings.

The seller listed this Chevelle on behalf of a friend, and I admire their efforts to stay faithful to the original. In 1970, the model designation was the SS 396, which had historically recognized the engine capacity. However, Chevrolet slightly enlarged the big-block’s bore that year, raising the capacity to 402ci. It kept the “396” designation because it enjoyed strong buyer recognition. That said, lifting this Chevelle’s hood reveals a fresh 402, teamed with a four-speed M21 manual transmission, a 12-bolt 3.55 Posi rear end, and power steering. That year’s Sales Brochure states that this combination would have placed 350hp and 415 ft/lbs of torque beneath the driver’s right foot. This motor might top those figures, because it breathes better through headers and a 2½” exhaust. The build included replacing the fuel tank, fuel lines, brakes, and brake lines. The engine bay is spotless, and this beauty appears to be a turnkey proposition.

The owner performed an interior retrim during the build, so the Dark Green upholstery and the carpet are immaculate. The dash looks tidy, but isn’t to the same standard. It isn’t horrendous, but it and the cracked pad are the two weak points. Replacement pads retail for around $520, and reproductions for any items that don’t pass muster during an in-person inspection should be readily available. The Hurst shifter, column-mounted tachometer, and underdash gauge cluster give the interior a purposeful appearance, and the AM radio is the only visible factory option.

I won’t deny that $37,000 is a lot of money to spend on what is undeniably a luxury purchase, but it is considerably less than what you might pay for a genuine 1970 Chevelle SS 396 that presents this nicely. Recent sales results suggest a figure above $70,000, making our featured car look like the bargain of the century. Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but it walks the walk and talks the talk, doing an admirable job of imitating the genuine article. I suspect it will find a new home fairly quickly, so if the real deal is out of your reach, could this Chevelle be an acceptable substitute?