For many, the 1970 model year was the apex of the muscle car movement. Rising insurance costs, reducing emissions output, and (eventually) higher fuel prices all worked to squash demand going forward. Chevy managed to deliver more than 50,000 copies of the Chevelle SS 396 that year with the 350 hp L34 engine. But only a small portion of that number was convertibles, like the seller’s Chevy that’s numbers-matching but in rough cosmetic shape. Located in Toms River, New Jersey, this once-proud performance car will need restoring and is available here on eBay where the reserve has yet to be met at $45,100.
The Chevelle SS 396 was still a hot commodity in 1970, although no longer a series of its own. It reverted to a Malibu option in 1969 and documentation is required (which the seller has) to prove a real one versus a fake or clone. The 396-engine displaced 402 cubic inches going forward, perhaps as a way to confuse the insurance folks who knew what an SS 396 was. The seller’s car has the M-21 4-speed manual transmission on board, paired with a 1965-vintage 396 engine. The original is out of the car and in the seller’s garage, all wrapped up (condition unknown).
Back in the day, this Chevelle was a well-equipped drop-top, with power windows, posi-traction rear end, rear window defogger, tilt steering, and a host of other goodies that the build sheet should be able to verify (if legible). Thanks to being stored outside for many years – and one accident – the body and paint are not in particularly good condition. Especially the section that got bent and was only partially repaired. The seller believes a good body shop should be able to correct that along with a variety of rusty pieces.
This is a running auto, though it doesn’t look like one you’re going to take to Cars & Coffee anytime soon. The seller is sending along parts to help with some of the rust issues, such as the windshield header, front fender, trunk pan, etc. A new white top with padding and glass will follow the Chevelle to its next domicile. Original parts not included are the carburetor and distributor which have flown the coop over time. This has the potential of being a six-figure car, but it may take half that just for the acquisition.
Is that $46,000 price after restoration?
That price is incredible. Way to high for the condition.
Get it safe, and do take it to the cars and coffee, it will get more attention than the high dollar restorations and never fail to start a conversation!
This is the one,”for me” unmolested, unhee hawed, nicely optioned, great color, and the last box, a convertible. I am lucky as I have a loaded 71 so one is enough but this will/is a GREAT car…period.
Lots of rust everywhere on it. If you have to replace 10% of the parts and restore the other 90%, that’ 3000 replacement parts and 27,000 restoration parts.
Convertible w manual 🙌
$45,100 for a car that needs a full restoration? WOW, they must have really good weed in the East. I like the 1970 Chevelle, but as a friend of mine would say, he’s asking for top dollar for that car, if it were already restored. $10k-16k maybe. That’s about it.
You are clearly new around here
Yes because ONLY on here are people paying insane prices for junk.
If you can find 4 or 5 of these, similar condition, I’ll buy them tomorrow. You can barely find a 70 SS 396 4 speed hardtop for under $25k these days, let alone one with the original drivetrain and equal condition. I think you and your friend have been asleep for the last 10 years!
Ur right maybe worth 10k
$10K for just the interior…
#15K will include the top.!
$5k for a top??? a top, with new glass rear window, pads, side hold down cables, etc is anywhere from $550- $850 or so. So that leaves over $4k for installation? I don’t think so. I currently own 2 GM vert’s, and had over the years more than two dozen, mostly GM. I’ve had them replaced, and I have installed a bunch as well, sometimes without any assistance at all. If I could earn over $4k for a top installation, I think I would un-retire. A complete Legendary interior kit is a bit over $4k, and that is everything, ALL soft parts, sunvisors to carpets to pedal pads, door panels, arm rests, door handles, window cranks, door lock knobs, dashpad, insulation, and so on and so on etc. That being said, I do 98% of all my own work, but would find it hard to believe that basically $5k worth of top and interior items would cost another $10k to install… I could be wrong, it’s happened before!
Hey, Rip Van Winkle, it’s 2023, not 2003.
I have a 1972 convertible 454 SS clone but I have all 1970 Chevelle SS front suspension rear date-coated restored also I’m putting in a 1970s LS6 motor that’s been restored or an extra 100 horsepower what are you guys think that that’ll be worth
$60k
Omg omg omg… It says Chevelle. Let me pay some insane price for a car that need another 50k to even look alright.
I really can’t believe the suckers on here
What suckers? Most of the comments are about the extravagant price the non-reality-bound owner is asking.
You sound like a fun guy. I bet you can have your birthday party in a telephone booth.
That was for John
The car was definitely ordered with unique options and a great color but 45 large and it needs another $40K thrown at it… maybe
Barret Jackson! Please let it go! There is no way it worth that price tag! That’s the price of a car redone with original motor. And all the rust wow! Sure it comes with parts from classic. But another 50 grand and you will have a 75000 dollar car with 1500 hours to fix it! Is everyone out for the big bucks today. The bad part is he probably gave 15000 himself never interested in restoring it just flip it for and extra 30000. Hate these people robbing the real restorers. For freaking money not the enjoyment of the hobby!
The only car better looking than a 69 Chevelle is a 70! This car screams rarity I would simply get it mechanically sorted with the original engine add the boxtips and drive it as a beach cruiser the way it is
“The total number of 1970 Chevelle SS396 convertibles equipped with the base RPO L34 engine was approximately 1,100 total units.” So this is one of 1,100 that were produced and and his documented!!! I wonder how many are still out there…..This car restore will go over a hundred thousand!!!! Good luck to the seller and I know you’ll get more than what you’re asking, that’s a great car you got.
I know I’ll get blasted for my non-purist viewpoint, but here goes. In 1970 I was 22. Today I am 75. There aren’t enough hours left on my clock, to start restoring this. It’s beautiful. It has good bones and documentation. Make it safe, I mean really safe, And drive the hell out of it. It’s perfect. The engine is not original, so you won’t be damaging it’s potential.You can do it and be the caretaker of this for the next generation to restore.These cars were a blast to drive,when we were in our 20’s. Protect it for the next generation, but drive the hell out of it now. Get that kick from the sound and sensation. It is a 53 year old car, treat like that while protecting it and relive your youth. Anyone seen Nick Nolte & Eddie Murphy in “48 Hours”? This is the Chevelle equivalent. Drive it, garage it, and enjoy it. Let the next owner pay for the 2000 hours of labor to make this thing right again. Have fun. For those of you , that are too young to have realized this yet, that’s fine. Nobody says ” I should have spent more time at work”. You will realize this, if you’re lucky enough to reach this age. Cars are meant to be driven, and have fun with your friends. Enjoy it now and don’t fret over the details.
Basically what I said Bill, I’m 71, and as mentioned get it safe and drive it. It would be the talk of every car show it went to. The seller does have the original 396 that goes with the car, by the way.
70 Chevelle will Always be at the top of the muscle car era regardless of your preference, those cars are Americana, and will ALWAYS fetch TOP DOLLAR in the market place! I have a 70 Chevelle SS L coded from the Kansas plant. If you know the story behind the L code which has been accepted by the majority of the Chevelle community as legit Super Sports, are next to gold when proving a Super Sport is legit without a build sheet provided! My point is, these cars are Super Rare, if it has Chevelle attached to it, the sky is the limit weather you like it or not! Take care.
It’s almost the holy grail folks,I’ve had 8 70 chevelle, 3 Ss an ls6.
Great cars , have one now, while Chevy builds the power( 1970 La6)
I like my 68 Gto better ( Chevy Power and Pontiac)
The 70 is the best year, better looking, el camino same thing, Just worth more than 71 and 72 , it’s the way it’s always been.
Don’t get me wrong the 71 and 72 are great, especially compared to the colonnade .
This is numbers matching,born with engine block.some go Gaga over matching numbers , original hose clamps, and oh yea money.
I think back to the middle 80s needing a harmonic balancer, I went to a junkyard and the guy said “Take one from that pile “ probably 15 or 20 Orange Big block chevies. I think of that pile of numbers matching who knows what.
This is definitely more than a 10k car, in my book, I bought a 70 ss396 in 1980 with same drivetrain. Red black ss , wasted but running original motor for 400$.
That’s 43 years ago, if you can get that much for an old bronco with factory patina, This is probably the most cloned car out there?
This guys no dummy he is just making sure he doesn’t leave money on the table,I’ve noticed it’s harder to go up on your price than it is to come down.