The classic market has recently taken a financial hit, with the values of many iconic models falling significantly. It is unclear whether the trend will continue, but speculating now by buying something special could be a calculated risk. One vehicle hit hardest is the 1970 Chevelle SS 454. Values have tumbled by over 14% over the past year, meaning that if the worm is about to turn, our feature car might be worth careful consideration as a long-term investment. It presents beautifully and is listed here on eBay in Valley Head, Alabama. Bidding has raced to $30,000, and if this classic isn’t already tempting enough, the seller’s decision to offer it with No Reserve could make it irresistible.
I’m willing to court controversy by stating that I have never liked the styling of the Second Generation Chevelle as much as its predecessor. I’m not saying that it is ugly, but I think the appearance of the First Generation was crisper. However, Chevrolet adopted the prevailing styling trend and was rewarded with excellent sales. So, maybe I’m in the minority! This 1970 SS wears Champagne Gold paint, and while they don’t state it outright, the suggestions are the vehicle may have received a restoration that included a repaint in its original shade. There is little to criticize, from the sparkling paint to the crisp stripes and laser-straight panels. The underside shots are pretty limited but tend to suggest this classic might be rust-free. The spotless presentation continues when we assess the chrome and glass, with the Chevelle rolling on an immaculate set of Rally II wheels.
The theme of spotless presentation continues inside this Chevelle. It is trimmed in Black vinyl that shows no problems beyond slight stretching on the seat bases. However, I don’t class this as a genuine flaw. That is simply a sign that this SS is more than a trailer queen. The dash, pad, and carpet are excellent, and the air conditioning, bucket seats, console, and pushbutton radio add luxury touches to a car with power to burn. The seller states the A/C is inoperative but doesn’t mention any other functional issues.
The first thing I will say about this Chevelle’s drivetrain is that the seller doesn’t specifically state that it is numbers-matching. That won’t concern those viewing it purely as a driver-grade classic, but it could impact its future investment potential. The engine bay houses the LS5 version of the 454ci V8, with the remaining principal components including a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission, a 12-bolt rear end, F41 suspension, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The big-block produces 360hp and a whopping 500 ft/lbs of torque. The journey down the ¼-mile should take an impressive 14.4 seconds, while the top speed of 134mph proves it is more than a one-trick pony. The information supplied by the seller is underwhelming. They state that this SS runs and drives but not how well it achieves either feat. However, the visual indications are positive.
As I said initially, buying any classic car is a calculated risk. The list of unknowns with such a purchase seems endless, leaving some potential buyers with their heads spinning due to information overload. The recent freefall in the classic market may be temporary, but it would require a reliable crystal ball to be sure. Early indications are that the trend is flattening, but that is no iron-clad guarantee that they will commence climbing to their former levels. However, this 1970 Chevelle SS 454 could be an excellent investment if they do. It is also worth remembering that if values begin to head in the right direction, there may not be a better time to buy a classic of this caliber. That leaves potential buyers with much to ponder, and it will be fascinating to know whether any of our readers would consider pursuing this beauty further.
Will roast tires. 🔥 ✨️
I would have put a reserve on it and give a much better description and if it’s #’s matching which makes a BIG deal in price especially with a car like a 70 ss 454. Nice car no doubt.Looks solid.Pics are decent.The trans lines poorly routed and rubbing on the lower radiator hose make me cringe though.
No reserve, eh?
“I reserve the right to end auction at any time”
Beautiful Chevelle, i have a 70 Chevelle promo car looks exactly the same as this Chevelle.
LS swap. lol. I crack myself up!
Nice looking car. Something for everyone. Standard output 454 with air and automatic. Good 1970 color to stand out from all the black, blue, cranberry and silver ones. Still love the ’69s but this car represents.
Peak muscle car era was about twenty years ago.
Today, markets are decoupling and gasoline is an
expensive fuel source. A 454 will drink fuel like a drunkard
and therefore most classic muscle cars will become trailer
queens.
Now you need a trailer and a truck to haul the trailer queen
just so that you can save on fuel.
Yes, the worm has turned and the entire market will gradually
implode across the spectrum of classic car buying. Barrett Jackson
has seen its best before date come and go.
Bob
Robert, I understand what you’re saying here, but from my perspective, I can’t agree. Any 60’s-70’s muscle car worth its weight will drink fuel like drunkard if you drive it hard all the time. My car has 500 HP but I don’t beat on it, and the gas mileage is respectable. And all my friends with similar cars are retired, and for the most part. we don’t really worry about the price of gas, since they aren’t everyday drivers. I don’t think these cars will ever fade away, at least not in the foreseeable future. The most recent Mecum auction showed these muscle cars drawing some big bucks. and many of the buyers are not in the retirement market segment. Then again, they could be retired after making a fortune, which in turn allows them to buy these cars. Anyway, this is just my humble opinion.
“Peak muscle car era was about twenty years ago.”….more like 50 years ago.
Wow. The life of the party. Even if it’s not your cup of tea it is someone’s favorite drink.
Yeah, I was always the life of the party, yep.
My dad was a Chartered Accountant that worked
a lifetime in Senior Rulings National Revenue Canada
Oil, Mines, & Resource Taxation. I know how much
tax that government adds to gasoline sales, too.
My CA father always taught me to pinch pennies
especially where taxation is involved.
Buy used tools & machines. If you buy antique cars or trucks
don’t put them on the road or you’ll get taxed. If you register
a car or truck it’ll get taxed.
The Tax Man cometh.
Scrooge was the life of the party, too.
Bob
I would say we’re at the peak muscle car now. The Boomers are at peak assets and they’ve driven prices into the stratosphere, and spurred some very cheap and cost cutting “restorations.”
So I do think the market will decline. Demographics are a reality. Now, I do think cars like this will always be desirable. But I don’t think you’re going to see the prices being paid that you do today.
“spurred some very cheap and cost cutting “restorations.” Truer words were never spoken.
Peak muscle car era was 2003?…I don’t think so.
By the time 2003 hit everybody and their brother had a MIG welder
and knew how to use it on restoration of a 60s muscle car. I sold
my Miller MIG around 2012. Ergo, peak restoration tool buying
was 20 years ago, too.
If it wasn’t in 2003 then it was 1995 when I finished restoring my
Acadian Canso Sport Deluxe 1966.
By golly I know I’m right, Maggy.
Bob
Ummmm Bob. American muscle cars have skyrocketed in price in the last 3 years while cooling off now but still high. When you say the peak of muscle cars was 2003 folks think of what was available in that era not what they sold for. Good night Irene.
A truly nonsensical post, this one. Hilarious.
To a degree. The folks that were pouring huge piles of disposable cash into this years ago have faded, to a degree. The cars won’t command the prices they did, even the hemi Cuda has fallen, and as stated below, they ain’t everyday drivers, and those of us that have them could cars less about fuel consumption. You make a good but moot point.
In Canada the cost of fuel is twice what it is in the USA, eh.
Additionally, I’m not an individual that could afford the gas let alone
a classic car. Moreover, when I look at car traffic in my area of over
1 million people there are zero classic cars amongst the cohorts of
drivers. I saw a four door 57 Chevy last week, but that’s it when it
comes to classic car drivers this year so far.
In the USA people can still afford the gas. In Canada they can’t.
Bob
Gas is nearly 7$ a gallon in Cali & it’s a whopping 15 in Germany, that car can’t be a daily driver.
The Muscle car retro craze is gonna end the EXACT same way as it did in 1974 – Gas prices causing people to NOT DRIVE them & dump them to fools who will Crack them up 1st week they buy them spinning tires & fishing tailing into curbs trees signs cars people & the occasional cop.
Turns out History repeats itself for those who didn’t learn their lessons.
No AC means ya can’t even drive it cept in late fall early spring most of now over baked U.S. & certain not Texas AZ Cali Iowa or even the Dakotas in Summer.
It’s a nice car clicks many boxes F-41 suspension is a nice touch.
It’s also Cop bait – every time they see it they’ll want to “STEAL” it “legally” thru confiscation laws.
I’ve been hearing how for over 30yrs now PDs in Rural areas will contrive to pull.over vintage muscle cars and then coerce a search & magically discover illicit substances be it smoke etc even a single .22 bullet & take the cars & sell it to Themselves via insider buyers at police auctions & it magically shows up in the next yrs 4th of July parade as part of the PD FD depts employees rides or someone in mayor’s office or sold to friends & relatives at FAR BELOW market rates.
A sordid tale of what’s really going down in the USA.
I’d stay away from that Gas guzzling cop magnet.
Wow, a little paranoid are we? Cops aren’t looking to steal your classic car. Also, people obviously haven’t learned how to do math any better than they could in 1974. Very rarely does it actually make sense to dump an old car and buy a new one because of fuel mileage. The difference usually isn’t enough to justify the added cost.
I’m not sure if you are joking or if you are on the internet just a little too much.
Beauwayne5000 is simply insane. Google that username and you will find similar bits of radical insanity all over comments sections. The one on civil war coins is totally insane.
Most classic muscle cars just sit. That is the truth. Owners afraid to drive them worrying about a nick, a giant buck running in front of it and the gazillions of today’s idiot drivers tailgating, cutting you off and just being stupid in general.
Gotta agree with all, beautiful chevelle
Wooderson says “Alright, Alright, Alright, a ’70 Chevelle with 4-5-4.
Bad Ass! Love the movie, the characters, and the Cara!
Cars not Cara
Me too! I think I am going to go and watch it.
Is it just the photo or is the drivers door a different shade of gold?
I thought so too!
I’m 67 years old and since buying my first Chevelle in 1975, they have not gone down in price even once. To everyone saying prices are going to go down; can you please give us a date for that? I’ve been waiting for them to go down for 50 years. I would like to know how much longer I am going to have to wait. Thanks.
The valuation of muscle cars may have dropped off. BUT there’s still people paying over 10x what they should because… ‘Merica. And Americans are fools with their money.
When there’s people paying over $10k for basically a rusty VIN. Getting them to overpay for something with paint and seats is a piece of cake.
Just like most of the hot 50s cars leave our shores so will these. The world is very small now and deep pockets that want different things are coming to the surface. As the climate clowns squeeze the west, many elsewhere will be decades if ever behind the trend. So these cars may peek or slow in value but they will find loving owners far, far, away where you would never expect it. I relocated sometime back and every nice car I sold left the country. Don’t gets your hopes up about nice 3,500.00 SS anythings, because that ship sailed and will never return.
Accelerating death rates may lower the demand in the u.s. but as Chris mentionned, the world is small now
For more info , read steve kirsch
Nice car, fender SS emblems are a shade to high.hope there is a build sheet somewhere . Listed on EBay as a Chevelle in the heading. Hint hint !
SOLD for $40,100.