Build Sheet Included: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 L78

While it is now looking pretty tired, this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 not only runs and drives, but it features its original and rather tasty drivetrain. It will take a special individual to return this classic to its former glory, but it could be a worthwhile investment with values for these muscle cars continuing to increase. The Chevelle is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $15,601, but this figure remains short of the reserve.

When it was shiny and new, this SS wore Cranberry Red paint with a Black vinyl top. Many years have passed since then, and time hasn’t been particularly kind to this classic. The paint is looking sad, while the vinyl top has been consigned to the pages of history. This classic conveys the overall impression that it represents a restoration project that stalled pretty early in the process. That means that while the owner has restored the original wheels and wrapped them in a fresh set of BF Goodrich’s finest, that is merely the tip of this automotive iceberg. Most readers won’t be surprised to learn that this car has some rust problems and that they’re pretty extensive. I suspect that the owner probably removed the vinyl due to rust issues, but it has also afflicted many of the lower body extremities and the floors. There is also some visible in the trunk lid and the Cowl Induction hood, although both panels look like they could be saved with a bit of effort. The owner provides no information on the state of the frame, so a personal inspection will be required to determine that it is structurally sound. Most of the external trim is present, although, like the panels and paint, many pieces will require restoration. Yes, the buyer will be breaking out the welder and grinder if this body is to be returned to a pristine state. But at least all of the required steel is readily available and pretty affordable.

Apart from the carpet, this Chevelle’s interior looks to be complete. The lack of carpet is a blessing because it affords us a clear look at the rust in the floors. It is extensive, and the buyer will be looking at replacing them entirely if this restoration is performed to a high standard. The interior looks tired, but it still manages to spring the occasional surprise. The dash pad looks to have survived okay, reducing interior restoration costs by a not-insignificant $300. Otherwise, the car will require all new upholstery, and this is where a trim kit would come to the fore. A complete kit will cost the buyer around $1,700, but it will present in a factory-fresh state. The downside of these kits is that Chevelle specialists can still differentiate between genuine trim and reproduction items regardless of how good they are. However, this is where there has to be some form of compromise. Finding NOS trim pieces might be possible, but it would entail a lot of searching and patience, and there is no guarantee of success. If the buyer is willing to go to that level to achieve perfection, I would happily take my hat off to them. It’s just that I don’t fancy their chances of successfully locating every piece required to achieve their goal.

The drivetrain combination that we find in this numbers-matching Chevelle is a beauty, and it offers the promise of stunning performance if the owner floors the gas pedal. We find the L78 version of the might 396ci big-block that pumped out 375hp in its prime. All of those horses have to hit the road, so they get there via an M21 4-speed transmission and a 12-bolt rear end. This may be a muscle car, but power steering and power brakes mean that the buyer won’t need muscles to drive it. The owner says that the SS runs and drives, but if this is a recent photo, we can be pretty sure that it isn’t roadworthy. The lack of any pipes or hoses connected to the master cylinder is a dead giveaway. It might run and drive, but stopping this beast has the potential to be a traumatic experience. It’s also worth noting that the motor wears aftermarket valve covers and a set of headers. If the buyer intends to perform a meticulous restoration, they will need to locate genuine parts to swap onto this big-block.

The person who buys this 1970 Chevelle SS 396 is going to face plenty of hurdles in their quest to return it to a factory-fresh state. Once the work is complete, it is a car that should command a value of $60,000 any day of the week. If they are meticulous in this process, that figure could climb significantly. However, It is also worth noting that the panels and paint will consume a considerable amount of time and money to get right. That naturally leads us to the question of bidding and the reserve and where these are likely to go. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the bidding hit $30,000 because the SS 396 is the type of car capable of generating that level of interest. If it goes far beyond that figure, I will start to question the financial viability of this project. I will qualify that claim because if the buyer is meticulous and willing to retain the car as a long-term investment, it could still pay dividends. This auction could be well worth watching.