For many, the 1970 model year was the last of the true muscle cars. Rising insurance premiums had already begun to take their toll, and engines would soon be detuned to run on unleaded fuel for lower emissions. The Chevelle SS was still popular in 1970, with 62,000 copies said to have been built as either an SS 396 or SS 454 (a new option). The seller’s car is the former, though we don’t know for sure if it’s a real SS and the engine isn’t numbers matching. The Chevelle may have been treated to an earlier restoration.
Some 84% of the 396/454 Chevelles came with some version of the 396 V8, which now displaced 402 cubic inches. There was a lot of brand equity tied up in the SS 396 moniker, so the car was still marketed as such. The “396” came in three flavors: 330, 350, or 375 hp, with the seller’s example having the middle option. The undercarriage of this car is squeaky clean, and the gas tank looks new, so we suspect the floorboards and fuel tank were replaced at some point. Rust is not an issue except in a minor way behind each of the rear wheel wells.
The seller’s car decodes as having had Cranberry Red paint when the vehicle left the factory. A trio of red paint, black stripes, and a black bucket seat interior may be the best-looking combination for one of these hot Chevelles. And the seller’s Malibu has a 4-speed manual with a Hurst shifter and a posi-traction rear end, we assume making it quite the screamer.
Overall, the Chevelle looks, drives, and sounds really good (the latter per the seller). And, it has newer tires, suspension components, and a Flowmaster exhaust with headers. If you’re not looking for perfection, this 79,000-mile muscle car should do nicely for weekend cruises and Cars & Coffee outings. Located in Roanoke, Virginia, this hot Super Sport is available here on eBay where the current bid is $34,988, though the seller’s reserve is unmet thus far.
In 1970 I would ride my Schwinn StingRay through the Chevrolet dealer in Santa Cruz California. The average window sticker on these SS Chevelle’s were $3500 – 3600 dollars give or take on the options. I guess I needed more paper routes to buy one these.
Having trouble on these ebay ads lately… when i hit see full description, i get nothing. Anyways your right Dixon, this potent 396 and 4sp will be a screamer and a blast to drive 🚀
Pretty, but there is some questionable work/choices made during restoration. Regardless of price, I’d want to do a thorough inspection with a knowledgeable, objective friend by my side. This has the look and feel of something that was fixed up for resale or to save money by cutting a few corners, like the black Roadrunner featured on this site yesterday.
Steve R
Steve R’s comment = useful insight into the subject, as usual.
“Pat’s” comment = useless, predictable, drivel produced by a hateful troll.
Steve has a stalker on this site 😆. Truth be told it’s an old familiar schlep who’s lurked here for years.
There was no 330HP version of the 396 available in 1970. It was dropped when they produced the 454. Even though this car has no build sheet presented, it was built at KC and has the known L on the cowl tag indicating it is a real SS. Bidders can rest assured.
The hp was 350 not 330 and what’s up with the heater hoses?
Nice car, even if not numbers matching, but does perhaps allow the average buyer to own a piece of iconic muscle car history! I agree with you pat, some people on here just want to trash cars with negativity, they have forgot how to enjoy the fact, these cars still exist for our enjoyment!
Looks like it may have been a small block.
Always a favorite of mine. Everything about these just fits together.
Sad to see so many unhappy “enthusiasts” how about appreciating these pieces of history before they’re all gone. So many great discoveries on this site