By 1970, Chevrolet’s B-body line-up (Caprice, Impala, Bel Air, and Biscayne) was in its sixth and final iteration of a smashing, successful run that had commenced in 1965. While the Impala, Chevrolet’s Crown Jewel, such as this 1970 Custom example, had changed over the six ensuing years, it also remained basically the same. Stay tuned, and I’ll explain in greater detail. We have Rocco B. to thank for this Nampa, Idaho discovery, and it’s available here on craigslist for $22,500.
The ’70 Impala rode on what was basically the same 119″ wheelbase perimeter frame that underpinned the ’65. Some minor steering gear and rear axle upper attachments changed slightly in ’67, but the differences are minimal. The engine lineup changed, but the ’70’s powerplants were really just larger versions of those available at the beginning of the run. Super Sport (SS) trim, Bucket seats, center consoles, and four-speed manual transmissions were gone from the ’70 option sheet, but 15″ wheels were now standard (a really good move), and a “Custom” body style, such as our subject, with a formal roof line was an option not available in ’65. And, that Custom came standard with front disc brakes – a necessity from my experience with these B-body Chevies. Other body styles included a two-door sports coupe (with a sloped roof line), a convertible, four-door sedans and hardtops, and a “Kingswood” station wagon. The total ’70 Impala body count was 613K units – pretty good shootin’ and the Impala was one of the pivotal components that kept Chevrolet in the number one position in the domestic automotive production race that year. Their tagline, as I recall it, was “Putting You First, Keeps Us First.”
So, this example was inherited from the seller’s mother. It has been completely restored, according to the seller, to the tune of $30K. It looks good, all of it, but a full restoration will do that. Of particular concern would have been the lower front fender legs. On both the ’69 and ’70 versions of the Impala, they’d rust if you stared at them long enough, so if that had been a problem, the resto rectified it. Rally wheels were an option in ’70, but they weren’t chrome-plated; they were finished in an argent hue and included stainless steel trim rings. The red stripe tires are a nice touch, though they had last been factory offered on an Impala in ’69.
The seller states, “All stock and original (except for stainless steel headers),” and that’s referencing the 350 CI V8 engine. Two were available, one at 250 gross HP, and the other cranking out 300. It’s not said which version is doing the driving here. As is usually the case, a Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission is in place, and the seller claims, “runs and drives great.”
We’re told that the bench seat “interior is original and looks like new.” Pretty amazing considering 56 years of experience and 102K miles of driving. I can’t find a thing to gripe about (well, maybe one, there’s no A/C) as the entire environment shows like new. The seller states that the car has always been covered and garaged, and that may help explain the interior’s crispness – no sun fade or degradation. And hey, hey! It’s got an 8-track player!
So, has the ’70 Impala finally come into its own? I don’t think so. I track the values of these and the ’65, ’66, and to a lesser degree, the ’67, hold up pretty well – not so much so with the ’68-’70 models unless your ’68 or ’69 is an SS427 version. Price-wise, this one seems reasonable, I guess, considering its fine condition. How about you, what do you think, priced right or not quite?
No 4 speeds, but the 3 on the tree was still available on the 350
My mother had one, Dad converted it to a 4 speed
I bought a new ’69 Impala 327 stick. Lemans blue with black interior. Took it down to the speed shop when new and had it woke up. I loved that car.
Beautiful Chevy this 350 is a 2 bbl that has 250hp. The 300hp was with a 4 bbl carb. I knew someone with a turquoise 70 Impala 350-2 and it was quick. Could smoke both tires! 😂 This is a fair price for the quality you are getting. Yes it would fun going to cruise with this one. Only thing missing today….AC!! There are business out there who install AC and looks great. Good luck to the next owner. 🇺🇸🐻
My uncle had one with the 300-horsepower, 4-barrel 350. That thing would scoot for such a big car. I loved it. Unfortunately, it was totaled by a drunk who hit it while it was parked on the side of the street.
Considering all of the money dumped into it, not too bad of a price, but verification of the restoration work should be done along with a look underneath. And I wonder if that includes the drivetrain.
My Dad had a ’70 Impala 4-door 350 2 bbl. & I had a ’70 Caprice Cpe. 400 2bbl. for a first car. Nice cars, good looking & a joy to drive.
Nice car posted. But back in its day, it was a common family car…Not a muscle car. I had same car….got it with 48K miles in ’76. Kept it until 1988 and sold for $1500 with over 200k miles. I just got tired driving same car that long.It ran good. I fixed it up , got it looking good.. Back then, the same front disk brakes were used on most all GM intermediate and full size cars….even pick up trucks & vans. If I had that car now, as when I sold it…I guess could get at least $7500 or more.
Disc brakes calipers are a 2 years only model on theses(67-68 had 2 pistons and 1 in 69-70).
10 years ago, rotors were not availble, you have to use C3 Corvette rotors that have a ¼” difference in offset, so you shave the inner brake pad so it can fit. I convert my 70 Bel Air to theses 5 years ago, should have done this when I restored the car!
Very nice car, good price!
Great looking Impala. This roofline sold the car carrying it into ’76. We need something like this today with modern engine management and suspension technology. Toss the screens and driver assist.
Santa Approved!
Sorry but $30,000 is a bit high I think $16 or $18 at the most.
Red & White, no other color combo pops like it.
Honest description and > a fair price!
Beautiful ‘70. May favorite of all Impalas. Would not change anything here.
My wife had the same car back the mid 70’s.it was forest green.I wish i had it now.But yes rust was an issue on bottom of fenders.Good luck it looks beautiful in red.I would consider, it if it had A/C.A must here in Fl.
30k a bit too much. 20k more like it or they’re just fishing, I find that a lot
Read the ad! The asking is $22,500. Maybe that has some wiggle room and you could ad A/C. It is supposed to be 108 degrees in Phoenix today. We will be going to a movie later. Would drive this car if it had air.
Yup another hot one here today,the guys trimmed my 3 palms today,i don’t know how they do it.
Phoenix huh? Hello neighbor. Greetings from Prescott. I lived in North Phoenix and unless you’re okay with sitting in an oven, a/c is definitely needed. It’s needed here in Prescott too in the summer even though the temperatures do not get as extreme as in Phoenix.
it’s nice but why put headers on it? i prefer the rally wheels be argent instead of chrome and w/w tires to red lines. too much red for me. i do like a 69-70 imp. though.
That would be a smash hit in Elpaso Texas and for the price only a fool would walk away
From this ride, unless you’re broke financially like me, best wishes to the new owner