Like many things in life, not all muscle cars are equal. Take the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 as an example. It is an iconic vehicle offering outstanding performance. However, the first owner of our feature car took it to the next level, ordering this classic with the L78 version of the big-block. It wasn’t a popular option, but it lifted the car’s performance without breaking the bank. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Chevelle listed here on eBay in Ocoee, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $25,600, but the time remaining and listing statistics suggest the action could intensify very quickly.
Chevrolet released its Second Generation Chevelle range for the 1968 model year. The newcomer bore no visual relationship to its predecessor, with the revised styling giving the Chevelle a greater sense of visual presence. This SS 396 rolled off the line in 1970, and its Build Sheet provides interesting reading. It confirms the first owner ordered it in Tuxedo Black with contrasting White stripes and the optional ZL2 Cowl Induction hood. Although not specifically stated, the listing indicates this classic received a high-end repaint at some point, helping to explain the mirror shine. Gloss Black paint is perfect for revealing panel imperfections, but this SS appears laser-straight. It is rust-free, which is excellent news for potential bidders. The stripes are crisp, the trim and glass are immaculate, and the 15″ SS wheels are free from physical damage and stains.
Okay, it’s time to get to the business end of proceedings. Although Chevrolet marginally enlarged the bore of its 396ci big-block in 1970, increasing the capacity to 402ci, it continued marketing it as the 396 due to brand recognition. Ordering an SS 396 brought the L34 variant, delivering 350hp and 415 ft/lbs of torque. However, those wishing to splash out an additional $210.65 could opt for the L78 version, which pushes power to 375hp. It represented pretty respectable value for money, but with only 2,144 buyers ticking the box, it is relatively rare. This car’s first owner selected that motor, a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, a 3.55 rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The seller confirms that although the engine block is no longer original, it carries the correct date code. The engine bay presents as impressively as the rest of the car, and doesn’t flatter to deceive. This SS is ready to head into the sunset with its new owner behind the wheel.
The positive vibes generated by this SS continue when we focus on its interior. Trimmed in Black vinyl, it features bucket seats, a console, a sports gauge cluster with a factory tachometer, and a pushbutton radio. Its appearance is as impressive as the exterior, with no cosmetic issues or shortcomings. The vinyl is excellent, there is no carpet wear, and the only visible aftermarket addition is the wheel wrap. My only criticism is purely personal, and that is the fact that this classic doesn’t feature air conditioning. The Tuxedo Black paint and matching interior trim could make life uncomfortable in hot climates. However, I’m sure that if push came to shove, I could live with it! Otherwise, this interior will generate plenty of positive comments thanks to its presentation.
This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 is a stunning classic. The L78 engine option increases its desirability, which will probably at least partly motivate a late surge in bidding for a vehicle that is inherently desirable. It needs nothing and is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a turnkey muscle car that will receive many admiring looks and loads of respect. I would typically quote a potential value, but I’ve decided to take a different approach. An online search revealed another listing for this classic, providing an idea of the seller’s expectations. That advertisement quotes an asking price of $119,970, which may be a guide to the seller’s auction reserve. Do you feel that figure is justified, or do you have another price in mind?
Gorgeous car! The L78 is more rare than the LS6 and other than 52 CI, is essentially the same engine. Is it worth $120k? The market will tell, but I’ve seen a slump in sales. If this car had the original engine, I could see $120 large. Even though a date code correct, or CE block is the next best thing, it’s not the original engine, which collectors want, if they’re going to drop that much cheddar on.
Not sure why you say the L78 is more rare than the LS6. In 1970, they made more than twice as many LS6’s as the L78.
More LS-6’s than L-78’s, My math says that makes the L-78 more rare than the LS-6. What am I missing?
Your post validates my statement. Not sure what your point is? 2144 Chevelles were produced with the L78. 4475 were produced with the LS6.
The engine won’t hurt the value since it is the period correct replacement block from the dealership. That is what you or collectors want when the engine block is not original. The original engine could of blown up or had something else happen where it needed to be replaced. The paint looks incomplete without having the stripes on the roof. The no stripes on the roof was for the convertible cars this is a hard top put the stripes on the roof.
Stripes on the roof 😳😱😳
Where do you see stripes on the roof?
I don’t believe any Super Sports left the factory with stripes on the roof.
I did not see where it said replacement block ”from the dealership”. Correct date code is good enough. Original build sheet adds 10 to 20 thou to this particular car, even without the original engine.
Super Sport’s did NOT have stripes on the roof!!! Hood and trunk ONLY!!!!
Steve, Chevrolet NEVER put stripes on the roof of any 1970 SS. Any pict ure you would find with stripes on the roof, was added AFTER the car was produced.
Chevrolet never put stripes on the roof, That is a Ford thing. No Chevrolet collector would ever look at a Chevelle SS or a Z28 with stripes on the roof. That is so wrong.
Curious, where do you see stripes on the roof?
You have to read all of the comments. Steve S. suggested that this car was missing its stripes on the roof. Chevrolet never put stripes on the roof.
Beautiful Chevelle. Personally, I don’t care for a black car, too hard to keep clean. Black shows any flaws but also shows the first speck of dust.
As for the engine, too much emphasis is on having the original engine. As long as it was replaced with the same as the original, I would never knock it.
She’s a beaut with some obvious (flaws?). It a ’70 SS with what we assume is a solid lifter motor and it’s black. You don’t get air with one of these. What you do get is the 1970 driving experience. Fast as can be but you better bring a dry shirt to change into.
Listed for $119,970 on their website.
They have 21 Chevelles listed for sale.
I don’t believe any Super Sports left the factory with stripes on the roof.
I bought a 70 Chevelle SS 396, Forest Green, white SS stripes, black int, black vinyl top, Muncie 4 sp, cowl induction, with a blown motor after rolling my 67 SS Camaro in 74. I bought it from a kid who’s daddy bought it for him and daddy replaced at least 2 blown motors. The guy was a few years older than me and always bragged that he had an LS6 put in after blowing the last 402. being the braggart and full of s**t person that he was, nobody including me believed it.
When I bought it from his dad the motor was out at the dealership and there was a bill for pulling the motor out. While my dad and me were waiting for the other guy’s dad to get there and pay the bill there were 3 or 4 dealer mechanics trying to buy the motor from me. I was ready to sell it, but my dad was suspicious and said no.
A fiend of the family was selling me a L72 427 and installing it with a scatter shield. When we dropped the car at his shop the motor was on the trailer and he confirmed it was an LS6. Ended up having spun rod bearings. We traded and then the 427 got a lot cheaper. After about a year and a half I graduated and headed to college. I sold the Chevelle to a guy from Buckner MO in 76 and been looking for it every since.
The over the counter crate LS6 was incredibly common through the mid-1980’s when Chevrolet discontinued it. I worked at a speed shop in the mid-2000’s, the owner said in the early-1970’s they’d order 50 at a time, they were popular swap for cars and boats. When they closed in the early-2010’s they found a couple, still in their original crates, buried in the warehouse.
There’s an LS6 crate motor from back then for sale on BaT.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/engine-240/
I used to go to a gentlemen’s bar in the mid 80’s. There was a frequent customer there always selling LS6 crate engines. If I was a smarter person, I would have bought a few from him.
Nice ride, my cousin had a red with white stripes, I was 13yrs old, I remember that car putting my behind into the seat everytime he shifted, but let’s be honest, just like the yellow Road Runner, these are RICH MANS TOYS, us regular Joe’s, all we can do is remember when either we had one back in the day, until we got married, or knew someone that did
45k still on reserve. i never see this dealer’s inventory ever really sell. i think this will be a no sale.
Maybe if they painted stripes on the roof, it would sell quicker!!!
LOL Good one Jack!!
Had a coworker in the 70’s that had one & sitting at a stop light was rear ended by a guy that never hit his brakes at 55mph, needless to say he survived but the car didn’t, oh well!
I have a friend who sold me a L78 that has less than 25K on it about 6 years ago. I had it rebuilt & went with a complete Rollers Cam,lifters, rockers. It now pumps out 450 HP. I’m using an Edelbrock intake & carb 650 AVS. I am using 232 gears. It’s sets in a 70 Monte Carlo.
232 gears??. That will a pig to get going but will top out at about 200 MPH!
He probably means 3:23 gears. I’ve heard of 2:56 and 2:41 from GM, but that was late 70’s early 80’s.
The LS 5 ( 454 cu”. 360 hp ) engine was also available in 1970. The number of cars leaving the factory with this engine was less the the LS6 and L78. Rare does not always mean more valuable.
The LS5 was the standard engine for the 1970 Chevelle SS 454. The LS6 was the optional engine. The L34 was the standard engine for the SS 396. The L78 was the optional 396 engine. 8773 LS5 Chevelle’s were produced in 1970. The L78 was the rarest of all SS engines.
Clean Chevelle here. I would remove the steering wheel cover and those floor mats.
Melba Toast – Dazed and Confused fans out there?
Huh???
In the movie Dazed and Confused, Matthew McConaghey Drove a car like this, called it Melba Toast. You should see it, great car movie. Set in Texas 1976.
Melba Toast!
Melba Toast’s engine: