When it comes to classic cars, some are created more equal than others. Vehicles like this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 justify the muscle car tag in almost any form. However, performance lifts to a higher level if the first owner ticked the box beside the LS6 version of Chevrolet’s big-block V8. Such is the case with this beauty. This SS presents superbly, with no apparent needs or shortcomings. It has generated considerable interest since the seller listed the Chevelle here on eBay in Isanti, Minnesota. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve, sitting at $45,100 at the time of writing.
The automotive world’s muscle car segment was declining as the 1970s dawned. Manufacturers faced spending millions of dollars on development costs to comply with pending emission regulations while spiraling insurance costs pushed these classics beyond the financial reach of many potential buyers. That didn’t prevent this Chevelle’s original owner from ordering a car with genuine performance potential. They successfully combined muscle with good looks, ordering the SS in Autumn Gold with a Black vinyl top. Its history is unclear, with the seller not specifying whether it is a genuine survivor or if the vehicle received restoration. Its overall presentation suggests the latter because the paint is free from chips and marks, and the underside shots reveal rust-free floors that are clean enough to eat off. The vinyl is in as-new condition, with the same true of the tinted glass. This Chevelle’s panels are laser-straight, with gaps among the tightest and most consistent I have seen on a Chevrolet of this vintage. The car rolls on Magnum 500 wheels featuring SS center caps.
There are no prizes for those who guess that a Chevelle SS 454 will feature an engine of that capacity under the hood. The LS5 version provided 360hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque under the driver’s right foot, but this car raises the bar with the legendary LS6 variant. Forget 360hp because this brute churns out 450hp. That power must go somewhere, feeding through a three-speed TH400 automatic transmission to a 12-bolt Posi rear end. The inclusion of power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes eases the driver’s workload. Muscle cars must be potent to earn that title, and this SS doesn’t disappoint. The ¼-mile journey will take 13.7 seconds, while keeping the pedal to the metal will see the big-block run out of breath with the needle nudging 139mph. The seller doesn’t expressly state that this Chevelle is numbers-matching. However, the listing suggests it. We receive no information on how it runs or drives, and they don’t mention supporting evidence for the claimed 57,600 original miles. However, the car’s overall condition and presentation suggest the news should be positive.
This Chevelle’s interior is as immaculate as every other aspect, with no apparent needs or faults. However, one item has a question mark hanging over it because the seller states the first owner ordered this SS with leather seats. I have checked several sources and have been unable to locate that option on any RPO List. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback to see whether I have missed something blindingly obvious. A close inspection will probably reveal flaws or defects. Still, the images suggest the interior would be a potential trophy winner if the new owner enters it into the show circuit. The upholstered surfaces and carpet are immaculate, the dash and console are spotless, and there are no aftermarket additions. It doesn’t score features like air conditioning or power windows, but the new owner will welcome the factory tachometer, tilt wheel, and AM radio.
Some classics blend into the background, like automotive chameleons, while others stand up to be counted. This 1970 Chevelle SS 454 falls into the latter category, although its paint and trim combination adds a classy air to an iconic muscle car. Is it the real deal? Only an in-person inspection will reveal the truth, but with eleven individuals submitting thirty-eight bids, confidence seems high. The auction action has pushed beyond the reserve, meaning the SS will head to a new home in a few days. Are you tempted to make it yours?
Lordy, that’s a beautiful car! Autumn gold is a refreshing change from all the red and black. Take my money, please.
A couple of things don’t add up. A reserve of under 45K for a low mileage survivor LS6? No documentation offered, no verification by an expert on these.
I would be wary of it.
That’s because it’s fake. Same pic in the listing from a BAT auction that failed to meet a reserve at $50K back in 2019. A simple Google image search proves that.
I absolutely agree, If this car is 100% legitimate in every aspect, it’s worth at least three times the current bid. And there’s no way I’d be selling it on ebay.
Something doesn’t add up.
A lot of suckers that won’t do there homework out there…took me five minutes to find this autumn gold LS6 sold on BAT January 19, 2019. These eBay no reserve auctions for high dollar cars should be immediate red flags. 99 out of 100 will proibably be a scam. I’ve reported dozens of Oldsmobiles alone in the past couple of years. Most always prior BAT sales. These scammers are lazy and have all sorts of tells. First, rudimentary description of the vehicle. Second, look at the feedback, the last item sold will be “over one year ago” Third, random starting price with no reserve. Lastly, never any contact number and if you message them to view the car, they’ll ignore you.
I should have said was listed on BAT, car was bid to 90k, not sold. Car was located in NH.
And that’s why we are starting to concentrate on our own exclusive auctions. We can send a photographer or at least get a photo of the title to verify ownership. Lots of scams out there.
Auction is now removed from EBay. I, for one, reported it. I don’t want anyone to be scammed by these low-lifes.
In 1976 one of my friends in college drove one the same color with the major difference was his was a 350 horse 402. Any of these were nice!
Pretty sure those are vinyl seats.
I had what look to be identical ones in my ‘71 Nova.
They are, flippers and scammers often describe vinyl as leather in their ads, it’s a quick tell, a sign you should be extra vigilant. At best they are ignorant, worst case they have fabricated the ad looking for a sucker to wire them money for either a deposit or payment.
Steve R
Very cool, same color as our 71 El Camino.
It’s certainly a well done restoration. I restored a LS5 version in the mid 80’s when reproduction parts were becoming available. I admire restorations where they have properly handled details like correct hose clamps and clips under the hood. The only issues I noticed were that the upholsterer did not transfer the small metal crests from the original seats to the reproduction covers and the fuel gauge seems over clocked. I couldn’t isolate a picture that would verify if the exhaust resonators were present at the back of the car. All in all, a great restoration. Must be a confident seller with a reserve that low.
putty showing on the bottom of RF fender
Adam, the wheels on this SS are the factory SS wheels, not Magnum 500’s. The Magnum 500 was a MOPAR wheel.
Putting 14” wheels and tires on that car was a real disservice by GM. You could spin them infinitely with the 360hp LS5. I can’t imagine what 450hp did to them.
The Magnum 500 wheel was not a MOPAR wheel. They were originally a product of Motor Wheel Corporation that supplied the OEM’s, Ford, GM, Chrysler and American Motors all used that wheel in a variety of finishes, and with or without trim rings on the full chrome wheels. I can’t speak to the first year that Chrysler Corporation first installed them, but if my memory serves me right Oldsmobile offered the full chrome wheels known in Olds lingo as the Super Stock l wheel in 1966.
If it’s a genuine LS6, ‘CRR’ will be the suffix code on the head pad. As well, no such animal as leather seats EVER in ANY Chevelle.
This appears to be the same 1970 Chevelle SS LS6 that crossed the block on Bring a Trailer back in January 2019. Or, they’re just using the same pictures. It did not make reserve. You can learn a lot about this car by reading the 334 comments in that auction. :)
I lived in a small town and had just totaled a ’69 Vette. I ordered a car just like this, same color and engine. My insurance man called me and said if I take delivery of this car he would cancel my insurance. So I bought a Grand Prix just like the one that has just sold on BAT. Sure wish I could have all the cars back that I went through.
When I see a 70 Chevelle SS l always remember this whole seller where l live had a 1972 SS gorgeous blue white rally strips and interior for 22 k. I don’t know if was a numbers matching car clone or tribute and it was a convertible white top. This was 2001 and maybe it was before Mechum and Bareitt price average Americans out of the market.
I would buy this car in a minute, but I noticed the fuel gauge is not reading correctly! What a type of money do they think its worth with a broken fuel guage?
Just kidding, I love this car. Seems like the price should be higher though.
Sorry, really nice clone, but certainly not the real deal… per the seller’s ad, “From the factory, this car was equiped with power disk brakes, Positraction rear axle”…
Agree with others here, if this were the real deal, and you have the factory installed or even date code correct LS-6, w/TH400, the rarity of the color, and vinyl top, restored or not, this is a pretty rare car, you’re talking $150K plus… and, no offense, probably not eBay!
I was going to say the same thing, the seller was very specific as to the way the car was “from the factory” but if it was indeed a factory installed 454 he would have mentioned it. Still a beautiful car though!
Definitely not an LS6 car from the factory. Perhaps engine is built to spec. A nice restoration, missing on a few points. It appears to have white lettering on gauges. Price is correct for a car with unproven pedigree. Probably sell in the high 50”s or low 60’s.
The 4 small circles (turn signals and warning lights) were not painted on the production cars, but they did appear that way in the promotional literature. The original could have been repainted, and someone decided it looked better with them highlighted, or the entire dash could have come from a 1971 car. The gauges, as mentioned by 67Sedan do indeed look white, whie the 1970 only were “greenish” 71-72 were white.
Wooderson says “I hate EBay scammers!”
Positraction was $42.15 extra which was a smart choice for this car.
For 1970, power disk brakes was part of the Z15 SS454 package. The Z15 package also included a heavy duty radiator, temperature controlled fan, and 63-amp generator. I wonder if restorers add these.