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Popular Project Car: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396

Any car that rolled off the production line in 1970 that was capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 6 seconds is a car that is worth looking at, and this is one of the reasons why the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 is such a popular car. The fact that it is also very attractive certainly didn’t hurt its cause at all, and these factors help to explain why they remain a popular car to this day. This Chevelle is a solid car that could be a real eye-catcher when restored. Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, it is listed for sale here on eBay. At the time of writing, bidding has reached $9,901, but it is no surprise that the reserve hasn’t been met.

The Chevelle looks to be nice and straight, and apart from what looks like a small spot of rust in the trunk floor, it also appears to be solid. It looks like it has undergone a repaint at some point in its life, but it isn’t clear when this would have occurred. Going over the photos, all of the usually rust-prone areas such as the lower quarter panels and rockers seem to be clean. All of the glass looks like it is in good condition, while all of the original external chrome and trim is also present, and is also in good order.

The interior looks like it is going to require very little work to bring it back to life. The door trims and other vinyl surfaces look good, as does the dash pad. The carpet looks like it might be fairly new, although both the front and rear seats will need new covers. There are a few detail items that could stand some attention, such as the cracked wheel and corroded stalk for the turning signals, but overall, it’s pretty encouraging.

This Chevelle still houses its original engine, but its condition is not clear. The owner doesn’t indicate when the car last ran, or whether the engine turns freely. The original bellhousing, 4-speed manual transmission, and shifter are all missing, so replacement components will need to be sourced. There are also a number of smaller items that will need to be sourced, such as some hoses, an air cleaner, and plug wires.

As I said earlier, these are a popular car, and they continue to command some pretty impressive prices. This one seems to have a lot going for it, but with the missing transmission and unknown state of the engine, that raises a question mark or two. It will be interesting to see what the car will fetch at auction and whether we have a reader who is willing to bid on it.

Comments

  1. Avatar photo motoring mo

    Eggsactly the car I’ve been looking for!

    Like 14
  2. Avatar photo U.K. Paul 🇬🇧

    Cracking.. Eggcellent find!

    Like 7
  3. Avatar photo PDXBryan

    Why all the bad yolks?

    Like 10
  4. Avatar photo Dave Bell

    I have a spare Muncie just waiting to go in something!

    Like 5
  5. Avatar photo CapNemo

    This car has been REPAINTED at some point in its life.

    Like 4
  6. Avatar photo Superdessucke

    We’d need an inspection to make sure this isn’t a bad egg.

    Like 6
  7. Avatar photo Ben

    Sellers typically eggagerate the condition of their cars, and expect eggzactly the amount that they are looking for in their car. Happy Easter.

    Like 4
  8. Avatar photo TimM

    I hope the reserve doesn’t scramble my brain!!!!

    Like 5
  9. Avatar photo RICKY MATTHEWS

    yous guys crack me up

    Like 7
  10. Avatar photo Patrick L.

    Isn’t an SS car supposed to start with a 138 on the protect-o-plate? Not 136?

    Like 1
  11. Avatar photo JEFF S.

    I Eggree with all the above comments, for once.

    Like 4
  12. Avatar photo Del

    Is it a real SS. Is it an Atlanta build SS ?

    I would be too chicken to buy it without a persnal inspection or some paper back up.

    Like 2
  13. Avatar photo Del

    Is it a real SS. Is it an Atlanta build SS ?

    I would be too chicken to buy it without a personal inspection or some paper back up.

    Like 1
  14. Avatar photo Troyce

    Could be wrong, but looks like a piece of the shell has cracked away and is missing here.

    Like 1
  15. Avatar photo sluggo

    A date code correct and specs Muncie commands serious coin these days, so, the bellhousing, shifter, and bits are not hard to find. So thats a bit of an issue. However much better trans could be used now, but if going for a resto factor that in.
    I have doubts this is original paint and find it amusing when people talk about a car this old as if it just needs a service before ready for the road. (IE: Condition of the interior upholstery) But the mantra for restoration or customizing is start with the best example you can afford, But personally Id go thru the whole thing. Currently at $10k Plus and not hit reserve. Shill bids aside, this is a gold standard muscle car so Im sure it will find a home

    Like 2
    • Avatar photo UK Paul 🇬🇧

      Agree on some of the unusual looking bidding.

      Like 1
  16. Avatar photo Cadmanls Member

    Looks like a few rattle cans of black have been sprayed around. I rather see the red mud and surface rust. This one may want to look at in person.

    Like 2
  17. Avatar photo Troy s

    Hate to admit it but the interior in this one looks a lot better than what was left of my ’68 POS 396 Chevelle that was driven daily, and nightly.
    Popular ride, over 70,000 built in 1970, way way more than the SS 454 which amounted to a little over 9000, although most nowadays go ape over the big brawny 454.
    These really are cool cars whether restored bone stock or taken in any other number of directions. Anymore I like the stock original appearance but with a few performance upgrades. Rims must be period correct in appearance too, none of that pimp my ride big wheels stuff.

    Like 1
  18. Avatar photo Bodyman68

    Nothing like it ,it’ll go up in price and getting it goin will be easy. I’ve had alot of cars and this is the one to keep. This the best looking and the most hp in all the chevelles made . I would put a set of cragars ,ladder bars, console,buckets and a 6speed in it and enjoy it .

    Like 2

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