If you are unable to tackle a project build, you will either abandon your ownership dreams or purchase a turnkey classic to fulfill your heart’s desire. If you are determined to park something special in your garage, this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 could be a contender. It has a known ownership history and presents superbly following a comprehensive refresh in 2016. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the SS listed here on eBay in Scottsdale, Arizona. Handing the seller $47,000 would allow you to drive home behind the wheel of this classic.
After its release for the 1968 model year, Chevrolet made some significant changes to its Second Generation Chevelle range in 1970. Acres of new steel gave the car a refreshed look, and it would carry those updates through to the moment when the last cars rolled off the line in 1972. This 1970 Chevelle is a fire-breathing SS 396 with a known history. The first owner purchased the vehicle in California, before later relocating to Arizona. It has remained there, even after the first owner passed the car to a family member, from whom the seller purchased it a few months ago. Life in a dry climate has protected the Chevelle from the typical rust issues, while a refresh performed in 2016 ensured that its presentation is first-rate. The seller refers to that process as a restoration, but I view it as a refurbishment. The first witness for the prosecution is the paint shade, which doesn’t match anything on that year’s Chevelle color chart. It looks close to Garnet Red, a shade that wasn’t available in 1970. However, if originality isn’t a priority, there’s still a lot to like. The paint holds a mirror shine, while the panels are laser-straight. The gaps are tight and consistent, and the trim and glass are excellent.
When is a 396 big-block not a 396 big-block? The answer is in 1970, when Chevrolet increased the bore by 0.030″ to push the capacity to 402ci. However, it continued to market the motor as a 396, because the designation enjoyed strong buyer recognition. That is largely irrelevant, because this Chevelle isn’t numbers-matching. The block suffix confirms that the 396 was cast in 1969. The seller indicates that it is the L34 variant, meaning that it should churn out at least 350hp and 415 ft/lbs of torque. The car’s remaining specifications are equally mouth-watering, comprising a four-speed manual transmission, a 12-bolt Posi rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Potential buyers can consider the SS a turnkey proposition. The seller states that the big-block springs to life at a twist of the key, the transmission is smooth, and that the car drives flawlessly. Flying in and driving home is a viable option for the buyer to consider.
We’ve established that this Chevelle doesn’t feature its original motor, and appears to have undergone a color change. The interior further emphasizes my belief that it is refurbished, courtesy of its Black and Red trim combination. The Red stripe in each seat center continues onto the dashpad and the rear parcel tray, and I’m not sold on the look. The seats are one thing, but the pad looks odd in a vehicle of this type. Moving beyond personal preference, the interior looks extremely tidy. There is no wear on the carpet or upholstered surfaces, while the dash, pad, and plastic haven’t succumbed to UV exposure. Aftermarket additions include a sports wheel, an underdash gauge cluster, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.
I tend to be pretty firm on the subject, and would describe this 1970 Chevelle SS 396 as refurbished, not restored. I base that belief on several factors, including its non-original big-block and the apparent color change and interior modifications. However, I still think that it is a stunning vehicle that would provide its new owner with years of motoring pleasure. The SS has generated enormous interest since hitting the market, but considering the factors already mentioned, do you think someone will hit the button to take it home?
From a purists view I would suppose this to be a lot of money for something “refurbished”.
As I’m not a purist this would be in my garage when not being driven, something that would be very often.
Changes? Maybe a retro style radio with Bluetooth and an AC unit, but neither of those are a must-have. Very nice car that has many positives-but it obviously needs the cobwebs blown out judging by one of the underside photos.
GLWTA
Lots of dated looking Spectre parts in the engine compartment along with many other personal touches that won’t appeal to everyone. Potential buyers should go over this car carefully.
Steve R
Nice looking car, but is this car worth it? 1st off, was it born as an original SS…or a clone made? As 10 year old “refurbed” …not restored and not numbers matching car is it worth $47k ?
I agree with all comments here!! The first things to go would be the wrong outside mirrors and steering wheel right away!!!
Don’t attack the car over the out side 2 mirrors…it is a ss396 1970 ss chevelle. With a changed motor from a 69 car..70 chevelless cars bring big money..the car still will push 40k if it is what the door emblem says..r..I’ve seen many 70 ss chevelles push 65k
Irregardless, IF it is a “born original SS”, it’s a complete do over, paint and all. The SS stripes are completely out of dimension, it’s not a 70 color, and the interior, is a complete loss. Likely the dash shell as well, as indicated by the large flat washers behind the radio knobs. “SS 396” door panel emblems ended with the 69 model year. Still a nice project for 47K
you lost me at “irregardless”. Anything after that is just senseless babble
Same can be said, for you in general. Climb back in your Renault Peugot, and self-deport
Leading off with “irregardless” causes me to discount whatever follows. 🤷🏼♂️
Irregardless is not a word.
Take some time to look up “irregardless”. It is considered a real word in use since the late 1700s. Regardless or irrespective are considered more acceptable but all three can be used interchangeably.
LS6 Man, I have to disagree with your door-emblem comment. I’ve seen three ’70’s with “SS 396” emblems, two in the late ’70’s and one in the mid 80’s, and all three were 396 L78 cars, and manufactured early for the ’70 model year. two in late ’69, one early ’70, one of which I was going to buy. I can’t tell you when the emblem “changeover” period was, but my ’70 396 L34, which I’ve owned since 10/78(pro date 05/70), which actually came from one of the families with the L78, has the “SS” emblems. As does every Chevelle I’ve seen since, save for a few LS-6’s that had “Malibu”(?). Other than that, I’m not a Chevelle SS purist. I believe in “It’s your car, build it the way you want”! As long as you don’t try to sell it and pass it off as something it isn’t. Now, having had mine for nearly 50 yrs, there are some things that don’t just stand out, but scream! The aforementioned chrome mirrors and stripes, but also the trunk “Chevelle” emblem, and the waaay too far forward hood emblems!………..Just my 2-cents!
Had a gold one. Should have kept it.
I had a gold 1968 and like you, I should have kept it. Sold it when I was going overseas in 1971.
A lot of customization that subtract from the value. There are much nicer cars available for that kind of money.
This car wasn’t restored. I’m normally the guy who can see a diamond in the rough and defends the seller and his price, but call a spade a spade. Its a custom build at best. A restoration would have a correct engine, correct paint, correct interior, correct rear sway bar, no X Pipe, a clean bottom, no bedliner spray in the trunk, etc etc. Restoration, by definition, is to bring something back to as new condition. Yes it shines, but its far from restored.
Listing ended.
Those seats… Ugh. Tijuana sourced?
It’s not a restoration, it’s not refurbished, it’s not a resto-rod. It’s a custom; a custom that raises a lot of questions about what it is or was, up to and including is it really a clone? Adding the red stripes was bad enough, adding one to the dash is WTF? The engine bay is just a showy mess. Is it worth the price? Only the market can say.
imagine that another red 70 Chevelle. looks like somebody went berserk with a summit catalog.
Seeing that the ad has been pulled, I’m assuming that either they did not get the asking price, or even a counteroffer that was satisfactory, or it has been sold. Y’all seem to forget that this was one of the supreme cars of the ’70’s, and to even have a usable shell that hasn’t been modified by some hormone driven teenager with Cragars, big and little tires, and many other radical changes that had been made to countless Chevelles, Skylarks, GTO’s , 4-4-2’s, Mustangs, Torinos, etc. This is a car that is meant to be driven around periodically, not sit in a garage and get towed to shows. This was and still is a beautiful car! I’d ditch those stripes on the dash and the rear panel, but otherwise it is something that I would happily drive on a weekday or weekend. You might find a more “original” SS 396 or SS 454, but your wallet had better be able to stand to spend the $$$$ it will cost you…
Flying in and driving out has always been a favorite thing, but looking at that red stripe over the dash reflecting up onto the windshield would give me a case of the hives within 2 miles. I could fly in with a dash mat in my carry-on but the curiosity of what’s hiding under that strip would be gnawing at me the whole way!
Was doing alright until I opened the door. Oof. Expensive driver.
Overpriced
“This listing was ended by the seller on Mon, Aug 10 at 2:22 PM because the item is no longer available.”