Throughout the second half of the 1960s, the Chevelle SS 396 was one of the hottest muscle cars in the mix. In 1970, the automobile got even bolder with the introduction of the 454 cubic inch V8 (hence, those cars were known as Chevelle SS 454s). Two versions were offered producing 360 and 450 horsepower, respectively. The seller’s family barn find has the latter engine, the LS6, making it perhaps the most potent street engine offered by Chevrolet up to then. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this muscle car hasn’t run in years but is not as rough as you might expect. It’s available here on craigslist for $10,000. Once again, T.J. has done his magic with cool tips!
While the Super Sport was not a series of its own after 1968, some 53,600 buyers opted for the Z25 SS 396 option in 1970. And another 8,775 buyers sprung for the granddaddy of them all, the Z15 SS 454 option. Production of those cars was split almost equally between the LS5 and LS6 engines. From what we can tell, this seller’s car is the real deal, not a clone that went bad over time. Once restored, this car could fetch some serious coin, especially if numbers-matching.
As the story goes, this Chevelle has been sitting in the seller’s grandparents’ garage for many years. Perhaps Grandpa bought it new, and something mechanically went sour at 45,000 miles. With a 4-speed manual transmission, it may have been pushed into the barn to be worked on later, but later never came. There is no indication when that happened, but it could have been early in the car’s life if the odometer hadn’t gone around the second time.
We assume the paint is Cranberry Red, the color you see these Chevelles finished in the most often. It has a black vinyl top and a matching bucket seat interior but without a console. Rust doesn’t appear to be a huge problem, but you can’t rule it out. The upholstery looks surprisingly good, but the door panels and carpeting are toast. If you’re looking for the Holy Grail of Super Sports, the SS 454 would have to be at the top of the list. Bring cash as the seller isn’t interested in any trades.
I doubt this will be for sale for too much longer. Seems like a good project car at a reasonable price,
$10k for a LS6? Definitely would require a in-person inspection.
At this point in time, I would think the engine alone is worth $10K. This was probably gone before BF finished processing the write-up
The seller never says it’s an LS6, only a 454. The idea that it’s an LS6 comes from a decal on the air cleaner, on an engine that has been modified.
Someone will check it out in person, verify casting numbers and date. Even if it’s a factory SS 396, not a factory SS 454 regardless of which one, it’s still worth the asking price. It’s somewhat surprising the car hasn’t already sold.
Steve R
The work required to bring it up to respectability is daunting…esp if one has to pay someone for any of its needs. .ie. deep pockets required here.
The Barn Finds team seems to believe it is an LS6- “The seller’s family barn find has the latter engine, the LS6, making it perhaps the most potent street engine offered by Chevrolet up to then.”
I am glad I lived when cars like this were affordable and us regular guys could enjoy them. Of course, at least there is the knowing that a modern car is still affordable and pretty much better then the old cars in most all ways. So there’s that. The only thing this has going for it is the potential for investment and to bring back old memories. As far as driving goes on a sunny spring afternoon, give me a modern ride any day of the week.
Agreed Curt! As an older guy who grew up with these cars I understand. One of my best buddies back in high school got a 396 Chevelle of this vintage! It had gut, raw power and one ride in it as passenger was enough!! Very scary!
Lots of money will need to go into this to make it OE and what collectors look for. Not for me! Its a wonder how it lasted so long ( availability wise) in this condition!
Doubt it is a legit LS6, and the seller never claims it as such, but if it were, I’d imagine it’d have already been sold at that price.
It’s a scam ad
This was featured in Hot Rod magazine several years ago…
Was just going to say that Paul. This particular car was indeed found in a storage lot on the east and was verified as a factory LS6. This ad is a total scam.
You are right, the smart thing the “seller” didn’t to is overhype the description like most scammers do.
Hopefully no one sent them a deposit to hold the car.
Steve R
Could be that the seller does not know the difference between an LS5 or an LS6? First order of business is get a picture on the block cast number with the cast date, and of course the VIN on the engine pad, as well as the transmission, to verify that it is what it is. Depends on which plant is was assembled at but its very possible that a build sheet is in the rear bench, under the front buckets, behind a door panel, under the dash, and or under the gas tank. I used to own a black 1970 LS6 with the M22 “rock crusher” manual transmission, and I had found the build sheet to the car in the rear bench drivers side in the hog ties. This one appears to have quite a bit of rust but worthy of a full restoration even if it is a SS 396 IMO.
looks like a small block, front end looks alittle high
Take a look at the Craigslist ad, the Barn Finds photo has been cropped. Clearly a big block.
Scam, I know I remember seeing this car somewhere in the past(?) The pinstriping sticks in my Memory. I hope too many people don’t get took for deposit money….
You might be right: https://www.hotrod.com/features/rare-ss454-chevelle-sat-huge-car-collection-40-years/
Yes it must be a scam – the red Chevelle in the link to the hot rod article looks like the exact same car – they both have the brownish colored left headlight bezel and same piece of grass or whatever it is hanging off the license plate area.
I figured that T.J. would have easily spotted that as a scam ad. Even at twice the price it is a bargain.
What is the thrill of posting a scam ad?!? Must be a lot of lonely people in the world… I just don’t get the math, unless they are requesting you meet in a dark alley at midnight and want you to bring cash…..
A lot of the scammers are fishing for people that will send them a deposit to hold the car. They will drop their guard if they think they are getting a good/great deal.
Steve R
I inquired about a local 1st gen RS Camaro on FB in similar condition for a reasonable price. The guy replied saying it was sold. Five weeks later it’s still listed. Wonder if it’s a scam and he’s looking for an out of state buyer to send a cash deposit.
The current owner of this car is going to be pissed! This should be a headline for this BF listing “LS6 SCAM, we show you how it is done!”
I can only imagine how many hold it deposits this has garnered.
From the 2017 Hot Rod Magazine article
“So now what’s in store for the Chevelle? Brady says, “The Chevelle was sold to Dan Bandage in Melbourne, Florida where it will be undergoing a full no-expense spared, rotisserie restoration.” The 1970 LS6 Chevelle is recognized by many enthusiasts as the pinnacle of performance and a high-water mark of the muscle car era. We are certainly proud to hear this car will be returned to its former glory and are looking forward to a barn find revisited article once the restoration is complete.”
Let’s see now. An untouched, original LS6 near me just sold about 2 months ago for 60 thousand. It was in about the same shape as this one, after sitting for 35 years. The buyer was not even keeping it. He was delivering it to a ”new” owner for quite a bit larger amount than what he paid. Maybe a Fathom blue car is worth 60 thousand more than a red car??????? This ad is stupider than a scam. NO seller of an LS6 is this dumb, NO one. This ad?, not even 5 or 10 years ago.
Anyone that asks for a deposit over the phone is a scammer. Period. And needs to be called out as such. Such an old scam I can’t believe people still fall for it today.
Anyone that believes this is, legit, were born last night. Dead give away is the owner writing up as if they don’t know the value of what it is. The kicker being, it’s still listed!
But if anyone wants, I too got an early ’50 something Chevy that was in my father’s, father’s, garage. The problem is it’s only a two seater & a stick shift. Not sure what it is. It’s kind of odd looking dashboard has a mirror on it & the radio, is sideways, no kidding! There’s also a matching color hard roof it looks like, leaning against the wall that maybe goes to it? I don’t know much more about this V8 fuel injected fender labeled thing.
I will sell for $10k firm & hold for the person that sends the 1st $5k money order! If they don’t show in a week to take it, i’ll be forced to sell it to the next money order that is received…& so forth. Need garage empty before home is listed.
Bought my 70 SS Chevelle in 1985 mortgage was big kids were small. Worked numerous hours overtime full caged it narrowed rear end. Drag raced it for over 30 years loved it. Put it back to pro street 8 years ago. Still drive it every couple of days a week on the radial 31X18.5X15. Showing the younger generation what was cool when I was a kid!!!!
You guys are great detectives. I see a business opportunity here.
If it sounds too good to be true….
probably is……
When I saw the asking price, I knew it was BS.