There is no shame in admitting you are unsure whether a classic car is a clone or the real deal. Being honest can save a lot of embarrassment and aggravation if the vehicle you believe is the genuine article turns out to be a tribute. Such is the case with this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle. The seller states it has some attributes unique to a genuine SS 454, but they have no way of confirming its pedigree beyond doubt. Therefore, they have left it to the market to determine its fate. They have listed the Chevelle here on eBay in Lubbock, Texas. Bidding has raced to $15,600 in a No Reserve auction.

This Chevelle makes a positive first impression, with its Astro Blue paint holding a pleasant shine. However, while beauty might be skin-deep, ugly can go right to the core. The seller admits there are visible repairs to the driver’s side rear quarter panel. The remaining panels look okay, but the new owner faces replacing the floors and trunk pan if this car is to achieve a rust-free status. However, that may not be the worst or most challenging of the problems because this shot seems to reveal a developing hole beside the Cowl Tag. Repairing or replacing the cowl to an acceptable standard will be a significant undertaking only the brave would tackle in a home workshop if there is advanced rust. The rails have some pitting, but the seller assures us they are solid. The chrome, trim, and glass look okay and would be acceptable for a driver-grade build. The question of whether this is a genuine SS 454 will be difficult to answer. The car features the correct boxed rear control arms, but those alone don’t guarantee it is the real deal. To uncover the truth, the winning bidder might need to perform their best Sherlock Holmes impression.

Returning this Chevelle’s interior to its former glory might be the project’s least complex and expensive part. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces look free from wear and physical damage, and the dash seems okay. The shopping list will include a carpet set, a few minor trim pieces, and a replacement for the cracked steering wheel. Otherwise, thorough cleaning could be all that is required to return it to a presentable state.

Okay, it’s time to take a deep breath and dive into this Chevelle’s drivetrain components. The engine bay houses a 454ci V8, with a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission feeding the power to a 3.31 non-Posi 12-bolt rear end. The seller confirms the big-block is of 1973 vintage, while the rear end date-codes as 1971. They have no information on the motor’s specifications, meaning we’re flying blind on its potential power and torque figures. The motor doesn’t run, it is missing some parts, and there is no driveshaft. They indicate that budgeting to rebuild the engine and transmission would be wise unless the new owner happens to have date-correct components languishing in their workshop to slot under this classic’s skin.

There might be question marks hanging over the authenticity of this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, and the seller deserves kudos for their honesty. However, it hasn’t deterred potential buyers, with thirty-six bids submitted at the time of writing. It seems some enthusiasts are willing to roll the dice on this one, but would you?