This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS project, listed for $15,000 here on craigslist in Salem, Oregon, could be the right foundation for someone ready to take on a classic muscle car with real potential. The seller says they purchased the car from their uncle a few years ago with every intention of restoring it but simply hasn’t had the time to see it through. Now, it’s being offered for sale or trade.
According to the listing, this Chevelle is equipped with a 396-cubic-inch V8 engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, a sought-after setup among enthusiasts looking for authentic big-block power and driver engagement. The seller notes that the motor turns over, and the frame and body are pretty solid, making it a promising starting point for someone with the skill and space to bring it back to life.
The car, pictured in a cake of dust with flash rust, and paint damage, is described as being in good condition overall, especially considering it’s more than five decades old. The title is listed as clean, and the Chevelle runs on gasoline with rear-wheel drive, keeping true to the classic American muscle formula. Finished in blue, this car represents one of the most recognizable body styles of the late 1960s and early 1970s—a favorite among collectors for its balance of performance, design, and simplicity.
While the listing doesn’t go into fine detail about the current state of the interior or cosmetic finishes, the tone suggests this is an honest project—one that hasn’t been modified or taken apart beyond what’s necessary. For a restorer or hobbyist, that can be a huge advantage, especially when starting with a car that retains much of its original structure.
The seller is open to trades for a nice 4WD Chevy, which may appeal to those looking to swap projects or move into something more practical for daily use. Otherwise, $15,000 cash takes it home.
The 1970 model year remains one of the most iconic for the Chevelle, marking the peak of GM’s muscle car era. Whether restored to factory specs, built into a period-correct street machine, or left as a patina driver, this SS project offers plenty of possibilities.
Would you take on this 1970 Chevelle restoration, or trade it for something that’s already road-ready?
This seems like a good deal but better pictures would be needed such as more detailed pictures of the engine, undercarriage and closer detailed pictures of the interior. I own a 1971 Chevelle since 1988 and this one has a lot of potential, for what it is and the drivetrain. Other questions would be does it have A/C, original radio or other parts that come with it in the trunk. Original rims. This is one I would tackle and make right.
The build sheet shows a/c but no posi. At least it’s legit.
I did take a second look and saw A/C controls in one of the pictures.
It looks like a good start for a restoration. I can’t see on the build sheet what colors it is but the jambs look maybe fathom blue and a blue interior. If you do your own work you may not be upside down when it’s done.
The paint code on the trim tag looks to be Fathom blue.
Steve R
It should sell quickly. If the VIN on the build sheet matches the cars VIN and the condition in the pictures is representative of its actual condition. It has a really desirable combination of options, a good color, stripes, Cowl Induction hood, 4spd, AC, rear sway bar, I’d add a posi and factory tach & gauges cluster.
What you can see of the engine shows an Accell Super Coil and what looks like a Mallory distributor, if it has any other Vintage speed equipment I’d keep that on the car, as well, I’d also keep the slot/dish mags to pull off a day two style build.
Steve R
“The title is listed as clean, and the Chevelle runs on gasoline…’ WHat is a 396 suppoed to run on?
I sure wish I was closer to this. Somebody is going to get a good deal if there is no hidden rot. Fathom blue is one of my favorite colors and it even has the legendary “get in, sit down, shut up, and hang on” sticker on the dash.
It’s not sold yet?
It’s only been up 2 days in the middle of the week, even people that have access to $15,000 will probably have to wait a day or to for the bank to get the cash for them. If I was the sell, I’d leave the ad up until someone gave me a non-refundable deposit of at least a $1,000, I wouldn’t take a wire transfer either, that may be a bit old fashioned, but I still like cash in hand before something this expensive goes home with a new owner. I’d be surprised if it’s still for sale by the end of this coming weekend.
Steve R
Why does the SS badge in the close up picture say 454 if it’s a 396?
That’s not a big deal, the car is over 50 years old and looks like it was run through the wringer for at least part of the time. Maybe the fender was swapped out, someone installed a 454 in it at one time, or they just wanted to present the car as something more interesting than a 396 (look at how popular clones are), those emblems were available new from GM for decades were inexpensive and not hard to install. As long as the car checks out in person it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
Steve R
2 pluses. it’s not red and has a build sheet to prove what is. $ seems fair but still needs cash dumped in it. looks like a dry body
Those pics are horrible. Looks like a decent deal but no way tell at all what you’re getting. Twilight time is a terrible time of day to take your ad pics. SMDH
Its a scam, i was in talks with the guy and agreed to $12k, asked for a deposit and i agreed upon proof of title. “Brandon” sends me a picture of the title but issue is if you look at trim tag on ad its a kansas built car, on the title he sent me theres an “A”. When I mentioned it he stopped communicating and ad came down.
This was a scam and has at least one victim who lost $15000.
https://salem.craigslist.org/ctd/d/salem-1970-chevelle-scam/7893360414.html
Whoa, that CL ad about the scam mentions seeing it on BarnFinds!
I know that it is very difficult to spot a scam, but maybe we have to be more careful on what we send to BF, and the writers also need to vet what they write about.
I’m just not happy seeing the Barn Finds name being mentioned in a scam response.
Every Craigslist ad is a potential scam, I’ve bought several cars on craigslist but never without looking at the car in person. Same can be said about eBay, if you can’t look at it yourself then pay someone reputable to look at it for you. I feel bad for the guys that get scammed but buyer beware.