The Chevelle was born as a mid-size car in 1964 and would continue as a nameplate across three generations through 1977. Performance was part of Chevelle’s DNA from the beginning and the SS 396 would become a series of its own between 1966-68. In the 1970 model year, it was an option on the Malibu and the seller’s machine looks like the real deal. Located in East Greenbush, New York, flashes of restoration have been started on this Chevy, with cosmetic attention being the biggest need today. Noteworthy is that the seller says this is a former drag race car from Missouri. It’s available here on eBay for the Buy It Now price of $20,000, or you can submit an offer.
If you walked into a Chevrolet showroom in 1970 and checked the box for RPO Z25 on a new Malibu, here’s what you got. It started with a 350 hp, 396 Turbo-Jet V8 with dual exhaust, a special domed hood, black-accented grille, power disc brakes, sport wheels, wide-oval white lettered tires, wheel opening moldings, black resilient rear bumper panel, bright engine accents, and special chassis features. Also those SS graphics. 53,599 folks did just that in ’70 which also included the El Camino “gentlemen’s pickup.”
At that time, you may have been confused about what engine you really got. The venerable 396 received a .030 increase in bore to 402 cubic inches, though it was still referred to as a “396” as Chevrolet was so heavily invested in that name. That may have happened because of different emissions regulations when an engine crossed the 400-cube threshold. The seller’s car has a 396 and a 4-speed, an actual 396 because both were lifted from a 1969 Camaro, before the changes. We’re told this SS is mechanically sound with lots of new parts, though no mention is made if the drivetrain has been rebuilt.
The car starts, runs, drives, and stops without assistance, so perhaps the buyer’s work will be largely confined to making it look better. The seller says it’s a rust-free car, with exceptions being the trunk floor and front floor pan braces. New stuff on this Chevelle includes tires and restored wheels, radiator, alternator, starter, fuel pump, gas tank, carburetor, valve covers, air cleaner, headers. F41 suspension and a 12-bolt posi-traction rear end.
A real-deal 1970 SS 396 can fetch some serious coin in great shape. It helps that this car is likely not a clone, even though the drivetrain has been swapped. To help sweeten his presentation, the seller has added a very brief video of the Chevy running and driving.
Cool car with a cooler history. Radical day 2 race stickers in the trunk. Bet this thing was a beast on the street back in the day.
I’d rather buy the 1986 Ford Escort Pony White, 2 door with 4 speed and no radio that Charles Atlas has..
For $20,000 I can own the blue 71 LT-1 Corvette on eBay. Why buy this rusty heap. Air conditioning parts are missing. Interior a mess. Body work to be done. The list goes on.
Agreed i would not be a buyer for this car even if it was a 427 just me though but there comes a time & place that the reality is a car is worth what someone is willing to pay for it with fools included so who knows the fool?
I like the 69 GOAT in front of it.
You would be so underwater in this thing by the time you are done. I see it bouncing from garage to garage.
There is no evidence this was a former race car, the pictures actually suggest it wasn’t. A serious race car from that era would have had the underhood AC “suitcase” removed instantly. There are also no signs of suspension modifications or the addition of aftermarket safety equipment. The vintage stickers under the trunk lid, were a common addition to many cars that never saw a racetrack. The sellers claim is a ploy to get some sucker to pay extra so he can brag about an unsubstantiated story to his buddy’s at th local car show.
Steve R
This rust bucket is worth 5 g at best. You’ll need an extra 30 g to make anying of it. And ollot of time. I know, I owned on but with an LS6.
Whaddya know car sold. Barnfinds experts wrong again! Muahahah (cynical mysterious laugh).