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Storm Damaged: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

Even though the Super Sport was no longer a separate series after 1968. Chevrolet still built more than 51,000 copies in 1970 with the L34 engine. That included both the Chevelle and El Camino. The L34 was a 396 cubic inch V8 that produced 350 hp. However, the motor in this ’70 example is not original and the car was damaged when a storm blew in a garage door. And there is no paperwork to prove the car is a true SS. Put all that together, and you have a running project in Punta Gorda, Florida that’s available here on eBay where interested parties have raised the ante to $21,100.

Prior to a storm-related mishap, a fair amount of work had been done to this 1970 Chevelle which seems to push several SS buttons. Like a 12-bolt rear end and F41 suspension. The motor is from a 1969 Chevelle and is paired with a TH-400 automatic transmission. The new stuff includes the dual exhaust, carburetor, carpeting, upholstery, door panels, and headliner. The Chevy runs but will need some brake work before going far. The odometer reads 45,000 miles, but we don’t know if that’s authentic.

When the storm rolled in, damage involved the roof, windshield, right rear quarter panel, and maybe the rear bumper. It’s hard to tell how good the black paint was before, so the whole thing will likely need to be redone. The only photo of the interior is rather dark, so we assume it’s been ready to go. Under the hood, the air cleaner is missing, and the belt is off the factory A/C compressor, suggesting it probably no longer works.

It’s too bad that the seller doesn’t have the paperwork to back up the car. The 1970 SS 396 is one of the most cloned muscle cars since the population of non-Malibu Sport Coupes numbered 250,000. We can’t help but wonder if he’s looked under the back seat for a build sheet.

Comments

  1. Avatar Jim Smith

    I don’t want to be unduly negative, but since this car is from Punta Gorda, any potential buyer should be sure it wasn’t flooded during hurricane Ian.

    Like 20
    • Avatar Glenn Schwass Member

      That is a shame. Would be a good parts car but not at $25k especially with bent bodywork. Bummer.

      Like 2
  2. Avatar mike Member

    Almost guaranteed a flood car by looking at the damage…
    Salvage title ???

    Like 13
    • Avatar Keith

      You are correct. It’s been cleaned to hide the water line. Gauges are fogged up from moisture and signs of muddy water run off.

      Like 12
      • Avatar Mark

        Funny…..because of your house comment, I went to the eBay to see the pictures of the gauges and they’re gone! Seller removed them

        Like 3
  3. Avatar George Mattar

    Run away.

    Like 8
  4. Avatar Jost

    Based on the valid “suspicion” of major flood damage this car would be an awesome body donor for a rust bucket someplace.

    Like 5
  5. Avatar Shuttle Guy Member

    Let’s forget about the fact it probably was in water up to it’s roof… But a column shift, bench seat SS396? Nope, not for me clone or not! Buyer Beware.

    Like 5
  6. Avatar John D

    Flood cars are never a good idea unless it’s dirt cheap and it’s going to be a parts car for you. This one taking a saltwater bath is an even bigger bad idea. Current bidding is over 25k someone is going to learn a very expensive lesson. Stay away!

    Like 11
  7. Avatar alan leonard Member

    MANY classic cars will soon” flood” the various automotive sales sites…..now, more than ever…DUE DILIGENCE buyers!!!

    Like 8
  8. Avatar Robert Pittman

    In the eighties, a buddy drove a hurricane damaged mid-seventies Dart up to Atlanta to escape Florida for good. The windows where broken, body banged up and already showing rust. It ran for week or so after the trip, but then wouldn’t start. I replaced the points, but it never fired at all. He only paid $35 for it, but it did get him here and then a little.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar ROBERT STEVENS

    ……and the flooded cars begin to show up for sale.

    Like 7
  10. Avatar Comet

    There’s flood cars, and then there’s FLOOD cars. I’ve purchased four fresh water flood cars that were new on dealer’s lots. These cars were labeled and titled as salvage. Once the water levels hit the rocker panels they were condemned and written off without warranties. You need to commit to driving the wheels off of them as resale values are dismal. That said, after fluid flushes and thorough drying out, they have all been COMPLETELY trouble free. I’ve also never had a problem titling (branded) or insuring them after a state inspection. How many times have we all turned on the news to see knuckleheads driving cars on flooded roads with water up to the doors? Y’all keep running scared, and I’ll keep buying them for 55-60% of msrp.

    Like 8
  11. Avatar gaspumpchas

    Interested bidders have pushed the bidding up??? Negatory., me thinks, most of the bids are scammers, and looks like the seller has low feedback also. Run, Forrest, run.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 7
    • Avatar Shuttle Guy Member

      For the most part the bidders have high feedback numbers mine included. There is one being active with only 8. He could be a plant. I generally watch for the zero feedback bidders. It’s a tell-tail sign of bidding it up.

      Like 0
  12. Avatar Fish56

    The seller has two other cars for sale on ebay, as well. 1970 Camaro and 1965 Nova Chevy II. More of the same.

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Leonard

    Own 70 ss with all documents. 25 k No !!!!.5 hundred,And that’s with having to go pick it up .

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Bruce1 Allard

    We’re the hood scoop?Vin # will tell u.

    Like 0
  15. Avatar Robert West

    Lucky sucker has not ONE but THREE classic cars and he is selling them all. I can’t see someone selling every one unless the storm damage is worse than pics can show.

    Like 2
  16. Avatar Bruce Allard

    Check vin#?

    Like 0
  17. Avatar John

    Some work and cash someone will wind up with sweet car, clone or not use it and enjoy it just because it will never be a show car doesn’t make it any less of a joy to own

    Like 0
  18. Avatar Don

    Dad-in-law had a ’69 El Camino SS396 with Auto, A/C, Positraction and Bench Seat. It was quick and would lay a lot of rubber very easily. Sold it to a young guy who wrecked it within a month. Such a shame…😥

    Like 0

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