Back in 1970, this Chevelle SS 396 must have been an impressive sight when new. Wearing Tuxedo Black paint (we think) with a matching interior and a 4-speed, this would have been a helluva car. But sometime in the past five decades, this Chevy lost its way, likely due to an accident that would explain the missing front end. This machine looks to have been sitting for a long time waiting for some attention that will have to come from its next owner. There is no indication this is a true SS because all we see is a cowl tag that doesn’t help much anyway. Located under a canvas carport in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this project is available here on eBay where — believe it or not — the reserve has not been met at $7,801.
Chevrolet built nearly 290,000 Malibu Sport Coupes in 1970 with body code 13637, meaning they had a V8 engine. Without a build sheet or window sticker, it’s hard to prove a real SS 396 but we understand that some 53,600 copies (including the El Camino) had RPO Z25 for the SS 396 option. If this car is/was one of them, it’s lived a hard life. The seller says he/she has all its emblems and front end, although no photos are provided of the latter.
As part of the transaction, the seller is throwing in a “temporary engine” which we assume is the one in the photos. Is it a 396 (actually a 402 if period-correct) and will it run if it’s installed? A 4-speed is also included, but does it work? And was this car damaged in an accident such that the frame suffered some damage? The bidding suggests that some folks either see the car as rebuildable or worth the price for parts. What’s your take? By the way, the Chevy is said to have had just one prior owner.
It’s got all the hallmarks of a true Super Sport; round gauges, SS steering wheel, rubber bumper pad, and bucket seats/ console (which could also be ordered on a Malibu)
Appears to be fixable and I drove through Albuquerque several weeks ago, sure ha gotten big, like all SW cities…
Never a good start when the engine is upside down.
With the loose pan and no oil filter in the land of sand Tsunamis’.
People are just running out money – it’s a great car though. Nice car, nice project but realistically at what price. That’s the question and I think the auction will tell us the story. Love that 396! Good luck everyone! Great article.
Paul, you seem pretty to have a lot of knowledge about the 70 Chevelles! See if you can assist with the problem I have with my 70 chevelle. The car for me at least has been difficult to validate if an SS or not! The car is minus engine and transmission, has the dash, rear bumper pad SS emblems.. Has the bucket seats was auto in the floor, missing console. Hood is flat with carter keys, with stripes on hood and trunk. The car is also a L car produced in the KS plant.. If you know the story surrounding this code. The front breaks are drum not disc, and did not have a rear end underneath at purchase, which was directly from a back 40 farm field! Any info you may have would be greatly appreciated!
The external indications (emblems, bumper pad, dash, are there, but a big clue is this car has the big block steering shaft, which is a different design from the small block cars. There are probably thousands of cloned SS cars, but very few people knew about the difference in the shaft or bothered to change them. Is it proof positive, no, but a good indication of an original.
Patrick Glen Nichols of Clarksville TN, can tell you exactly what the car is by reading the cowl tag. He has an extensive knowledge on the 1970 Chevelle SS.
Dean,
Sorry I just saw your reply.
All 70 SS Chevelles came with front disc brakes, and a larger front sway bar for one.
Here’s a pretty good article regarding this:
https://www.motortrend.com/features/dont-fooled-spot-real-1970-chevelle-ss/
Good luck…
Keith, can you provide contact information for Mr. Nichols? I would greatly appreciate it, regarding my Chevelle! Thank you!
Dean,
There are numerous signs of the true 70 SS. The round gages, the bumper pad, the f41 suspension, the steering shaft, etc. But all can be faked. Regarding a 70, the understanding is if its not numbers matching, you need a build sheet. There is no VIN indicator or cowl tag indicator from most factories. Except for yours. Consider yourself lucky since it is a Kansas car. While nowhere written or documented, it is generally understood and agreed on that the L designates a true SS. The only other exception is that the Canadian cars had the Z25 on the cowl tag. Your car appears to be real