The 1970 model year is considered by many to be the pinnacle of muscle car production. After that, rising insurance premiums and fuel prices along with tightening emissions controls greatly impacted demand. The Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 was one of the premium models and large build numbers for the Malibu Sport Coupe have led to cloning becoming popular. The seller admits this ’70 Chevelle is a tribute, and it looks as good as it may have if it had been produced this way nearly 56 years ago. Located near Denver, Colorado, this Chevy is available here on craigslist for $43,000.
After 1968, the SS 396 was no longer a series of its own, reverting to option status on the Malibu. So, without a build sheet or MSRP sheet, it is hard to tell a straight Malibu from a real deal SS. The Chevelle continued to be a big seller at 634,000 units (including an estimated 62,000 Super Sports (80% were the SS 396, with the new SS 454 comprising the balance). In 1970, the 396 was no longer a true 396, increased slightly to 402 cubic inches. But the car was marketed the same as before.
A dealer seems to be part of this sale, so the history of the Chevy is unknown. The VIN provided indicates it was a Malibu Sport Coupe with a V8, but that’s it. We don’t know how recently the restoration or conversion of this muscle car took place, but it looks outstanding and well done. Whether the 396 is period-correct isn’t much of an issue because it and the 4-speed manual transmission won’t be numbers-matching.
The Tuxedo Black paint shines like there is no tomorrow and the bucket seat interior looks as good as it might have five decades ago. The odometer reads 52,000 miles, but how accurate is that? We’re told the automobile sounds rough and tough with a set of Thrush pipes accompanying the 12-bolt rear end. As you tool around, a better than stock sound system is on-board to improve things in the tunes department. Delivery is advertised as a service. Thanks for the nifty tip, Rocco B.!
It looks nice, but likely won’t be long until a future seller drops “tribute” from the ad and increases the price, that’s the problem with clones.
As for the speedometer, the dash and instrument cluster has been swapped. Non-SS’s came with sweeping speedometers unless the optional tach and gauges were ordered. The seller never claims the mileage is accurate, they only filled in the line that asks for the odometer reading, it would have been better if the left it blank or used TMU instead. By showing the picture of the speedometer/odometer potential buyers will draw their own conclusion, often to their detriment.
Steve R
To take a 70 Chevelle malibu sport and clone it, requires paying attention to tons of details, plus the cost….you would almost want to purchase a REAL Chevelle ss along with the build sheet. I have one of those Chevelles which does have questions..it is a 70 Chevelle, produced in the KC Leeds Plant. Does have the “L” on the plate I do have production number, the day the car left the plant, and the dealership who placed the order for the car, which was in Wisconsin. ( I paid 50 dollars to the Vette Club who was able to acquire the information). That is where i lost track of this Chevelle, (dealership went out of business in the late 90s)however the car did make its way back to Missouri, somehow? Regarding the car, has ALL the attributes of a Chevelle SS, dash, buckets, SS pad on rear bumper, 396 emblems on the fenders etc…but minus engine and transmission….does have the 12 bolt. However the car has a basic plain chevelle hood, hood pins and stripes, non disc brakes..it has been a headache to figure out….So back on point…almost impossible to tell real from fake without the build shee.
The use of the term “tribute” for a car like this makes me chuckle. As if there’s some kind of honor in taking an ordinary car and making it into the car you want, but can’t afford. It’s hard enough to prove the provenance of an original 1970 SS-396 without these replicas floating around. Kudos to the seller, though, for identifying it for what it is. I just hope the next owner is just as honest.
The really unscrupulous seller will go all out and rebadge it as a 454, to achieve maximum profit.
I’ll just say it’s and awesome clone