The 1970 model year was likely the peak for the American-made mid-size muscle car. More than 51,000 buyers scooped up copies of the Chevelle SS 396, which now had a 402 cubic inch engine and a 454 CI companion. This example has had the same owner since 1985 and its engine was removed and broken down sometime in the last 39 years. But what’s there is numbers-matching (except for the 4-speed) and is ready for restoration. Located in Marshall, Minnesota, this former hot rod is available here on eBay where the current bid is $18,500, the reserve is unmet, and the Buy It Now is $34,950.
It’s hard to determine which version of the 396 (aka 402) was once in the seller’s car (350 vs. 375 hp). With a reported 125,000 miles, we suspect the engine was pulled for a rebuild and that work was never finished (just a hunch). We’re told the original transmission is MIA, but the original shifter and 12-bolt posi-traction rear end are still present. But will you get a transmission with the deal?
The seller bought the car in 1985 from its then-second owner, so we assume the seller (also a dealer) is owner #3. The red paint and black stripes were redone in 1986, but no mention is made as to whether the vinyl top was reworked, too. The sheet metal is all “born-with” except for the lower rear quarter panels. The interior is mostly not visible, but we’re told the seller does have the seats for the Chevy (both front and rear and includes buckets?).
It’s hard to tell from the photos how difficult a restoration will be. The vehicle itself looks okay but we don’t know how much of the original engine is still around to go home with the buyer. The Buy It Now price suggests this is a solid project, but you’re going to have to add a bunch more to it to end up with a show-quality Chevelle.
According to the guys broadcasting the Mecum auction this past week said the later 396 were actually 402 .
That is correct. I think it started with the 1970 models.
All 1970 396’s were 402’s. The 396 ceased to exist at the end of 69 production, but Chevrolet chose to continue to call it a “396” supposedly because the 396 was well known and already quite popular.
It got even stranger in 71 when they called the big block 402 a 400, and they added a small block 400, that really was a 400.
It looks like a nice Chevelle project for some one.
This auction will appeal to the numbers geeks, myself included.
Russ,
We can determine that this has the 350hp 396(402) multiple ways. The build sheet shows it as the L34 as opposed to the L78. The engine suffix code is shown as CTX. And the heads shown are 290s, not 291s. You could tell by the distributor as well, but I’m not versed on those numbers without looking them up. Hope this helps.
Can’t figure out why people pay so much for so little ($35,000).are you kidding? There are hundreds upon hundreds of beautiful classic cars that can be purchased for that money. It’ll cost at least $35,000 more to restore that. If you’re going for ” original” better get ready to spend $100,000 if you’re lucky