The Chevy Chevelle debuted in 1964 as the Bow Tie’s version of the GM A-Body. The Chevelle SS engine options grew in size and power until reaching legendary status with the monster LS6 454 in 1970.
Our featured Chevelle SS is one of the rarest hardtops of the one-year-only LS6 option. It is one of just three listed in the International LS6 Registry finished in Gobi Beige, and of those, this is the only example with a Medium Saddle interior. It has been rotisserie restored and fully documented.
Great restorations are a gift unto themselves. The time, effort, and expense involved in this Chevelle SS are obvious. Panel gaps are precise, likely much better than when new. The glossy paint appears wet, as though one could reach right into it. Tuxedo Black stripes run the length of the cowl induction hood. The chrome bumpers and trim appear to have been recently refinished. Stainless trim is well polished and free from dings or dents. Polished pins on coated cables help keep the hood in place. The vinyl hardtop looks showroom fresh, and is clearly the work of someone talented with such things. Lenses and reflectors are bright and clear. Five-spoke steel SS wheels wear Firestone Wide Oval bias ply rubber.
The restoration quality of the Medium Saddle interior is every inch the equal of the exterior. All the interior surfaces of the Chevelle SS appear to be brand new, with no appreciable signs of wear to be found. Windows are crank operated, but the radio is a Delco-GM with an eight-track player. The center console is home to the horseshoe-style shifter for the Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed auto. Carpets are as new and protected by matching carpet mats. Strato Bucket seats are covered in fresh vinyl. This Chevelle SS is equipped with power steering and brakes, another welcome touch.
Under the hood of the Chevelle SS lurks the matching-numbers LS6 454 cubic-inch Big Block, laughingly rated at 450 gross horsepower (true output was much closer to 500 ponies). The engine bay looks factory fresh, down to the chalk marks on the firewall. The correct finishes, decals, and components are all present. The battery is a reproduction of the original Delco, as an original just wouldn’t be feasible.
The undercarriage of this Chevelle SS has had the same careful attention as the rest of the car, with all the correct finished, decals, and markings present. This Chevelle is optioned with the F41 Sport Suspension. The rear end is the correct twelve-bolt unit with Posi-Traction and 4.10 gears.
This remarkable, and quite likely one-of-a-kind, Chevelle SS comes with an original build sheet, full restoration documentation, and a copy of the window sticker. It is being offered by RK Motors Charlotte for $149,900.
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Comments
That there is a thing of beauty!!!!!
My favorite color of the Chevelles of the 60’s was the blue metallics that GM had.
My 1969 Skylark convertible was this same color in and out, with Buckskin top. Unfortunately, it was a lemon – the serpentine belt failed on the freeway less than a month old, had to be towed into the Dealership – and several more issues. After 3 months, I traded in on a new 1970 Skylark hardtop in Diplomat Blue with light metallic blue vinyl inside. I always hated vinyl tops (with few exceptions), My dream was a GS350/400 Skylark Convertible 1970 in the showroom that day…
Gorgeous, bold, and powerful and still looks fresh, aggressive. Back when a car was a car. And not an underpowered cheaply built appliance.
Not a fan of the color or vinyl roofs. Another big negative is no air conditioning. Steering wheel is not great looking either.
Vinyl roofs started in the late sixties. A very popular option and standard on the higher trim levels. Not much difference as where today a lot like an all blacked out trim with black wheels. Air conditioning at the time was probably the most expensive option and for muscle cars. It dragged a lot of power from the engine. The 454 was so big that there wasn’t room for one. I drove a 1974, 454 Silverado. On a good day you got 5 MPG. It was a big chunk out of your budget even when gas was 40 cents a gallon.