The Chevy Chevelle was a new model in the Chevrolet lineup for the 1964 model year. Built on the mid-size A-body platform, the Chevelle became General Motors’ most successful mid-size offering.
The 1970 model year would be the last, best iteration of the full-power Chevy Chevelle. 1970 marked the zenith for muscle car performance in general, as insurance companies’ reluctance to cover brutally powerful street machines and federal emissions standards would sound the death knell for the mighty heroes of stoplight racing. Thus, GM elected to remove their previous edict of restricting mid-size cars to engines with fewer than 400 cubic inches. The General would go out with a roar, not a whimper.
For 1970, the Chevy Chevelle received a styling refresh, featuring a modified roofline, a single horizontal painted bar dividing the grille, and more pronounced fenders. Side vent windows were eliminated, and the interior received an update. For those with a performance bent, the ’70 Chevelle could be equipped with one of two 454 cubic-inch Big Blocks, either the LS5 or LS6. The LS5 was laughingly underrated at 360 horsepower (north of 400 ponies is much closer to the truth), and 500 pound-feet of torque.
Our feature 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS has been the subject of a recent nut-and-bolt restoration, having covered just 246 miles since completion. It is finished in its original Tuxedo Black with white SS stripes over red vinyl interior and black vinyl convertible top. The black finish shows considerable gloss and reflectivity. Chrome bumpers have been refinished, and stainless trim is highly polished. Glass presents well, with no nicks, chips, or road pepper observed. The Chevelle rolls on steel painted SS wheels with trim rings, wrapped in raised-white-letter BFGoodrich Radial T/As. A cowl induction hood helps the 454 cubic-inch LS5 Big Block breathe cold air. The black vinyl power convertible top looks to have been replaced with the restoration.
Inside the Chevy Chevelle SS, a gorgeous red interior is a marvelous complement to the shiny black exterior. Strato bucket seats flank a center console and horseshoe shifter. All the soft surfaces appear showroom fresh, as there is no sign of wear or use to be seen. Windows are of the manual variety, but the Chevelle is equipped with power steering, power brakes, the aforementioned power convertible top, air conditioning, and tilt steering column.
Beneath the hood of the Chevy Chevelle, the brutish LS5 resides in a spotless engine bay. The engine looks fresh from the assembly line, with original componentry and finishes present. The 454 cubic-inch mill is backed by a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission.
This slick, no reserve 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS LS5 convertible will sell at the Mecum Auctions Orlando, Florida event taking place July 6th through the 9th.
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Comments
My fathers friend had a 70 Chevelle SS that car screwed. When he came to our house us kids would run outside to get a ride in the car. Good times
GM was at their finest in this era, with the old school carburetors and distributor ignitions and such refined to the max. They rode like silent limousines and handling was predictable, best with a rear stabilizer added. In ’77 I had a 1968 Impala, Tonawanda 327, with way too many miles on it, but it drove as well as anything new.
The Chevelle, trimmed up to and later renamed Malibu, was a fine machine in any iteration. Had all the power and refinement, but less of the weight and parking anxiety of the Impala/Caprice.
There were other reasons of course, but a major reason advertised HP fell from 1971 on was the method of measure, net at the rear wheels vs gross at the flywheel. I drove a ’75 Laguna version of the Chevelle. Wonderful car, smooth and quiet, excellent brakes and satisfying power. The 350 under the hood only made 155 HP (compared to my Sonic 1.8 making 138) but torque is what moves us off the line and the 350 V8 has always had gobs of that.
No doubt engines were noticably detuned in the 70s, interrupting the muscle car as we had known it, and many cars were intentionally built with no power. But look at the challenges car manufacturers had to work through! “Malaise Era” is a handy talking point for many writing about those times, but there was still plenty of power available if one knew where to look. A GM V8 was your best bet.