1970 Chevy Chevelle SS Headed For Mecum Harrisburg Auction

by Brett Hatfield
— Jun 19, 2023

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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 Chevy Chevelle grew to be one of the heavy hitters in the muscle car wars of the 1960s. 1970 would mark the final year for the full-power, hairy chested brute that was the Chevy Chevelle SS Big Block, as insurance companies had become reluctant to cover machines that came from the factory with brutal power. This combined with looming federal emissions standards and corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards meant the big power muscle cars’ days were numbered.

General Motors was determined to make a high water mark for their 1970 muscle cars by removing their previous internal edict restricting mid-size passenger cars to 400 cubic inches of displacement. The gloves were off, the gauntlet had been thrown down.

The Chevy Chevelle had refreshed styling for the 1970 model year. The roofline was modified, the grille had a single horizontal bar, fenders were more pronounced, the side vent windows were gone, and the interior was updated.

The Chevy Chevelle SS could be had with a number of different high-performance versions of the Big Block. The iron-block 396 cubic-inch Big Block could be had in either 350- or 375-horsepower ratings. The 454 cubic-inch LS5 was grossly underrated at 360 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. But the monster of them all, the 454 cube LS6, was rated at 450 horsepower from the factory, although it was common knowledge 500 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque was closer to the truth.

Our feature Chevy Chevelle SS is powered by a 350-horsepower, L34 396 cubic-inch Big Block backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. It is finished in Forest Green over a black vinyl bucket seat interior. The Chevelle is equipped with power steering, power brakes with front discs, a center console, and tinted glass. It was featured in the December 2014 issue of Big Block Magazine and the October 2015 issue of V-8 Passion Magazine. Included in the sale is an inspection and originality report from Factory Accurate, the Protect-O-Plate, owner’s manual, promotional brochure, and paperwork from GM of Canada.