Debuting for the 1964 model year as a direct competitor for the Ford Fairlane, the A-body platform Chevy Chevelle rapidly became one of Chevrolet’s best sellers. Available as a coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon, the mid-size Chevelle had something for most everyone. When V8 power was paired with the Chevelle, it quickly emerged as a favorite of the muscle car faithful.
As muscle cars became more popular, so did the demand for more power. Growing horsepower output got the attention of both insurance companies and the federal government. Things were reaching a fever pitch toward the end of the 1960s, and American auto manufacturers could read the writing on the wall. Insurers were loath to cover young drivers in mid-size cars that seemed to have more power with each passing year. Government legislation was targeting emissions and fuel economy. These factors would soon combine to bring an end to the big power party. GM decided to shoot the moon for the 1970 model year, removing their internal rule limiting mid-size passenger car displacement to 400 cubic inches. Each of the GM divisions chose how they would celebrate the decision, installing Big Block goodness in their muscle car entries, but none went so far as the Chevy Chevelle SS LS6.
With no limits on displacement, Chevrolet decided to offer two different 454 cubic-inch Big Block engines for the Chevy Chevelle. The LS5 came with a 780CFM Rochester Quadrajet four barrel carb and an aggressive cam that helped it churn out 360 angry horsepower and a staggering 500 pound-feet of torque. The LS5 was outdone only by the LS6, which also displaced 454 cubes, but had 11.25:1 compression, an 800CFM Holley four barrel, Winters aluminum intake, even more radical cam, solid lifters, forged internals, and four-bolt mains, making what many describe as a grossly underrated 450 horsepower and an absolutely brutal 510 pound-feet of torque. Both the LS5 and LS6 could be had with either a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission or a heavy-duty Muncie close ratio four-speed manual transmission. The 450-horsepower LS6 was available for a single production year.
Our feature 1970 Chevelle SS LS6 coupe has been the subject of a frame-off restoration. It is finished in Fathom Blue with white SS stripes over a Parchment vinyl bench seat interior. It is powered by the legendary LS6 454 backed by a Muncie M-22 “Rock Crusher” heavy-duty four-speed manual gearbox and G80 Positraction with 4.10 gears. It is equipped with power brakes with front discs, Delco AM-FM radio, special performance front and rear suspension, and the cowl induction hood. Included in the sale are two original build sheets.
Comments
This. This is my dream car.
Mine also, I have a 70 L34 numbers matching I have had for 37 year, my dream is to own an LS6!
My father’s friend had the same car only in a gold color. Beautiful car great memories.
I had a numbers matching LS 6. They’re not all what you think. It was noisy, tranny whined because of the gears and my 442 drove a ton better. It was a Chevy back in the day when there was a difference in the GM makes. Don’t kid yourself, you’re not going to rip through gears regularly. So the aforementioned is important to note. Besides, a new corvette is cheaper and would run circles around a LS 6.
Yum!
I liked the 1968 Chevelle SS it was one heck of a heads Turner.