Build Sheet: Real 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396
One of the best-selling muscle cars of the late 1960s and early 1970s was the Chevy Chevelle SS 396. Though an option package on the Malibu in 1970, some 53,600 were built with RPO Z25 (code word for SS 396) and all but four percent came with the L34 which produced a sizeable 350 horsepower. This 1970 edition is the genuine article, backed up by a build sheet – and the vehicle is numbers-matching. This could be the one to restore as rust has not chewed it away as we often see here on Barn Finds.
Though still marketed as the SS 396 in 1970, the engine now displaced 402 cubic inches. Some say this was an attempt to fool the insurance companies who by then knew that the SS 396 was a powerhouse, but that may just be a rumor. The SS 396 was joined that year by the SS 454, the largest V8 engine that Chevy had ever produced coming out of the “Swinging Sixties”. Once finished in Fathom Green paint, the Chevelle was likely quite attractive back in the day (as you saw it going by in a blur).
As a dealer is involved in the sale of this Super Sport, we don’t know its history. The nearly 58,000 miles on the odometer could be honest if it’s been off the road as long as it looks. And we don’t know why it was sidelined or what it would take to get it running again. The hood was removed, suggesting that someone was planning to pull the engine but that’s as far as it got.
The body seems solid from what we can tell, with surface rust and patina as you would expect. The carpeting has been removed and the floorboards look nice and clean, so perhaps the worst that has happened over the years is that the paint got sunburned. The Chevy appears to be complete, and it would be cool if you could get it running before tackling cosmetic issues. Drive it for a while before undertaking the time and expense of a full-blown restoration. Located in Ocoee, Florida, this performance project has generated $14,000 in bids thus far here on eBay. But there’s a reserve to crack before you can take it home.
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Comments
Dear Santa….
This is going to be a nice toy for somebody…
Make it drive able and enjoy it….
For hopefully les then the crazy SS money…
The dealer has it listed on their website for $37,900. Nice project car, great color combination, well optioned. The price will weed out everyone but the few that want this exact combination (their dream car) and can afford it.
Steve R
Paint code 48. Forest Green Metallic in 1970. Pepper Green on a Pontiac.
Sherwood Green on the Oldsmobile.
Wonder if the carpet removal was due to it getting wet. A lot of residue in the interior. Might be just rotted window seals.
Regardless, great car in the best color. Get it running safely and drive it. GLWTS.
If I was selling a non-running project with bad carpet I’d remove it too. If your car had good floors and are selling online potential buyers have to make a decision based on pictures alone, seeing solid floorboards will bring you more money than worn out carpet and questionable floors. I’m surprised more sellers don’t take out the carpet.
Steve R
hurricane-flood damage here???
Seemed like there were a lot of these back when they were new. All you looked for was the tell tale rear bumper. This looks rather complete. You decide the level of resto your bank account is up to.
Don’t know where you came up with 14000. Just looked at ebay listing an it ended at 7500. An didn’t meet reserve..
It is listed as “sale pending” on the dealer’s website, they were asking $37,500.
It’s no where worth $37,500, SS 396 or not. The existing bid of $14,000 is actually pretty close.. It is not a terribley desirable example (350 HP auto) and pretty rough. A 375 horse 4 speed in this condition would be pushing it at close to $40,000. If the “collector car” market had more actual car lovers, and fewer investors, the market would be more realistic. It’s really sad that the market has gotten to where it is.
While $37,500 certainly seems high, $14,000 is ridiculously low for a complete, documented, solid floors, AC, Cowl Induction, gauges, 8 track, console, etc in my opinion. This is a decently optioned car. The 70 is arguably the most desirable Chevelle out there.The asking price is that, asking, who knows what will actually buy it. I certainly agree with your assessment of the collector car market. I’m happy that I was able to own many of these collector cars over my 72 years, I’ve had a bunch, and still have a few. Times have changed, thats for certain.
“Vehicle Warranty
This is a very reliable muscle car that you can drive and enjoy” wow – no wonder it sold quick….
nice clean legible build sheet. good color combo.