454-Equipped: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
I’m always slightly dubious about tackling someone’s unfinished project, but this 1970 Chevelle SS might be an exception. Most of the heavy lifting is complete, and this rust-free survivor needs little if it is to be pushed to the next level. It is worth taking a closer look because this project has a few pleasant surprises for potential buyers. Located in Peoria, Arizona, you will find the SS listed for sale here on eBay. The reserve hasn’t been met with the bidding at $36,500.
The Chevelle’s body has been lifted from its frame, and a check revealed no structural issues. The frame was sent off to be media-blasted and freshly powder-coated. It has been reassembled with all new suspension components. I don’t know what you think, but the frame almost looks too good to hide under a car. That’s really only the entree with this classic.
The frame has now been slotted back under the SS, and it is here that the good news continues. It seems that this classic has split its life between California and Arizona, which means that it is no surprise to learn that it has remained 100% rust-free throughout its life. It has never needed any rust repairs, and most of the Fathom Blue paint that graces its panels is claimed to be original. The hood has received a repaint, but that’s about it. The paint is beginning to show its age in a few spots, but if the buyer chose to retain the car as an original survivor, there would be no shame in that. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the gaps are tight and consistent. The trim looks extremely nice, and I can’t spot any problems with the glass.
If this Chevelle has a downside, it is that it is not a numbers-matching classic. The engine bay originally housed an LS5 454ci V8, which would have pumped out 360hp. That original engine has gone the way of the dinosaurs, but another 454 was slotted in its place. The package is rounded out by a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. In its heyday, this is a classic that would have blasted through the ¼ mile in 14.4 seconds. The good news here is that apart from receiving a host of new parts when the frame was out from under the car, the rest of the drivetrain remains untouched. The SS is said to run and drive well. However, (and isn’t there always one of those?), the engine does consume a bit of oil. It sounds like it might need a birthday shortly to address this problem.
The Chevelle has received new covers on the front seats and a new carpet set. The rest of the trim is original, and its condition is quite remarkable. It needs nothing, with the dash and pad appearing spotless and the remaining trim and plastic looking just as good. There are a couple of aftermarket gauges mounted under the dash, but I don’t mind the concept of keeping a close eye on the health of that mighty big-block. The rest is untouched, and even the original AM/FM radio remains in its rightful place. This is a breath of fresh air because so many of those have made way for radio/cassette or CD players over the years.
This 1970 Chevelle SS is not a numbers-matching classic, but it is a vehicle that offers the buyer the possibility of impressive performance levels. When you look at its overall condition, its rust-free status, and the scope of the work that has been completed, it’s easy to see why there have been 28 bids submitted. Someone is only a few short days away from owning an automotive icon that should attract plenty of attention. So if you bought it, would you treat it to a cosmetic refresh, or would you drive it untouched?
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Comments
I would buy this car and break out my Foghat live 8- track and drive this thing until the tires melted off or the 8-track stopped working.
This car would be an absolute scream to drive. I vote drive it untouched.
Probably have to skip over the Slow Ride track.
Luckily it was the last track.
I would buy the car and drive it as it is. Would definitely pull the engine and treat it to a refresh with internal mods to make it even more potent. Such a cool car and a nice factory color as well.
454 not enough for you? Let me guess, you were on meds as a child, did you stop taking them?
Temove engine , repunch the numbers and you ve got yourself a matching number car that will shut up the whiners !
Funny ha ha.
Not legal and truly noticeable when attempting to do.
This leads to someone in the future buying a car that can be debunked and a new owner taken advantage for not knowing.
The car is beautiful but thinking ones can put a crazy reserve on a NOM is not reality. That ship has sailed .
Its a great looking beast though…..enjoy and run the ponies hard and fast not worrying on blowing up the NOM. Vroooom
It looks just as it should for a sharp 51 year old car, actually a lot better than most its age. Character. That’s what it’s got as is.
Just needs some real tires.
It that steering wheel factory original?
Yes, it was the optional sports wheel.
Steve R
Not a survivor with the frame and engine repainted and rebuilt and different engine. Survivor is over used.
Alright, alright, alright.
All the 454 used oil in the period plus the fact that were run hard. As stated a punch out and rebuild to 502 would do wonders but that would costs you 5-10 K. Again a way over priced muscle car.
The matching numbers situation is a mental thing but it does still add value . It came about when the cars were new.Many a big block blew up in the first couple of months , and replaced with a junk yard motor and sold . So people who bought a late model hot rod wanted to make sure it had the factory installed engine , before handing over top dollar , Just because you got it from
a new car dealer was not a guarantee it was original, u had to check the numbers .
So 40+ years later, what’s the point if it’s numbers matching or not.
Look as A/C was removed
So once the car is 40+ years old, what’s the point of numbers matching?
Many true comments here. Most 454s blew up by 1976 or so. I had a 71 454 LS5. Burned oil unmercifully. POS engine. When I was buying 2 and 3 year old muscle in 1973, the words matching numbers meant about as much as the thought we would Google something. They were simply used cars found in a local newspaper. The word survivor is totally over used and at one time was patented by Bloomington Gold as it relates to Corvettes only. I think the person who coined the term, Dave Burroughs sold it as Mopar people use it at Carlisle. Who cares? This Chevelle is beautiful. Drive it. Life is too short to worry about a stupid engine stamp. Muscle car prices dropping.
I’ve heard from people that worked at dealers that when a new car came back with a problem, some dealers would change out a rear, or tranny ect with another new car in the lot to solve the problem. So I’m sure a lot of cars numbers didn’t match. No ones panties got in a bunch over it till years later, I would opt for the 4 speed over the original motor, cuz I’m not a bean counter or an accountant. Great solid car, not a trunk pan replace car, not a floors replace car, but I will stick with my budget clone, Sold my 2 real super sports 30 years ago. Paid 375 $ for one complete in early 80s , so this is way way out of my league, I wouldn’t buy if I had the money
For 40 grand that big block better be rebuilt and who’s to say it doesn’t have a truck motor in it wouldn’t be the first time especially if it was replaced by the dealer.
Add Cragar SSTs and big fat tires …
and let the smoke roll….
First, it’s not a survivor- original paint at best. And who would do all of this work, only to spend the time of cleaning and painting the motor and NOT rebuilding it?
This is a cheap car flipping trick and I’d have nothing to do with. It’s a lot of MONEY sold as is with no return. Goodluck to the new owner.