Vehicle Description
Over the past 107 years, Chevrolet has built a vast empire of
lovable offerings. One of the most substantial products of that
innovation is the legendary Chevelle. Introduced in 1964 as an
affordable mid-size, Chevy's stalwart A-Body was peddled in a wide
variety of flavors. But it wasn't until the late sixties that the
car sprouted some serious cubic inches and grew into a bona fide
muscle car. This exceptional classic is a documented, correctly
restored L78 coupe that wraps rich Forest Green paint around
fanciful Metallic Dark Green trim. And if you're looking for some
awesome metal that's unique, attractive and ready to roll, you
simply won't find cooler muscle for the money!
GO GREEN
Listed in Auto Trader in the summer of 2004, this Chevelle had
spent the first 34 years of its life in the hands of one South
Carolina owner. The car's second and current owner, looking to
recreate the magic of a Fathom Blue L78 coupe from his youth,
decided to negotiate a deal. And by 2006, this Chevy had moved
deeper in to South Carolina, been fully disassembled, and was
married to a roster of NOS components that prepared it for a
factory-spec rebirth. While the new owner was good at assembly and
disassembly, he decided it'd be better to hire professionals for
the car's shiny bits. That's where Duane Knight of Knight's Body
Shop took over. During the Chevelle's 2-year stay at Knight's
place, its mostly-original, rust-free body was massaged to near
perfection. Mostly-original because one fender had been replaced
sometime in the '70s, one quarter needed some dent rehab, and one
door was reskinned because of damage. Eventually, that crisp metal
was coated in correct Forest Green 2-stage, which looks great under
correct Dark Green vinyl that was supplied by Kee Auto Top
Manufacturing. And in 2014, roughly 6 years' worth of weekend work
later, the car's second and current owner officially completed the
reassembly phase of its body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration.
For 1970, the facelifted Chevelle moved an impressive 634K units.
Not only did that high-profile success earn GM big money, it also
solidified the nameplate as part of Chevy's oft romanticized
'golden era'. At the front of this coupe, a split grille hangs a
prominent "SS" emblem between a small "CHEVELLE" script,
stainless-trimmed T3 headlights and an original re-chromed bumper.
Opposite that bumper, a domed Super Sport hood leads the eye to
fresh glass that's seated in original stainless frames. At the base
of those frames, chrome door handles, a chrome driver's mirror and
white-tinged "SS396" badges complement correct wheel trim. And at
the back of the car, a second original, re-chromed bumper hangs a
standard Super Sport inlay between clear brake lights, a flashy
trunk script and polished stainless exhaust tips.
GREEN GO!
Gaze in to the Satin Black engine bay and you'll find 396 cubic
inches of line-topping L78 that, according to the car's original
owner, is a Counter Exchange Warranty Block. That mill, a 1970
casting transplanted in early 1971, balances a polished and decaled
air cleaner on an original Holley carburetor. That professionally
restored carb rides an original Winters intake, which feeds
original Chevrolet heads that are topped by original, re-chromed
valve covers. At the back of those heads, an original points
distributor, professionally restored by Dated Components, jolts
loomed Packard TV R Suppression cables. Below those cables,
original exhaust manifolds funnel spent gases in to throaty,
true-dual pipes. At the front of those tubes, factory pulleys spin
an original alternator, professionally restored by Dated
Components, inside original smog equipment that was professionally
restored by Bill Hodel. In front of those pulleys, a decaled
radiator circulates coolant around a correct fan via pliable GM
hoses and old school tower clamps. And the completely overhauled
big block's highly authentic, restoration-fresh appeal is
reinforced by items like a solid lifter cam, a Delco Moraine brake
booster and a reproduction Delco battery.
STRICTLY AUTHENTIC
By now you've probably realized that this Chevelle's current owner
was very particular about its detailed restoration. With that in
mind, it should come as no surprise that the bottom of this Chevy
is just as correct as the rest of the car. The hot 396 spins an
original Muncie M21 4-speed that's been verified by Chevrolet
expert Jerry MacNeish. Behind that gearbox, a correct 12-bolt axle
spins a correct posi-traction differential around correct, 3.55
gears. That hot drivetrain rides a powder-coated frame, which rolls
on a tagged F41 Sport Suspension that's finished with correct power
front disc and rear drum brakes. Turns are provided by a familiar
Saginaw steering box. Exhaust flows from the aforementioned
manifolds to high quality Gardner pipes. And at the corners,
original Super Sport Wheels spin F70-14 Goodyear Polyglas meats
around stainless trim rings and SS center caps.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Supplied by Legendary Auto Interiors, this coupe's Metallic Dark
Green cockpit is splendidly crisp. Its correct combination of bench
and bucket seats is firm to the touch, encased in original belts
that were professionally restored by Ssnake Oyl Products. In front
of those seats, a straight Super Sport dash frames optional Deluxe
Telemetry that was professionally restored by Instrument
Specialties. Below that dash, bright carpet floats an original,
re-chromed shifter inside a correct console and color-keyed floor
mats. At the sides of that carpet, pick-free door panels center
classy stainless trim and requisite "SS" emblems on bright handles
and pliable armrests. In front of the driver, a factory steering
wheel laps a color-keyed column. And behind the passengers, the
car's fully restored trunk is finished with a correct jack and
full-size spare tire.
VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND
ACCESSORIES
Three original Build Sheets
An original Owner's Manual
Original accessory literature
An original Pre-Delivery check sheet
An original Protect-O-Plate
Restoration photos
Restoration invoices
Component literature (for restoration items)
A Camaro Hi-Performance appraisal
A Camaro Hi-Performance Certificate of Authenticity
L78 Registry documentation
An L78 Registry Certificate of Registration
Two display boards
Original items left in the car by its first owner
Miscellaneous spare parts
A battery maintainer
A pair of green South Carolina plates from 1970
Be for the storied LS6 hit the scene, this Chevelle represented the
best Chevrolet performance your money could buy! Currently, it
represents one of the best investments on the muscle car market.
Unique second generation Chevelles are a rare find, especially when
they're restored as well as this documented L78 coupe. Don't miss
your chance to own one of the coolest classics on the planet!
SUMMARY
2-owner documented Chevelle SS396 L78
Body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration
L78 396/375hp V8
Muncie M21 4-speed transmission
Factory color combination of Forest Green paint / Green vinyl top /
Metallic Dark Green interior
12-bolt 3.55 Posi-traction rear axle
F41 Sport Suspension
Power front disc brakes
Original 14-inch Super Sport wheels
Three original Build Sheets / Protect-O-Plate / Restoration
photos
Authenticated by Jerry MacNeish of Camaro Hi-Performance
L78 Registry Certificate of Registration
