Vehicle Description
Please take a good look at this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396
because it's an exceptional car. Not only was it restored to its
original Autumn Gold-over-Gold color combination - a rare sight in
times like these when everyone wants a black, or red, or silver
Chevelle - but it also boasts its numbers-matching 396 V8, TH400,
and even the original 12-bolt rear end. It's not often we see 1970
Chevelles restored back to stock, as everyone seems to think they
can improve upon the original design (they're usually wrong).
However, rarer still do we find an example that's been so
well-cared for and still carries its entire original drivetrain.
And with choice options like power steering and power front disc
brakes, and good provenance like a factory build sheet, it's easy
to see why this '70 Chevelle is so special indeed.
Code 58 Autumn Gold has never looked as good as it does on the
world-famous, iconic Coke-bottle styling of the 1970 Chevrolet
Chevelle. Even though it was a fairly common color on the
Chevelles/Monte Carlos/El Caminos back in the day, it's all the
rage to paint those cars red, black, and silver these days, so many
of these immensely cool original shades are often forgotten.
Thankfully the owners of this highly original Chevelle were
conscientious enough to leave well enough alone when it came to
factory specs because Autumn Gold is such a great color that looks
sporty yet sophisticated, and timeless despite its long tenure as a
GM paint option. The contrast of the subtle hue with brutal black
SS stripes on what is arguably the pinnacle of muscle car evolution
makes for one heck of an appealing package. Years ago, the paint
was done to a show-quality level - stripped to bare metal and
reportedly finished with six layers of Gold, four coats of black
stripes, and four coats of clear - and that hard work has paid off
because it's still holding up today. It's obvious this car always
had great gaps and straight sheet metal, and because the paintwork
was laid down the right way, the curb appeal is off-the-charts.
With that being said, it's not without imperfections today - a
couple of bubbles and some other miscellaneous blemishes here and
there - but overall, this Chevelle still looks great, far better
than you'd expect from a 20+-year-old restoration. That's the
direct result of excellent care, light use, and dry storage every
time it was parked, meaning this 1970 Chevelle is a turn-key,
driver-grade solid example. All the chrome and stainless trim shine
bright, including the big bumpers fore and aft, the SS grille, and
the wheel arch molding, adding another layer of bling to the glossy
presentation.
As far as we can tell, the interior is also almost entirely
original, or at the very least, was restored to stock specs many
moons ago. Regardless, the cabin certainly has that 'survivor' look
and feel, and for such an original car, that's perfectly fine in
our book. Contrary to popular belief, many SS models were equipped
with bench seats, and these sport Medium Gold River cloth/vinyl
hides have held up exceptionally well considering their age. Sure,
there are some wear marks in the high-traffic areas, but all the
surfaces are still well-padded, in handsome shape, and supremely
comfortable. The door panels show age with the typical patina
discoloration that old GM vinyl shows after decades of prolonged
use, the headliner has a few holes, and the carpet looks a bit
faded. However, everything is there and still serviceable, and a
cosmetic refresh wouldn't be that hard to embark on. Remarkably,
the dash pad is free of any cracks or significant bowing, which
tells us this Chevelle was never left out in the sun for long
stretches, and even the original SS steering wheel is still in
place. Those are SS-spec gauges beyond it, and even though the
lenses are a tad cloudy, they're operational. A trio of auxiliary
units was added underneath to help keep a closer eye on the big
block. The only aftermarket additions are floormats and an
AM/FM/Cassette player. It joins a modest options list that includes
a working heater/defrost unit, seatbelts fore and aft, and
factory-tinted glass. Out back, the trunk is original and honest
(in keeping with the theme of the entire car), and it houses what
is very likely the original bias-ply spare tire and jack set.
The engine is the original, numbers-matching L34 396/350HP V8, and
according to a previous owner, it was rebuilt by legendary GM
builder Doug Myers. Although we may not have the paperwork to
back-up that claim, we've little reason to second-guess it. The
owner drove it into our showroom from several hundred miles away
without issue. The engine bay looks 100% stock, down to the Chevy
Orange paint on the block and intake, the polished valve covers,
and chrome air cleaner, and other than the upgraded Edelbrock
4-barrel carburetor and signs of maintenance throughout, it's like
looking through a time capsule back to 1970. The numbers TH400
3-speed automatic shifts smoothly, spinning the original
3.31-geared 12-bolt posi-traction rear end, and the F41 performance
suspension handles all that power with great aplomb. Power front
disc brakes and power steering vastly improve the driving
experience, and the upgraded Pypes dual exhaust system strikes the
perfect note for the big block. 14-inch SS wheels are the ideal
endcaps wrapped in 225/60/14 front and 245/60/14 rear BFG
radials.
Frame-up restored and featuring loads of original equipment. This
numbers-matching '70 Chevelle perfectly balances a pedigreed
classic and driver-ready cruiser. Call today!
