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This unique 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 SC Tricentennial Edition is one of only twelve known to exist. During the 1970 model year, Chevrolet produced vehicles to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the founding of Charlestown, SC. The unique features of the Tricentennial Edition include: Special Gold color specified on the build sheet, wheels painted body color and a Palmetto Tree emblem on the fenders. The actual Tricentennial production data is unknown but it’s very low number. Eleven Chevelles are known to exist today which are documented in the 1970 South Carolina Tricentennial Chevelle Registry by Joseph Bertrand. A copy of the updated registry as of 10-31-2022 is included. This example is accompanied with two original build sheets, original Bill of Sale, original protector plate and letter from the original owner that are all included. It has been certified as authentic original matching numbers by expert Jerry MacNeish of Camaro Hi-Performance in November of 2019. The full certification report and Certificate of Authenticity is included. As indicated on the original build sheets this example was built in Atlanta, GA at the Lakewood Plant on the second week of March. It was ordered with the following options: (AO1) – tinted glass, (CO8)- vinyl roof cover, (C60) – air conditioning, (F41) –special performance suspension, (G94) - 3.31 axle ratio, (J52) - power disc brakes, (L34) – 350HP Turbo Jet 396 V-8, (M40) – 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, (N40) – power steering, (PL4) - F70 x 14” RWL tires, (U27) – glove box lamp, (U63) – AM radio, (U80) – rear speaker, (V31) – front bumper guards, (ZL3) – SS 396 conversion and (ZP3)- special paint. The original build sheets also state “Tag SC Tricentennial”. It was originally ordered and shipped to Welborn Chevrolet located in Honea, SC. It was then dealer swapped to Paget Chevrolet located in Greer, SC for a retail customer. It was sold to Lewis J. Grastie, Jr. who lived in Greenville, SC on April 24th, 1970. A copy of a North Carolina title in Lewis’s name that was issued in 1998 is included. Lewis owned the car for roughly 30 years before selling it to a gentleman named Jim O’Connor around 2000. The car was then purchased by a gentleman named John Mannino who lived in Ronkonkoma, NY in roughly 2005. He decided to have the car completely restored and commissioned the build to a company named Rust Busters of Atlanta located in Lithonia, GA in 2008. The extensive frame off rotisserie restoration was fully documented with over 1200 photos that are included. As the main invoice indicates a total of $119,260.00 was invested not including the cost of the original car. The car was then purchased eight years later by a gentleman named Scott Grant who lived in Broken Arrow, OK in July of 2016. Scott only had the car for a short time before deciding to sell it. The car was then purchased by a gentleman named Thomas Nelson who lived in Kilmarnock, VA on January 25th, 2017. This gentleman is a car collector who had the car certified by Jerry MacNeish of Camaro Hi-Performance on November 21st, 2019. The car was purchased from Tom four years later by MS CLASSIC CARS February 23rd, 2022. This car has had five owners and the new owner will be considered the sixth owner since MS CLASSIC CARS is a dealer.
The exterior of this car is in beautiful condition throughout. During the restoration only original factory sheet metal was used for replacement where needed. Countless hours were invested during the restoration making the body as straight as possible. The hood, doors and trunk lid close very nicely. The car was re-painted in its original factory color of Baroque Gold. The build sheets read: Hood, Entire Body, Front Fenders 927-98457 Gold Metallic. This color was chosen for a fleet order of special Super Sport Chevelles built to celebrate the Tricentennial 300th anniversary of Charleston, SC. The paint job is very nice and loaded with metallic. With that being said, it’s common with metallic colors especially gold and silver to have slight color variations and blotchiness from panel to panel. The paint was recently detailed to a show quality shine. The car was outfitted with its original factory white new vinyl top which really complements the exterior color. The front and rear glass was replaced new. The door glass and quarter glass is original with Soft Ray Safety Flo Lite stamps. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced such as the vinyl top stainless trim, glass trim, wiper arms, wipers, driver’s side mirror, grill with SS emblem, headlight buckets, T3 headlights, front bumper, parking lenses, fender trim, SS 396 emblems, door handles, tail light lenses, rear bumper and Chevelle emblem. The car sits on 14” SS wheels that were partially painted Gold Metallic as part of the Tricentennial Edition. The build sheets read: Wheels 767-98457 Gold. The wheels are wrapped with the correct Goodyear Polyglas F70-14 raised white letter tires.
The interior of this car is also in beautiful condition throughout. It was re-finished in its original Parchment trim which contrasts nicely with the white vinyl top. The new black headliner and sun visors look great. The new dome light and rear view mirror also look great. The front bench seat and rear seat was completely re-foamed and upholstered. It’s equipped
with black seat belts in the front and rear. It’s equipped with factory installed Harrison Air Conditioning that is in great working order. Everything in the interior was restored or replaced such as the dash, dash knobs, dash switches, vents, gauges, heater/ac control panel, steering column, steering wheel, door sills, door panels, door handles, window rollers and black carpeting. It has a new set of the correct style rubber floor mats. Everything in the interior is in working order including the key buzzer. The trunk compartment was re-finished with the correct style trunk splatter paint and outfitted with the correct style trunk mat. It’s equipped with a full size matching spare and tools. It has the correct sticker under the trunk lid and the trunk light is in working order.
The engine compartment is highly detailed throughout. The firewall, inner fenders and radiator support were re-finished in the correct shade of black. Everything has been restored or replaced such as the hood hinges, wiring harness, wiper motor, GM stamped hoses, correct style hose clamps, stickers and Delco battey topper. The car is powered by the original matching “L34” – 396-350HP V8 engine that was completely rebuilt and runs excellent. The engine casting number is #3969854 and the casting date is #B18-70. The assembly date is T0305CTW and the VIN is stamped on the deck. As quoted from Jerry MacNeish’s report, “engine is original to vehicle; broach marks and grain in block are authentic and original.” The engine breathes through factory manifolds and a Gardner dual exhaust system. This is the highest quality reproduction concours exhaust systems available. The engine is coupled to the original matching numbers Turbo Hydra-matic 3-speed transmission that was completely rebuilt and shifts smoothly. The transmission numbers are 70-CF, 426 Julian date. As quoted from Jerry MacNeish’s report, “VIN stampled correctly on case and original to vehicle.” The power is transferred to the original matching numbers 12-bolt rear axle with 3.31 open rear ratio. The rear end was completely rebuilt and is quite. The rear end casting number is #278NF, CCW0304B2 assembly date and dated B230. As quoted from Jerry MacNeish’s report, “original to vehicle.” It’s equipped with factory installed power steering which works great.
