For Sale: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle in Auburn, Indiana

• M22 "Rock Crusher" four-speed transmission • Correct, date coded LS5 454-cid V-8/360 HP • Finished in Cranberry Red with dual white stripes • Strato bucket seats in complementing red vinyl • Cowl-induction hood; added air-conditioning • Well-maintained and presented with a complete restoration Popularity of the Chevelle SS steadily grew throughout the late 1960s, and for 1970, Chevrolet engineers figured out how to stuff their biggest V-8 ever under the hood. Thus, the mighty SS 454 was born. For those who really wanted the ultimate in speed, the LS6 was available, which with 450 horsepower, many found a bit too much to handle. Looking for something just a tab bit milder, yet still able to outperform most other cars on the road, the 360-HP LS5 version of the SS 454 was created. Wearing all new sheet metal this year, Chevelle could be promoted truthfully as "America's Most Popular Mid-Size Car." It is true that the majority of Chevelles produced still found themselves parked in the driveways of suburbia tasked with daily drives to and from the grocery store, cleaners, garden centers or taking the kids to sporting practice. But a select few of these Chevelles found their place in the world being able to light up their tires on a dragstrip or out pacing the crowd on the open highway. The Chevelle SS 454 became a legend that owners cherished and competitors feared. Today, those mighty original Super Sports are highly sought-after by enthusiasts and performance driven motorists. Rarely today does one get the chance to own a 1970 Chevelle SS 454 that they dare to take to the local drag strip, or lonely country road, where they can rev that engine, feel the power and with a steady hand test their skill at trying to tame this mechanical beast. But here we have the perfect solution, being able to satisfy that need for speed and look pretty darn good in the process. In 2004, this big-block Chevelle SS convertible was given the opportunity to live a new life. A comprehensive restoration was completed where a correct date-coded engine block was installed with all the proper equipment to replicate the original LS5. Fitted with a proper four-barrel Quadrajet carburetor, this engine is the picture of tranquil beauty, until you fire it up, then brother, watch out. Making the performance a colossal hit is the M22 "Rock Crusher" close-ratio four-speed manual transmission supported by the heavy-duty F41 special suspension system and performance ratio 12-bolt rear axle. While the mechanical components can make this car move at lightning speed, it looks fabulous while doing it. The bodywork exhibits a professional touch of skilled craftsmanship and the superbly applied Cranberry Red paint accented with the white racing stripes on the hood and deck lid make for an image of the boldest of muscle car statements. Fitted with the awesome cowl-induction hood with lock-down pins, plenty of cooling air can make its way to the carburetor. Under a gleaming white soft top, occupants ride on freshly rebuilt Strato bucket seats up front and a full-width bench seat to the rear, all upholstered in red vinyl replicating the look and feel just as it did when it left the Baltimore assembly plant. Other interior appointments include the center console, tilt steering, and AM-Cassette stereo system with auxiliary speakers mounted in the rear panels. Fresh instrumentation was installed including the 7,000 RPM in-dash tachometer, while the odometer reflects just over 2,000 miles since the restoration was completed. Other features include power front disc brakes with drums to the rear, power steering, and for keeping cool on warm days, air-conditioning. A collector grade muscle car, strong big-block LS5 performance coupled with four-speed manual shift, cowl-induction, sought-after red over red finish, and an impressive stance, this is a Chevrolet that can be proudly driven and shown nationwide.