NEW PRICE! Stunning frame-off restoration to show standards. Correct L34 396/350, 4-speed SS. Never shown but ready to compete at the highest levels. Runs and drives like a new car. Incredible!
The guy who originally ordered this gorgeous Astro Blue SS396 got everything right, except maybe the color, which the cowl tag says was originally code 58 Autumn Gold. Torn down to the bare shell and refinished from the metal on up, it’s just jaw-dropping in person. There’s just no way production cars were this nice in 1970 but that’s the expectation today with cars like this. Gaps are excellent all around, the cowl-induction hood fits well and comes complete with racy-looking hood pins, and you’ll be relieved to learn that the floors and quarters are original to the car; no cutting and welding here! The cowl-induction hood is fully functional, with the air door snapping closed the moment the engine fires and all the chrome and trim on the car is new, so it sparkles against the Astro Blue paintwork. Black SS stripes are pretty much a must-have with a Chevelle like this, and they were painted on and buried under the clear for a seamless look and feel. There are even expensive original T3 headlights up front, strongly suggesting that not a penny was spared during this restoration.
The interior is as immaculately restored as the rest of the car, carrying correct code 756 black vinyl bucket seats. No faux woodgrain here, just purposeful black with brushed metal accents and that giant chrome Hurst shifter for the Muncie M21 close-ratio 4-speed underneath. A three-spoke steering wheel is big enough to seem appropriate in the large Chevelle, but the look is sporty and it frames a full set of gauges, including a factory tach and a fully operational clock. An auxiliary oil pressure gauge was added under the dash just to be sure that the engine is safe and we believe that the 61,577 miles showing on the odometer are authentic. A slick AM/FM radio with speakers mounted on the rear package shelf does a very good impersonation of the original unit, so nobody but the judges will notice, and things like the dash pad and “camera case” fascia on the dash remain in as-new condition. In the trunk you’ll find a correct mat, spatter-finished floors, and a full-sized spare tire with jack assembly.
The engine is a date-code-correct L34 396 cubic inch V8 (OK, technically it’s a 402, but who’s counting?), which was rated by the factory at 350 horsepower. It’s fully rebuilt to stock specs with no creative liberties taken, meaning that it runs and drives just as it would have in 1970. With Chevy offering such a dizzying array of engines, the L34 is a great choice—smooth enough to be daily transportation but wickedly fast and brutally torquey to make it a blast to drive on Saturday night. There are only a few hundred miles on the restoration so the motor is still tight and fresh. Row the gears on the 4-speed just right, and this sucker is still more than a match for most of the hardware on the street and you’ll never get tired of watching that cowl induction door snap open and closed with the actions of your right foot. You’ll also be delighted to see that the engine bay is detailed for show in every way, from the Chevy Orange paint on the block to the correct chrome big block valve covers to a proper air cleaner assembly. Original-style hoses and tower clamps look right and the exhaust manifolds have been coated to look like new forever.
Underneath, the frame-off part of the restoration really shows with an exceptionally well-detailed chassis. Everything that could be rebuilt, was rebuilt, including the steering box, the brakes, the suspension, and the fuel system. The Muncie 4-speed has a new clutch and pressure plate, there’s a new driveshaft with proper balancing marks, and the heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end is full of easy-cruising 3.31 gears on a Posi-Traction limited slip. All the factory-style markings were duplicated and original assembly-line type tags and decals were affixed wherever appropriate, making it look just as it would have when rolling off the assembly line in Kansas City. A reproduction dual exhaust system sounds great, rumbling with a bit of a threat but never annoying, and it’s terminated in proper chrome oval tips. Correct F41 spiral shocks at the corners, new lines and hoses throughout, and reproduction F70-14 Firestone Wide Oval bias-ply tires on factory SS wheels complete what is an extremely impressive package.
This is a stunning car. It’s incredibly accurate and fully sorted, beautiful to look at and a joy to drive. If you’re a Chevelle fan, it’s the ideal balance of quality and price, and it’s never been shown so you’ll be the first to start collecting trophies with this incredible SS. Or, perhaps you’re like me and you just like to drive—nothing feels better than a big block unwinding under your right foot and this big block Chevelle definitely delivers. Look at the photos, then give us a call.
For more details and nearly 100 photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
