Frame Off Restored Chevelle Super Sport 396 V8 4 Speed

In the Chevelle world, low (and somewhat hazy) production figures have pushed LS5 and LS6 cars into the collector limelight for years. Sure they're fun to drive but, with their six-figure prices, really enjoying one can be a dangerous proposition. Thankfully, there is an alternative that not only allows you to bag an original big block Chevelle but also do it for about $60k less than any functioning LS-powered car. Interested? Good. The answer is the L34-powered Chevelle SS. It has the same iconic look, same view from the driver seat and, when you mash the loud pedal, it will gladly glue you to the seat until you run out of gear. With an awesome color combination and a numbers matching engine and transmission, this 1970 Chevelle SS is the best kind of L34 car. The subject of an extensive restoration, every nut and bolt appears new and, best of all, it is a fully functional, turn-the-key-and-drive muscle car.

We'll get started by breaking down the cowl tag:

70 13637: 1970 model, V8 Sport Coupe
KAN: Assembled at GM's Kansas City assembly plant
418208: Fisher Body sequence number
TR 791: Ivory Coated Fabric (bucket seats)
19 PNT: Tuxedo Black paint (upper & lower)
12B: Built during the 2nd week of December, 1969
04362: Date processing tracking number

Today, the car appears very much like it did the day it left the Kansas City assembly line in the winter of 1969. Of course, getting it back to that state took a whole lot of work and, more than likely, some astronomical credit card bills. There are cars that, even from a distance, have a presence that assures everything was done right and this Chevelle definitely falls into that category. When the body was removed from the frame, it was stripped to bare metal and carefully massaged into an arrow straight canvas for the slick coat of code 19 Tuxedo Black paint that graces its panels today. A pair of white factory-style stripes were then added to create one of the most legendary looks of the muscle car era. The paintwork is rich, vibrant and presents well from all angles. Combined with even panel gaps all around, the car backs up its quality first impression with genuinely good fit and finish.

The 1970 model year remains, arguably, the most beloved Chevelle design thanks to dual headlights, curvaceous quarters, and a tidy greenhouse which lends the car its fastback-like appearance. All those standard pieces are represented here through show-quality trim from stem to stern. At the front of the car, a familiar crossbar grille is accented by a “SS” badge in the center with a smaller “Chevelle” badge following up from the lower right corner. The corners are framed by the signature dual headlight setup while a sleek chrome bumper hangs below. Above, a set of chrome hood pins secures the cowl induction hood with its legendary vacuum operated flapper valve. Around the cabin, clean greenhouse glass is surrounded by showroom clean stainless trim. The side profile remains clean and simple with only “SS 396” fender badges, chrome door handles and bright wheel moldings breaking up the expanse of gloss black paint. To the rear, the neatly integrated chrome bumper makes room for a pair of squared taillights on either side of a black SS bumper insert. A crisp “Chevelle by Chevrolet” badge finishes off the deck lid while a pair of spotless chrome exhaust tips jut out just below the bumper.

There were a few different A-body motivators available for the 1970 model year. Under the iconic cowl induction hood, this Chevelle carries its original CTX-stamped 350hp 402cid L34 V8. Authenticity is backed by a 3969854 casting number, October (J) 31 (31) 1969 (9) date code, and a matching partial VIN stamp on the engine pad. On top of being original to the car, this Halloween-born big block looks showroom fresh thanks to the restoration efforts. At the top, a satin black air cleaner lid with “396” decals draws air through the hood and down into the Quadrajet four-barrel which resides atop a factory GM intake manifold. To either side, stock GM heads tuck neatly under factory-style chrome valve covers with appropriate GM decals. At the front of the engine, accessories are kept relatively minimal with only an alternator, power steering pump, and cooling fan spinning off engine power. That fan works in conjunction with a large OEM-style radiator that does its part to keep the big block cool through reproduction GM hoses. Around the bay, pieces like the correct brake booster, wiper motor and Delco battery add a sense of authenticity that an original engine bay should have. Turn the key and the engine fires quickly, settling into a commanding rumble subdued by cast iron exhaust manifolds connected to an OEM-style dual exhaust system.

Underneath the Chevelle, satin black floors, finished frame rails and fresh hardware add up to an attractive and show-worthy undercarriage. In the center, a Muncie M20 4-speed transmission handles shifting duties. Like the engine, the transmission is original to the car as verified by the matching partial VIN stamped on top of the main case. Follow the driveshaft back and a date-code correct 12-bolt rear end can be found sending power to the rear wheels. Around the drivetrain, the suspension has been rebuilt to F41 specifications with a stiffer spring rate up front, and a combination of boxed lower control arms and an optional rear sway out back. The additional handling capabilities are further aided by factory power steering and power brakes that clamp down on discs up front and drums at the rear. At the corners, Firestone G70x14 Wide Oval tires wrap around pristine Super Sport wheels to complete the classic look.

Open those long doors and a unique code 791 Ivory White interior comes into full view. Contrasting against the main body color while matching the white stripes, it's hard to imagine a better color combination for an A-body. The optional Strato-Buckets look great and are surprisingly firm to sit in, surrounded by clean white door panels and a tidy white headliner. Below, the black carpet looks new and makes the white interior just a little easier to take care of. From the command post, a three-spoke GM steering wheels offers control over the power steering system through a factory tilt column while a clean factory dash displays a tachometer, speedometer and clock all within an easy viewing distance. Below the dash, a small oil pressure gauge has been mounted to keep an extra eye on the big block's vitals. In the center of the dash, an original Delco AM radio is in place and still pulls in signal with ease, sending signal to dual front speakers. Being a big block four-speed car, there is naturally no air conditioning, so climate control is left to the stock ventilation system. Between the seats, the center console offers considerable storage space and houses a Muncie shifter topped off by a Hurst shift knob. All bright work is show worthy and free of any major imperfections. Pop the trunk and a correct floor mat joins a full-size spare and correct roadside accessories.

Included in the sale is a reproduction owner's manual that covers all the features of your new Chevrolet in period-correct GM marketing speak. There is also an appraisal from 2007 that pegs the car well over the $80,000 mark.

With its original engine and transmission, killer color combination, and meticulous restoration, this 1970 Chevelle SS does all the standard muscle car tricks while being a bona fide show field contender. Sure, you can continue lusting after those LS6 cars but, for this price, you better bring a trailer and another $100k+ for one. Don't miss the chance to start every day right with this immaculate Chevelle!