Photo: Bring a trailer/autoevolution
This beautiful 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Sport Coupe underwent a complete restoration in the late 1990s and is fully documented. It is currently at a dealership in Ontario, Canada, where it has not recently been sold at auction.
What makes the second-generation Chevelle SS so incredibly popular among restorers and collectors? For starters, you’re looking at the quintessential muscle car. It may not be the best by any measure, but when you add up all the factors, it’s impossible not to fall in love with it.
First, it has an iconic design, with an aggressive front grille and a muscular stance. It's not the prettiest muscle car, but it strikes a nice balance somewhere in the middle. Second, you have the engine options: a wide range of big-block V8 units that made this one of the most powerful muscle cars of its generation.
Third, you will find tons of parts available and customizers love to tinker with these cars because of their simple and sturdy construction. Any time you see a Chevelle out there, chances are it has undergone some kind of modification.
Oh, and yeah, you could also call it a rare find when it comes to certain specs, like those LS6-powered Chevelles. We’re talking 450-horsepower monsters that don’t grow on trees: Only 4,475 were ever made.
This one may not be an LS6, but it’s still a very desirable Chevelle. It was originally finished in Lime Green Metallic with a white vinyl top, but was later painted blue with black stripes. Highlights include an induction hood, black grille, driver’s side mirror, pop-up windshield wipers, chrome bumpers, plus a set of 14” SS wheels with 235/60 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. It also has power steering, a heavy-duty suspension, and power-assisted front disc brakes.
What it sadly doesn't have is air conditioning, and installing one won't be cheap – perhaps that explains why no one was willing to pay more than $56,500 for the car, but if I had to guess, I'd say it will eventually sell regardless. Maybe even for more than $56k. Why? Because it's in wonderful condition.
Photo: Bring a trailer
Now, I know that importing a car like this from Canada isn't cheap, but there are plenty of Canadian buyers on these auction sites. Its location shouldn't really hold this Chevelle back.
Returning to the interior, highlights include ivory vinyl front bucket seats and rear bench combinations, a horseshoe shifter, a center console, an AM radio, power windows, a tilt steering wheel, and a 7,000-rpm replacement tachometer.
As for what's going on under the hood, that's where you'll find the Turbo-Jet 402ci V8 engine, factory-rated at 350 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, with everything sent to the rear wheels via a Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic transmission.