1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 Convertible - SOLD
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Under the hood there’s a thumping LS5 454 cubic inch V8 with 365 horsepower, backed by a 4-speed manual gearbox just for fun.

If there’s one car that defines the term “muscle car” it’s the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. The archetypal big engine in a mid-sized car, 1970 was the first year that GM allowed engineers to go crazy and install the biggest engines in their arsenal, a pair of 454 cubic inch beasts. Better yet, the 1970 Chevelles are downright gorgeous cars with one-year-only styling that has been a hit for five decades, plus a long list of comfort and convenience options proving that you don’t have to suffer to go fast. They remain at the very top of many collectors’ wish lists and like when they were new, you can still configure your Chevelle to be just about anything you want.

The fellow who ordered this handsome 1970 Chevelle SS454 convertible seems to have wanted a little bit of everything. Under the hood there’s a thumping LS5 454 cubic inch V8 with 365 horsepower, backed by a 4-speed manual gearbox just for fun. Then he added such niceties as factory A/C, a tilt steering column, bucket seats, a console, and a full set of gauges (which were optional, even on the SS). It was originally code 48 Forest Green with a Saddle interior, so the change to Cortez Silver is understandable and appropriate. Paint and bodywork are superb and there’s no trace of green anywhere on the car, so it was a full disassembly job when the car was restored. Panel gaps are excellent and the sheetmetal is laser-straight, so someone invested big in making this car look right. The SS stripes are painted on, the cowl induction hood is fully operational, and proper hood pins were added up front to give it a little extra aggression. And those ‘SS454’ emblems will earn respect on the street. Add in some bright chrome bumpers, fender edge trim, and a few “Chevelle by Chevrolet” badges and you have a car that’s familiar but never seems to get boring. This is a REALLY nice car!

As a color change from Saddle to Black, you know everything inside the car is brand new, from the dash pad to the carpets. Correct door panels and seat covers give it the proper Chevelle performance look and again, the detailing is quite nicely done with OEM patterns throughout. The lone deviations from stock are a Hurst shifter on the 4-speed, a set of Bowtie logo floor mats, and a modern AM/FM radio that slots neatly into the original radio’s spot and blends in almost perfectly. All the gauges are fully operational except the clock, which isn’t a surprise, but that’s the only thing that is offline. Even the A/C works. The speedometer was recently reconditioned, which is why the mileage shows 26 (actual mileage is unknown but we estimate it has about 5000 miles on the restoration). Overhead there’s a black power convertible top with a glass rear window, and it stows neatly underneath a correct black vinyl boot that gives this Chevelle a clean profile. The trunk is likewise correctly detailed with correct spatter-finish paint, a reproduction mat and a full-sized spare tire that’s never been down.

The 454 cubic inch V8 under the hood wears markings that suggest it is an LS5, but with significant upgrades like a slightly larger cam and aluminum Bowtie heads, it’s probably quite a bit more potent. It’s obviously not the original, numbers-matching engine, so we’re not going to worry about the minutiae of numbers, but rather focus on the whole reason these cars are awesome: horsepower. This sucker is STRONG. It starts easily and idles well, although when it’s cold you’ll need to tweak the manual choke knob under the dash to get it just right—don’t worry, you can manage it. Warmed up, it’s docile enough to sit in traffic with the A/C running or ferocious enough to leave two strips of rubber on the pavement everywhere you go. It’s also beautifully detailed with correct finishes and hardware, including reproduction hoses and tower clamps, Chevy Orange paint, and reproduction decals throughout. The cowl induction air cleaner system is fully operational and it’s a lot of fun to watch it snap open and closed in tune with whatever your right foot is doing. It’s a hydraulic cam, so there’s no fussing required, and it retains things like factory cast iron exhaust manifolds and a giant radiator to keep things cool. If there’s a big horsepower muscle car that asks for less from its owner than this Chevelle, I can’t imagine what it might be. Just get in and have fun!

It’s quite tidy underneath, as well, including solid floors, a recent dual exhaust system with proper oval tips, and no signs of rust issues or damage. The frame is straight and the hardware is virtually indestructible so go ahead and have some fun. The Muncie 4-speed manual transmission racks through the gears effortlessly with that Hurst shifter and spins a set of what we believe to be 3.54 gear on a Posi limited slip in the 12-bolt rear end. The suspension and brakes are stock, although the rear suspension is augmented with a set of air shocks, just in case you want to use your slick convertible in a parade. There’s also a new gas tank hanging out back. Attractive 14-inch SS wheels are always the right choice on a flashy Chevelle ragtop, and carry staggered 215/70/14 front and 245/60/14 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials.

If this were a pedigree car, it would be knocking on the six-figure barrier. As it sits today, it’s a killer example of the apex predator from the best year of muscle car production. Someone has invested an astronomical amount of money in getting it right, and it drives superbly. Big power, easy to manage, fun to drive, and loaded with upgrades—what’s not to love? You certainly couldn’t duplicate this car for the money, so if you’re the kind of guy who loves to have his cake and eat it, too, this awesome silver ragtop serves it up. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.

Vehicle: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 Convertible
Price: SOLD
Stock Number: 117028
Odometer Reading: 26
VIN: 136670B143956
Engine: 454 cubic inch LS5 V8
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Gear Ratio: 3.54
Wheelbase: 112 inches
Wheels: 14-inch SS wheels
Tires: Front: 215/70/14, Rear: 245/60/14 BFGoodrich radials
Exterior Color: Cortez Silver
Interior Color: Black vinyl
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