If there’s one car that sells reliably in the old car world, it’s the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle. With so many options and variations from the factory and a staggering number of aftermarket upgrades available today, it’s possible to build a totally unique car that still appeals to a huge number of people. Whatever your preference, there’s a Chevelle that can satisfy you. That’s why we like this 1970 Chevelle convertible so much: it offers a whole lot of good stuff wrapped in a gorgeous package that always gets attention. V8 power, an awesome color combination, and a few choice upgrades that give it improved handling and braking—not to mention that wicked stance—all of which make it the ideal summertime cruiser.

Wearing a recent coat of gorgeous high-gloss black paint, this Chevelle looks every bit as spectacular in person as it does in photos. Someone invested a great deal of time and effort (not to mention cash) in the refurbishing process, as the panels are laser-straight and highly reflective, and that doesn’t just happen by accident. Of course, painting it black means that’s almost mandatory and this car wears the color better than most other black cars we’ve seen lately—we had to move it away from another car in the showroom simply because the paint on this Chevelle made the other car look kind of dusty. It was originally code 75, Cranberry Red, which isn’t a bad choice, but when you’re looking to make a statement, nothing works better than black with white stripes and a red interior. This car is just flat-out gorgeous in person. Those stripes are painted on, not decals, and they’re buried under the clear for a seamless look. Fit and finish are excellent, and while this isn’t a real SS, it does wear a correct cowl induction hood with pins, SS grille, and proper emblems all around. There’s no doubt that it looks the part of Chevy’s apex predator in 1970.

With a black car, the best possible interior choice is red, and fortunately that’s how this car was originally outfitted. The contrast is spectacular! The upholstery, carpets, door panels, and just about everything else inside the car is brand new. The seats are firm and comfortable and the seat covers are highly detailed, so they’re not the cheap ones. It’s been augmented with a full set of gauges, including a tachometer, and everything works except the clock, which isn’t surprising. Other options include a tilt steering column, rare AM/FM/8-track radio, and a black power convertible top. Crisp chrome handles make the interior look well-tailored and the view over that cowl induction hood is still one of the better places to watch the world go by. A matching red boot covers the top for a sleek top-down look and fits better than most. The car currently shows 6418 miles, which is since the restoration was finished, and it remains in first-class condition in every way. Even the trunk is outfitted with a correct mat, spare tire with cover, and jack assembly.

Power comes from a great-running 350 cubic inch V8, which is obviously a nice fit in the Chevelle’s engine bay. It’s detailed to stock specs, including an original air cleaner and Chevy Orange engine enamel with stamped steel rocker covers, so it has a factory-correct appearance. It’s also bulletproof reliable thanks to the use of as many GM parts as possible, including manifolds, alternator, power steering system, and ignition. It starts easily, idles nicely, and pulls the convertible around with enough enthusiasm to match the car’s sinister good looks. Most of the stuff under the hood is new, including the alternator, power braking system, and radiator, and nice details like the tower hose clamps suggest someone cared about doing it right. The power steering box is a modern CPP unit that’s a slightly faster ratio than stock, so the car feels agile on the road (more on the suspension in a moment). If you want a car to drive, this is the right combination to make it reliable.

Underneath, the chassis is clean and solid but hasn’t been restored to the level that makes people afraid to drive their cars. There’s no evidence that this car was ever rusty or wrecked, and the originality of the undercarriage shows that far better than a fresh restoration would. Up front, there’s an all-new BMR suspension that includes tubular control arms, a sway bar as thick as your wrist, and upgraded springs. It also includes oversized Wilwood disc brakes up front, giving this car surprising stopping power on the street (and is also why it wears 15-inch Rally wheels—14-inch SS wheels wouldn’t fit). The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission snaps through the gears cleanly and we believe there are comfortable 3.36 gears in the heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end. That rear end hangs on heavy-duty boxed control arms and there’s another fat sway bar to help keep handling level. Expensive Bilstein shocks were installed all around to keep ride quality good while significantly improving handling—this is one Chevelle that doesn’t feel like a 1970s luxury car. The exhaust features an X-pipe and mufflers that sound aggressive without getting annoying, and it terminates in correct chrome tips under the rear bumper. A new gas tank hangs out back, eliminating one source of headaches. The aforementioned 15-inch Rally wheels are brand new and are wrapped in fresh 225/70/15 redline radials that have fewer than 10 miles on them.

This is a great-looking car. The stance is right and the colors are spectacular. But it also runs and drives as great as it looks, a fully engineered package that makes this Chevelle a bit more car than the average A-body. If you like cornering as well as cruising, a bit of attitude to go with your clean factory look, well, this car totally nails it. Get in and start having fun today!

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