The Camaro may be the go-to 1960s pony from Chevy, but the larger Chevelle shouldn’t be forgotten either. In addition to muscly behemoths like the 427 and 454, the 396 was a pretty popular performance engine back in the day.
Listed for sale at $89,900 by RK Motors Charlotte, this Forest Green 1970 model beggars belief. Not only did it undergo a world-class restoration, but the two-owner car is strictly authentic. No restomod here, oh no!
Codenamed L78, the big-block 396 of the Chevy Chevelle SS is rarer than the LS6 (2,144 units specified with this engine versus 4,475). Capable of 375 horsepower (380 PS) thanks to an original Holley carburetor and Winters intake, the motor further sweetens the deal with chromed valve covers, the factory alternator, and a reproduction Delco 12-volt battery.
A Muncie M21 four-speed is connected to a 12-bolt axle, spinning a posi-traction differential with the correct 3.55 gears. The F41 Sport Suspension is complemented by period-correct disc brakes up front and drums at the rear. Even the Super Sport wheels are original, featuring stainless trim rings and SS center caps as well as F70-14 Goodyear Polyglas rubber boots on all four corners.
The green paintwork and vinyl top are joined by Metallic Dark Green for the interior. The correct bench and bucket seats are joined by the standard seatbelts that were professionally restored by Ssnake Oyl Products. The factory steering wheel is connected to a color-keyed column, and behind the rear passengers, the trunk has been restored with the correct jack and full-size spare.
Having spent the first 34 years of its life in South Carolina with the first owner, the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 in the photo gallery and video was restored by the second owner for a rather simple reason. As per the listing on RK Motors Charlotte, the seller was “looking to recreate the magic of a Fathom Blue L78 Coupe from his youth.”
Indeed, Chevy-loving ladies and gents; this is a perfect example of what a body-off and nut-and-bolt restoration looks like!
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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