Forget About the LS6; This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Is Rarer Than Hen's Teeth

Arguably the most potent factory-built midsize that year, the Chevelle SS 454 LS6 was discontinued at the end of 1970, turning it into a one-year gem. Come 2023, well-maintained survivors and restored examples are worth more than $200,000.

However, that's not to say the LS6 is the scarcest 1970 Chevelle out there. Sure, it's indeed the holy grail of the lineup performance-wise, but the more mundane SS version can also be super rare. Even the SS 396 variant, of which 44,826 were made that year.

How is that possible? Well, like it usually happens with many classic cars, it can be a combination of features. While it may seem mundane at first glance, this Cranberry Red example is the perfect proof that a few features on the options list can turn an otherwise ordinary rig into a one-of-one gem.

What makes this one special? For starters, it's a convertible, a body style nearly as rare as the SS 454 LS6 itself. Chevrolet sold only 7,522 drop-top Chevelles in 1970, which is only 1.5% of the total production. This also means it's one of fewer than 700 SS 396 vehicles ordered in this body style. And it's one of very few that were equipped with the L78, 375-horsepower version of the 402-cubic-inch (6.6-liter) V8.

But it's the color combo that turns it into a one-of-one gem. That's because it's the only 1970 Chevelle SS 396 convertible sporting a Cranberry Red exterior with black stripes and a red interior. So, while Chevy sold some 7,500 Chevelle convertibles in 1970, you definitely haven't seen this one yet.

Fortunately, there's more than just a unique color combo to drool upon. In addition to the potent 402 V8, this Chevelle also packs the right amount of pedals. That's right; all that oomph hits the rear wheels through an M21 four-speed manual transmission. It also has a 3.55 rear end, so it's bound to be a fun car at the drag strip, too.

And as you might have already guessed, it's not an unrestored survivor. This Chevy got a frame-off restoration by Chevelle expert Chuck Hanson and spent only 58 miles (93 km) on the road since then. It's a museum-grade beauty that will probably win awards at classic car shows like MCACN.

It's worth quite a lot of dough, too. Even though it's not as desirable as an LS6, this Chevelle is rarer, and it's estimated to cross the auction block for $200,000 to $250,000. That's Chevelle LS6 money and more than the unique LS6 Pilot Car you'll see in the video below. Footage with the red convertibles starts at the 2:28-minute mark.