1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6

This LS6 equipped 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Convertible was born in the second week of February, Code 75 Cranberry Red with a Black convertible top and 756 Black vinyl bucket seat interior, according to the Trim Tag. The 450 horsepower LS6 engine is backed by a Muncie M22 4-speed and a 12-bolt CRV 3.31:1 Posi rearend. This Chevelle benefitted from a ""no expense spared"" frame-off restoration completed in August of 2013, just in time for the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas auction that year. It has been part of a private museum collection ever since. Showing only 152 miles, the car has been kept in a climate-controlled environment and driven sparingly to keep it in good running condition.
This car was visually inspected by noted Chevelle subject matter expert, Chris White. Like most Chevy products well supported by a robust aftermarket industry, this restoration is a combination of original and high-quality reproduction parts.

Paint and Body:

The inspector notes that the overall condition of body fit & finish is good. Stripe dimensions are not exact to factory dimensions, but look good to the untrained eye, lines crisp and colors correct. The paint shows typical areas of shrinkage that would be correctable with a thorough compounding & polish. Doors, trunk lid, and bumpers are noted as factory original. Quarters, front fenders, and hood are high quality replacement units. All the glass is brand new, and date-coded correctly. The restorer chose readily available reproduction emblems rather than restoring originals or sourcing NOS. All badges, wheel opening moldings and stainless trim are in very good condition. The vinyl manual convertible top is in excellent condition, operating as factory intended. The trunk accoutrements are all present and accounted for, including the spare tire and wheel, jack and hardware, trunk mat and jacking label instructions. According to the original Body Tag, the body assembly date is 02B, or the second week of February.

Engine Bay and Chassis:

Open the hood and behold the best, 454 Cubic Inch, 450hp LS6 engine, epic from Cowl Induction air cleaner to deep dished oil pan. The engine bay appears to be factory stock, just as GM and god intended. The engine casting code is 3963512 Casting Date L 15 9, December 15th, 1969, both correct for an LS6 of this production date. The engine assembly date, T0202CRV, decodes as February 02, 1970 Manual M22 and V.I.N. Stamping is, 10B147850, correct for the car but not consistent with known OEM exemplars, most likely a restoration restamp. Other elements of the engine bay are undeniably original like the steering box, steering column extension shaft, steering coupler, heater and radiator hoses, and radiator support.
The transmission bears the casting number, 3925661 on the main case which is correct for the 454 applications. The tail housing reads 3857584, incorrect for a M22/454 Application. The assembly date on the main case, P0B01C, appears to be original and correct according to the inspector and decodes as P - Muncie; 0 - 1970; B " February; 01 " 1st Day; C " M22. The transmission V.I.N. stamping reads 10B147850, which the inspector also determined to be a restoration restamp. Rear Axle Casting Number reads, 3969278NF bearing a Casting Date of K 26 9. The axle tube is stamped CRV 0117B1, decoding as 3.31:1 Positraction November 17th Buffalo, NY Day Shift.

The undercarriage is also in very good condition, finished factory correct. Components are a mix of original and reproduction. The upper control arms and rear sway bar are original. Spiral-adjust Shocks and Exhaust System are replacement units. There is a short list of items that would cost you points if concours judging was the goal, but this isn't that. This car is for driving to the local or regional show and taking out on the road with the top down on a sundrenched day.

Interior:

The interior is highly original and in very good condition. The dash pad, seats, console, carpet, door panels, steering column, radio, speaker and grilles, window cranks, door handles, and seat belts are all OEM original. The dashboard bezel, instrument cluster, and heater control lens are all reproductions. The instrument cluster is a correct unit for solid lifter engines, L78 and LS6, with a good RPM redline. Everything works as factory intended.

If you are looking for a fully documented, concours judged and expertly authenticated for your private museum collection, this car isn't a fit. Like a great Rolex without its box and paper, this LS6 Chevelle SS Convertible is one that you can wear outside with pride. Polish it up, drop the top, turn the key and let 'er rip!