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Lurking behind the push-bikes and other assorted odds and ends is an American classic just waiting to be revived. Since this photo was taken the process has been commenced, and it’s now the job of the new owner to complete the job. Hiding in there is a 1970 Chevelle SS 396 Convertible, which is now listed for sale here on Craigslist. The car is located in Asheboro, North Carolina, and is offered with a clean title. The owner has set a price of $35,000 for this classic.
Well, that looks a bit different to the car that we saw peeking out from under that junk in the shed. The car had been hidden away in the shed since 1985 but has now been pulled out of hiding. The owner has commenced the restoration work on the car but has decided to sell it unfinished. While it is hard to be certain, it appears from the shot in the shed that this SS started life finished in Forest Green. The owner has gone over the car from top to bottom, and it is now at the stage where it is ready for its final coat of paint. The body looks arrow straight, and there’s not a sign of rust. All of the exterior trim is present, and it looks really nice. The owner also supplies a shot of the underside of the car, and the frame looks to be as clean as a whistle.
So how are the floors I hear you ask? In a word: perfect. If those floors are original, then they are about as good as you are ever likely to see on a Chevelle of this vintage. The soft-top is also said to be the original. If this is true, then it is also in fantastic condition for its age, and the back glass is also in great condition. What doesn’t rate a mention is the presence or condition of the interior trim, but restoring or replacing that should not be a huge deal on this car.
The trunk floor looks just as clean as the rest of the floors in the car. The interesting question for me will be how the new owner will choose to finish the car. It will be interesting to see whether they choose to finish it in its original color, or whether they will opt for something different. Personally, I’d be going with the original.
This car really has me intrigued. I can’t help but wonder why the owner has gone to what appears to be quite some lengths in this restoration but has decided to sell it unfinished. While the ad doesn’t say it in so many words, I get the impression that this is the original engine. It has been the subject of a rebuild to the original 1970 SS specs. It also has a new flywheel, a new clutch and pressure plate, and is hooked to the original 4-speed manual transmission. The rear end is the original 12-bolt rear, with front and rear sway bars and the boxed-in rear control arms that were an SS feature.
As a project, this Chevelle is an interesting car. The work that has been performed so far looks to be of a good quality, but only a personal inspection will confirm that. With so much work already completed, it will take very little effort to finish the car. I make no secret of the fact that I grew up in a household where the blue oval was king, and that has stayed with me my whole life. However, if someone were to hand me the keys to this car, I’d take them in a heartbeat. What about you?
