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The Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 is one of the most desirable muscle cars in the current classic market. Pristine examples command impressive prices as enthusiasts clamor over one another in a bid to park one in their garage. With values continuing to rise at an impressive rate, sellers are willing to push the envelope with the right car. That could prove the case with this 1970 SS with a claimed 44,000 miles on the clock. It is listed here on Craigslist in Eatontown, New Jersey. The price is an eye-watering $100,000, although the seller may entertain offers. I must thank Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this stunning survivor.
I’m disappointed that the seller doesn’t supply better photos in their listing. When dealing with a classic of this caliber within this price bracket, taking some care to provide high-quality shots will pay dividends. However, we need to do our best with what we’ve got. The Chevelle wears stunning Forest Green paint that shines beautifully. There are no apparent flaws or defects, and the factory stripes look crisp and clean. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the SS has been the recipient of any prior restoration work, but he does claim it retains 100% of its factory steel. The panels are laser straight, and the underside shots reveal rock-solid floors wearing their original factory undercoat. The original owner ordered the car with a cowl induction hood to improve engine breathing, which is never a bad strategy. The exterior trim sparkles as impressively as the paint, the glass is flawless, and there is no evidence of stains or other problems with the Rally II wheels.
Pop quiz for the uninitiated: When is a 396ci big-block not a 396ci big-block? The answer is from the 1970 model year when Chevrolet slightly increased the bore diameter of the 396, which enlarged its capacity to 402ci. However, the badge recognition of the 396 was so strong that the company elected to continue referring to the upgraded motor by its old capacity. This SS features the L34 version of the big-block, producing 350hp. That power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes as welcome inclusions. Buyers could purchase more potent versions of the SS 396 in that model year, but most were happy with a car that could turn a 14.8-second ¼-mile ET off the showroom floor. The seller indicates this classic has a genuine 44,000 miles on the clock but doesn’t mention supporting evidence. It is worth noting that the car remains 100% original and numbers-matching, which increases its desirability among potential buyers. They recently handed it to a mechanic for a thorough check-up, confirming it is in excellent health. It runs and drives as it would have in 1970, with no vices or issues. As well as some genuine Chevelle spares, the original Build Sheet and other documentation help verify that this SS 396 is the real deal.
This is the only interior shot in the listing, and it tells us little beyond the fact the original owner ordered the car trimmed in Saddle vinyl. The engine bay shot confirms they didn’t select air conditioning, but beyond that, we’re flying blind. Regardless of what options they may have chosen, you would expect the interior of a classic in this price range to present at a high standard. The seller doesn’t mention any problems, but I suspect potential buyers will wish to perform an in-person inspection to confirm that everything is okay.
There’s no arguing that this 1970 Chevelle SS 396 is a stunning classic, and its condition and odometer reading should place it at the top end of the current market. However, that raises the question of whether the asking price is justified. Even if potential buyers can confirm the claims, recent sales results suggest the seller may be overreaching. Of course, it is worth remembering that if you don’t ask, you don’t get. There will always be a group of enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for the right classic, which may prove the case here. Do you think the seller will achieve their price, or do you have a lower figure in mind?
