SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a body-off rotisserie restorationIf you're a fan of Chevrolet's legendary Chevelle, it seems like everywhere you turn you see bright red clones of LS6 cars. It's almost as if a large segment of the hobby has simply forgotten how versatile the bowtie brand's mid-size offering was during the height of the muscle car era. Or, maybe it's just selective memory. Maybe old school Chevy lovers are too ashamed to admit cars like this rotisserie restored coupe, with its beefy 396, tough Muncie 4-speed and sinister black on red aesthetics, are more streetable, just as attractive and darn near as fast as their 'pick of the litter' 454 sleds. At any rate, the proof is on the pavement, and if you buy this fully sorted piece of Americana, you'll be able to slay the stoplight AND enjoy the open road! Are you an open-minded enthusiast who's looking for a rock-solid classic that's stylish, well-mannered and quick enough to shuttle your other-minded friends on enlightening journeys? Then this super slick Super Sport is just the car you need!
BODYWORK/TRIM
In typical '70s Detroit fashion, Chevy's second generation Chevelle, adorned with sculpted surfacing and creases that stretch from stem to stern, is pretty hard to get straight once it's been overhauled or reworked. Fortunately, the metal on this Tuxedo Black beast has been subjected to a body-off, rotisserie restoration that involved great panel alignment and a healthy attention to detail. The car's classic flanks are very solid, leading us to believe it was a clean, rust-free canvas when the first sheet of sand paper was laid on its muscled body. That body's gaps are better than average, featuring doors that operate with precision, vertical components that are centered in their respective openings and pliable weather stripping. And overall, this road-ready cruiser carries every indication that its high quality rebuild was a well-planned effort.
For 1970, the facelifted Chevelle moved an impressive 634K units. Not only did that high-profile success earn GM big money, it also solidified the nameplate as part of Chevy's oft romanticized 'golden era'. At the front of this coupe, a split grille hangs a prominent "SS" emblem between a small "CHEVELLE" script, stainless-trimmed T3 headlights and a polished bumper. Opposite that bumper, a domed Super Sport hood anchors rebuilt hide-a-way wipers at the base of chip-free glass that's seated in straight stainless frames. At the base of those frames, chrome door handles, a chrome driver's mirror and white-tinged "SS396" badges complement straight wheel trim and optional door guards. And at the back of the car, a second polished bumper hangs a standard Super Sport inlay between clear brake lights, a fresh "Chevelle by Chevrolet" trunk script and stainless exhaust tips.
ENGINE
Gaze in to the car's glossy engine bay and you'll find 396 cubic inches of Chevrolet big block that stacks a correct 3969854 casting number behind a correct "CTX" suffix stamp and matching partial VIN. At the top of the Chevy Orange mill, a polished, open-element air filter feeds a big Quadrajet 4-barrel, which is sequenced to fresh stainless fluid lines and a reliable mechanical pump. That air/fuel mixture floods a color-keyed intake on the way to beefy Chevrolet heads, which are topped with polished valve covers and a stainless oil cap. At the back of those heads, a traditional points distributor shoots spark through Packard TV R Suppression cables. Below those cables, fully restored exhaust manifolds funnel spent gases in to throaty, true-dual pipes. At the front of those tubes, factory pulleys spin a rebuilt alternator beside a correct Frigidaire compressor. In front of those pulleys, a decaled radiator circulates coolant around a correct fan via pliable GM hoses and old school tower clamps. And the car's authentic, restoration-fresh appearance is maintained through a roster of high quality ancillaries that includes: Harrison AC components, a quality Saginaw steering box and a reproduction Delco battery.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
One look under this sturdy cruiser reveals a solid chassis that's every bit as road-ready as the stout 396. Power flows to the pavement through a tough Muncie 4-speed, which hangs a correct 3925661 casting number over a Muncie (P) M20 (A) assembled on March ( C ) 28th (28), 1970 (0) build stamp. That gearbox spins a 1970 12-bolt axle that's branded with a date-correct "CCF" build stamp. Holding that hot drivetrain off the ground is a tagged F41 Sport Suspension, which mixes factory power steering with power front disc and rear drum brakes. Exhaust flows from the aforementioned manifolds to wrinkle-bent pipes, factory replacement mufflers and factory-style resonators. The body's rust-free floors feature a clean Red Oxide finish, bestowed during their detailed restoration. And at the corners of those floors, 14-inch Super Sport Wheels spin F70-14 Firestone Wide Oval Super Sport redlines around stainless trim rings and small SS center caps.
INTERIOR
Featuring a host of fresh interior components, this coupe's correct Medium Red cockpit is both crisp and inviting. Its slick bench seats are firm to the touch, showing no signs of significant wear. In front of those seats, a straight Super Sport dash hangs optional deluxe telemetry beside Delco AM/FM audio and factory climate control. Below that dash, bright carpet floats a curved Muncie shifter between color-keyed floor mats. At the sides of that carpet, pick-free door panels center classy stainless trim and requisite "SS" emblems on bright handles and pliable armrests. In front of the driver, a monochromatic steering wheel laps a tilting column. And behind the passengers, the car's fully restored trunk is finished with a correct jack and full-size spare tire.
When it comes to maximizing the amount of metal your money will buy, it's hard to go wrong with premier Detroit muscle. Chevrolet's 396-powered Chevelles are extremely popular cars that feature a wide array of aftermarket support. And when you add in this coupe's detailed restoration and striking appearance, you get a fully sorted classic that's fun, historic and ready to turn heads. If you're looking for a stylish, comfortable and reliable piece that commands a lot of respect on the highway, and feels right at home at the local show, this Super Sport is your ticket!