The Iconic 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Muscle Car
The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is one of the most iconic American muscle cars ever made. This classic car is beloved by collectors and enthusiasts alike for its powerful performance, bold styling, and place in automotive history. In this article, we will explore the history, design, performance specs, and legacy of the legendary 1970 Chevelle SS.
A Brief History of the Chevelle SS
The Chevelle model was first introduced by Chevrolet in 1964 as a mid-sized vehicle. The “SS” or Super Sport version debuted in 1965 as a high-performance variant of the Chevelle. When the redesigned second generation Chevelle was launched in 1970, the SS remained the sporty top trim level.
The 1970 Chevelle SS was available as a two-door coupe, convertible, or 4-door sedan. Under the hood was a powerful 454 cubic inch V8 engine putting out 360 or 450 horsepower, depending on configuration. This potent power plant made the 1970 SS one of the quickest muscle cars of its time.
Bold Exterior Styling
The exterior styling of the 1970 Chevelle SS was aggressive and muscular, befitting its performance capabilities. The front end featured a power dome hood, blacked out grill, and quad circular headlights. Along the sculpted flanks were bulging wheel arches accented by chrome trim rings and SS badging. At the rear, a black rear valance panel housed twin exhaust tips.
Optional styling upgrades included a cowl induction hood, black tail stripe, and rear decklid spoiler. Exterior paint color choices ranged from subdued single tones to bright metallic colors like Hugger Orange or Fathom Green. Overall, the 1970 SS had a coiled, ready-to-pounce stance that matched its personality.
Potent Performance & Handling
As mentioned, the 1970 Chevelle SS came equipped with a thumping big-block 454 V8 engine. In the standard LS5 configuration, this motor produced 360 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. With the optional LS6 package, the 454 was tuned to a outrageous 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft, making it one of the highest horsepower engines available at the time.
This brute strength was tamed by a 3-speed Turbo 400 automatic or 4-speed Muncie manual transmission. Other performance upgrades included thick sway bars, stiff suspension, power brakes, and quick ratio power steering. While not as nimble as smaller muscle cars, the 1970 SS could pull nearly 0.9 G’s on the skidpad, an impressive feat for such a large vehicle.
Matching the potency under the hood, the 1970 Chevelle SS could rocket from 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds and run the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds at 95 mph. For buyers wanting blistering performance, the SS delivered in spades.
Interior Features & Options
The interior of the 1970 Chevelle SS was more subdued than the bold exterior. A simple dash housed round gauges along with an optional tachometer and clock. Between the front bucket seats was a floor-mounted shifter for the automatic or manual transmission. Other amenities included woodgrain accents on the dash and door panels, cloth & vinyl upholstery choices, and an AM/FM radio.
Available convenience options included air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and a rear window defogger. For safety, the SS came with front disc brakes, seat belts, side marker lights, and reflectors. A cowl induction hood with center-mounted tach was also optional, for an extra dose of performance flair.
Overall, the interior supported the driver with comfort and control, while focusing on the Chevelle SS’s mission of performance driving.
Legacy & Collectibility Today
While originally purchased by many buyers looking for affordable American muscle, the 1970 Chevelle SS has become a highly coveted and valued collector car. Of the 367,903 Chevelle SS models sold in 1970, experts estimate only 5 to 10% remain today, as many were used hard by owners and succumbed to rust.
Mint condition, low-mileage examples can fetch prices over $100,000 at auction. Even base model SS Chevelles in good condition are valued upward of $40,000, a testament to this car’s legendary status. Car clubs and online forums dedicated to the Chevelle SS show the passion this classic car continues to generate decades after its debut.
Its iconic styling, brawny V8 power, and place in muscle car history have cemented the 1970 Chevelle SS’s legacy for generations to come. This model represents the pinnacle of Chevrolet’s performance achievements during the classic muscle car era.
5 Frequently Asked Questions about the 1970 Chevelle SS
- How much horsepower did the 1970 Chevelle SS make?
The standard LS5 454 V8 produced 360 horsepower, while the optional LS6 version made a stunning 450 horsepower. - What transmission options were available on the 1970 SS?
Buyers could choose between a 3-speed Turbo 400 automatic or 4-speed Muncie manual transmission. - Did the 1970 Chevelle SS come as a convertible model?
Yes, Chevrolet offered a drop-top convertible SS model alongside the coupe and sedan body styles. - How fast could a stock 1970 SS run in the quarter mile?
With the high-performance LS6 454 engine, test cars ran the quarter mile in just 14.5 seconds at 95 mph. - Are 1970 Chevelle SS models valuable collector cars today?
Yes, an original 1970 SS in good condition can be worth over $40,000, with rare low-mileage examples fetching well over $100,000 at auction.
In summary, the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS represents the peak of GM’s muscle car era. This iconic classic still turns heads and excites enthusiasts today with its brash styling, stout big-block V8 performance, and legendary status among collectors. For American performance fans, the 1970 SS remains an automotive icon after more than 50 years.
