Muscle car lovers, your attention, please – here is a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle 454 SS Tribute Hardtop Coupe 4-Speed Manual – that was subject to a painstaking restoration, completed in 2017 and 9400 miles ago. Extensive mechanical maintenance was further performed in 2022. This car is extremely clean and will stand up to the fine-toothed comb of any serious collector or Concours judge. It commands attention and comes with many extra goodies set out in the listing. Photos of the 2022 engine-out maintenance are included in the gallery and the restoration was an 894-hour job, supported by documentation closely kept during the process. Originally a Malibu, the comprehensive frame-off resto concluding with an exceptional paint application has produced a car that is all but a perfect SS, a detailed log book and binder of receipts will accompany the car to its next custodian. The car’s presence is quite striking, both in appearance and sound.

The paint is a colour whose unique shade is difficult to capture in photography. It is a 1966 colour, Mosport green – the GM code is WA3525, PPG code is 43535 and it was applied in 2017. The owner relays that all metal is laser-straight, with no corrosion. The paint is complemented by two black SS stripes, a period indicator of a serious Chevrolet muscle car – a small imperfection is noted on a trunk lid stripe, easily remedied without having to repaint, should the car’s new custodian desire; the owner advises that a small showing of stray glue is visible on the SS bumper insert. The cowl induction badge is in place with the stripes, it is functional. A further complement is the bright work – all chrome shines, free of pitting including the hood pins and dual exhaust tips (there are marks from use on the hood pins, if desired, a new set is easily available for under $20; there is minor pitting on the passenger side mirror, owner is including an uninstalled replacement). All badging is consistent with a ’70 454 SS, even the drip rails above the doors have been changed to Chevelle SS spec; 1970-only lighting is clean and functional. Fifteen-inch American Racing rims are staggered and another period-correct item – they are wrapped in BF Goodrich Radial T/A blackwalls (raised white lettering is mounted on the inside), P245/60R16 fore and P275/60R15 aft, all S-speed rated and having rolled approximately 1500 km. A full-sized spare is stowed in the trunk. Fuel cap is tucked behind the rear licence plate. Owner notes reliable but not-quite-seamless door latch operation and is including new hardware with the sale.

Interior was an integral part of the restoration and execution is also near-flawless. Attention to detail in the restorative work is evident with homage paid to originality. Black vinyl seats with silver trim are unmarked and consistent with original, the black dash and black carpet are in equally fine condition. Between the seats is a console housing a Hurst shifter for the 4-speed. The original instrumentation is in place and supplemented by a centrally-mounted Auto-Meter gauge pack for oil pressure, voltmeter and coolant temperature; a separate matching larger tachometer is further toward the passenger’s side. The original clock remains but is non-functional; rear-view mirror shows some signs of aging; wipers are functional and not move somewhat slowly – though we figure wiper performance will not be a consideration for bidders on this car. Two noteworthy interior items are the seat belts, which are original and, thus, showing a patina not otherwise evident in the interior – the front shoulder belts can still be disconnected from their lap accompaniment and stowed in the roofline clips, as when new. Another is the Bluetooth input for the stereo. The interior has not been cut up to house stereo equipment – the JL Audio Bluetooth Receiver is mounted below the dashboard, between the steering wheel and driver’s door – invisible from the seating positions. There are two 6” x 9” Kicker speakers installed on the rear deck on either side of the defogger vents and a Kenwood amplifier mounted to the rear seat back in the trunk – great modern sound, no unsightly installs – OEM radio with 8-track player remains in place for an original look.

Mechanically, this car is also tip-top. The big V8 rumbles and powers the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission.
Mechanical highlights include:
454 Big Block V8, bored oversize;
Edelbrock Performer Intake;
Holley 770CFM Street Avenger carburetor;
K&N full flow air filter;
Hooker long tube headers;
Muncie M-22 “Rock Crusher” 4-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter;
12-bolt rear with Posi and Perfect Launch girdle;
Flowmaster dual exhaust; and
Heavy duty sway bars.

Recent work includes the engine-out major maintenance in 2022. This consisted of a tune and rebuild of the Holley Street Avenger carburetor; ignition timing update (14d); vacuum advance curve update; coolant was flushed from the radiator and replaced; clutch pedal assembly removal and springs replaced. The following items were also replaced: rear main seal; header gaskets; oil pan, pump, pickup, gaskets; starter motor; spark plugs; carburetor spacer; vacuum advance canister; thermostat gasket; intake gaskets; and power steering box gasket. This speaks to the current owner’s interest in keeping the car at its best. The underside photos also speak volumes – PLEASE LOOK AT THE PHOTOS OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE. For Ontario bidders: current owner expects the car to pass safety in its current condition. Owner has a binder of receipts and an electronic ownership log dating back some 20 years. This is considered a turn-key example.

This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle 454 SS Tribute Hardtop Coupe 4-Speed Manual – Restored is available with two sets of keys (6 keys, total), a binder of documentation, photos of engine out work performed in 2022, additional oil pan, pickup and pump; barely-used Weather Tech custom car cover; replacement passenger mirror; all new door hardware in a box; and original Owner’s Manual in Burlington, On.