Fully Restored/454ci V8 M22 4-Speed/Original Interior/Vintage Air

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Coupe

In 1970 the Beatles had just disbanded, America was on edge with the Apollo 13 accident glued to their TV's, a big new jet named the 747 Jumbo Jet makes its first commercial passenger flight under the Pan-Am moniker, Chatty Cathy debuted as the latest technology toy for girls, and the Gigantor Robot for boys, and the View Master for both.

The Chevrolet Chevelle was named after an Australian Power Pop band who opened up for the Rolling Stones. It was going to be called the Corselle, and advertising was set with that name, but prior to its debut in 1964, it was changed to Chevelle, which is also loosely related to an old French word Chevalier, or horseman. For consignment, however named, is a simply wonderful 1970 version of the Chevrolet Chevelle. Many upgrades on this restoration, including a Dakota digital dash, a 454ci engine, Hurst shifter, F41 suspension, Torque Thrust wheels, and plenty of bling. Certainly, worth a look, and then some.

Exterior
With straight steel panels, good gaps we see the true 1970's look bathed in burgundy. Paint is very nice with some small areas of minor bubbling, and inclusions. A champagne colored dual wide stripe is on the rear facing cowled hood, and rear deck. All chrome including the front grille, dual headlight bezels, and bumper below, wheel well trimmings, rocker trimmings, and window surrounds is excellent and mirror-like. Badging is correct with 454 and Malibu on the front quarters, and the script Chevelle on the trunk lid. Inset taillights present within the rear bumper, and dual exhaust tips peek out from underneath this bumper. 5-spoke Torque Thrust wheels courtesy American Racing are beautifully polished and wrapped in Nitto all season radials on all 4 corners.

Interior
A swing of the doors reveals a half bowtie insert of tuck and roll black vinyl with surrounding upper and lower smooth black vinyl…(bet you did not know that about the bowtie!) Well preserved black vinyl in split bench configuration up front and a full bench in the rear, also in black is the seating. The dash has been fully modified to now include a central orange LED panel, surrounded by white LED glowing gauges with needles. A reproduction vintage Chevrolet (Autosound) radio is installed neatly into the dash, as is the controls for the Vintage Air conditioning. Nice clean black carpeting is flooding the floors, and in the center of the hump is a Hurst shifter donning a white topper knob. Nicely buttoned up with the new dash, and great seats from 1970.

Drivetrain
Within a completely restored engine bay bathed in beautiful black sits a stunner in Chevrolet orange block 454 ci engine. This has an Edelbrock intake manifold, a 4-barrel carburetor atop, and plenty of chromed add ons for extra eye candy. Nice black shiny supple hoses, and a chromed radiator surround, valve covers, air filter holder, master cylinder and generator abound. On back is an M22 4-speed manual transmission and way back is a 12-bolt posi rear with 3.73 gears.

Undercarriage
Much like it would be in the showroom back in 1970, pure rust free undercoated black unibody, floorpans rockers and suspension. Speaking of suspension (F41) we note a Hotchkis ladder bar (upper and lower) for the rear along with a stabilizer bar and coil springs. Drum brakes for the rear as well. Up front noted are coil overs, another added stabilizer bar, and front disc brakes. Power steering is seen, and the bottom end of the engine and transmission has no runs drips or errors. Headers and big pipes snake their way rearward through a free flow exhaust system which is looking good with no rust.

Drive-Ability
This car fired right up and idled with a distinct growl (American Muscle style). It was off to the test track where is shifted very smoothly, had nice acceleration, good handling, straight braking, and easy steering throughout the course. All functions were working A-OK!

Overall a nice job, great power plant visually and working, nice original interior seating with the digital dash upgrade, clean carpet, and good burgundy paint with the stripes. Paint shows some inclusions and intermittent bubbling, but no real rust problems of note. She sounds awesome and drives very nicely. Saddle up the Chevalier (ahem! Chevelle) and hold on for 10 seconds if you can…