The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 454 is a true holy grail of the muscle-car era, a one-year-only confluence of ingredients that produced the mightiest Chevelle ever as the decade of unbridled performance drew to a close.
Powered by a race-bred 454 cid big block V8 with an advertised 450 horsepower, though contemporary test drivers pegged it closer to 500, the LS6 became a legend for those who appreciate its all-American style, power and prestige.
Mecum has a great one coming up for sale, a well-documented two-owner LS6 that is the only known red-and-white SS 454 convertible produced by the factory. This special Chevelle will be featured at Mecum’s inaugural Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, auction July 25-27.
For General Motors, 1970 was a watershed year when styling refinement and engine technology came together for a last blast of pure power before emission controls strangled much of the muscle from muscle cars, and insurance rates for performance cars soared. The Chevelle LS6 was available for just one year, and today is considered a crowning achievement for GM’s performance engineers.
The LS6 at Mecum has been driven only 44,000 miles by its two owners, and it has been fastidiously restored to what the seller calls “a level far beyond concours.” Maybe just a bit of hyperbole, but you get the picture. The car has never been raced or modified, the seller states, and retains its unique, original bright-red paint with white stripes and upholstery.
The car is documented with two build sheets and its original factory Protect-O-Plate, which lists the Chevelle’s original equipment and options.
Prices for 1970 Chevelle SS LS6 454 convertibles range from $155,000 to $245,000, according to the Sports Car Market price guide, though this car’s pristine condition and one-off paint scheme could command much more. The transmission is automatic, not the desirable Rock Crusher 4-speed manual, but that shouldn’t hurt its value any.
The Harrisburg auction at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center marks Mecum’s first time on the East Coast, with around 1,000 collector cars for sale as well as 200 motorcycles, which will be sold on the third day of the auction July 27.
“People have been asking for years when we would host an auction on the East Coast,” Dana Mecum, founder and president of Mecum Auctions, said in a news release. “We’re excited to reach a great community of classic and collector car fans that have long been there. This new location is truly a Mecca for many collector car enthusiasts, and we look forward to becoming a staple in the impressive lineup of car events already held in the area.”
For more information about the Harrisburg auction and TV broadcast times on NBC Sports Network, see www.mecum.com.
This may not be appropriate but I consider my 1970 Mark III Continental (56,000 actual miles) in a league of its own as well! I realize it does not have the CID or HP of this Chevelle, but it is a pristine vehicle in its own right. I thought that the Mark III was a vehicle collectors wanted but alas, I can’t find anyone who has a love affair of the Mark III even though I am asking a rock bottom price for it. I have added a lot of improvements to it including an electronic ignition system which improved the gas mileage substantially! Even so, it is still hard to find a buyer here in Arizona! There is no rust on the vehicle since this is a very arid climate and no sun damage since it was garaged most of its life. In regards to the Chevelle, I owned a 1969 SS396 and it was quite a vehicle. Traded it in for a 1970 four door Mercury Marquis since the police like my Chevelle (3 tickets in three months) so I decided to part with it and buy a 3 ton+ (tank) instead)! Very attractive Chevelle nevertheless!!!
I have a mark iii 1970 and yes I have a love affair with mine I can ride her any where and she don’t talk back or say no,lol. Anyway the Mark iii would still turn heads if it was built today as a new car in styling and mechanics it is and was in league all its own. I would love to see your mark and maybe even buy it. [email protected]