A rare 1970 Chevelle LS6 454 Convertible may be one of only 26 such big block 454/450 hp monster muscle cars to remain in existence. That opinion comes from a well known Chevelle expert. Suffice to say, this triple black LS6 convertible is a rare one. When it was listed for sale by Specialty Sales Classics in Benicia, California, it sent ripples through the collector car community.
With no hard numbers recorded by GM, a gorgeous 1970 Chevelle LS6 454 Convertible with black exterior paint, white stripes and a matching white vinyl interior may be the definition of the word “rare.” The consignor states that the 454 cid LS6 V8 engine under the hood are matching to the car and documented by Classic Auto Appraiser, a California based appraisal company. “The drivetrain has been overhauled from the ground up to factory spec,” Specialty Sales Classics tells us. “And this beautiful muscle car is one of the nicest original examples you’ll find anywhere at this time.” (Follow this link to view the original ad on the Specialty Sales Classics website along with dozens of high quality photos.)
“Overall, this 1970 Chevelle LS6 454 Convertible is one of the most impressive examples we’ve seen in decades,” they add. While there’s really no such thing as a “perfect” investment grade classic, this amazing automobile comes exceedingly close in every imaginable way. You must see it for yourself in person before it’s off the open market for good.
The incredible rumble created by this engine is unmistakable. The resonance of the dual exhaust reminds you of the days when the muscle car wars were played out on drag strips all over the U.S. and Canada. Click the video window below to see a “walk-around” on this black beauty.
Looking at this 1970 Chevelle LS6 454 Convertible is like a step back in time. Phenomenal is the only word that comes close to describing the overall quality of this outstanding muscle car because it has been painstakingly restored one nut and bolt at a time.
From the belts and hoses to the overflow container, everything you see is in like-new condition and flawlessly sorted. The factory 454 engine in particular is breathtaking as well as the Turbo-Jet intake. The accessories all show nicely as each and every one was rebuilt and restored. The undercarriage is just as clean and impressive.
Provenance
The LS6 Convertible has been enjoyed by three lifetime owners, the most recent of which purchased it in 2015. We were also informed that this amazing muscle car recently underwent a multi-year, nut and bolt restoration to restore every last component back to factory perfection
Exterior
A closer look at this 1970 Chevelle LS6 454 Convertible shows a classic bordering on #2 condition with laser-straight body panels that line up flawlessly. The chrome bumpers, cowl induction, front grille and trim work are also unblemished with almost no discernable signs of wear. The soft top is in tremendous shape and fits this muscle car like a glove, without any signs of leaks or issues. Meanwhile, the exterior paint shows only the slightest of imperfections up close and certainly qualifies as “show quality”. The build is completed with the original SS wheels and Firestone Wide Oval tires.
The Interior
As a contrast to the glossy black exterior paint, the white vinyl interior really pops in the sunlight. The side and door panels are exceptional without any noticeable wear to the naked eye, while the seating itself borders on flawless with only a single crease visible on the driver’s side. The dashboard does not show any cracks or fading and the instrument panels are gorgeous- it may be the nicest we’ve ever seen. The center console and carpeting are just as impressive.
1970 Chevelle LS6 454 Convertible
By The Numbers
Estimates on how many LS6 convertibles were produced proliferate. For many years you would here that only 17 were actually ever built. Now we do not believe that to be true.
Dan Carr, a Chevelle entusiast, says he can’t buy into these low numbers for LS6 convertibles. His evidence is that there were three LS6 convertibles running around in his little hometown alone. He figures that would mean there must have been a larger distribution nationally then those low numbers would suggest. According to a poster which Carr put together he estimates there should have been more like 95 such LS6 convertibles produced. The fact that NHRA may have had a homologation requirement in 1970 would support Carr’s theories. To do your own research on these numbers, click this link to the Chevelles.com Forum.
According to a post by “BlueSS454” on the Chevelles.com forum, “4,475 1970 LS6 cars were produced. That figure includes convertibles and El Caminos. No solid numbers on the LS6 454/450 cars have been recorded. GM did not keep records on what options went into a particular body style, be it the LS6 or any other option. Most LS6 equppied cars will have post December build dates as the LS6 RPO was announced on January 1st, 1970 to replace RPO L78, the 396/375 horsepower big block motor. There are a few pre-January LS6 cars around, but not many.”
Specialty Sales Classics says an estimated 103 LS6 SS convertibles produced back in 1970. But only a handful are still known to exist today. “An example of this caliber surfaces less than once every five years and we can’t remember seeing one this spectacular anywhere- they simply do not exist on the open market. This rare muscle car has been driven a mere 415 miles since that time.”
Carr has also said that he believes only 26 of the LS6 convertibles actually exist today.
This incredible muscle car is the featured story in this week’s Cars-On-Line newsletter. Tap this link to see over 395 fresh listings in the newsletter this week.
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