The Iconic 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Muscle Car
The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is a classic American muscle car that has etched its place in automotive history. This iconic car is adored by collectors and car enthusiasts for its robust performance, daring styling, and significant historical value. In this article, we’ll delve into the history, design, performance specifications, and enduring legacy of the remarkable 1970 Chevelle SS.

A Brief History of the Chevelle SS
First introduced by Chevrolet in 1964, the Chevelle model was a mid-sized vehicle. The Super Sport, or “SS,” debuted a year later, in 1965 as a high-performance variant of the Chevelle. As the second-generation Chevelle received a redesign in 1970, the SS retained its position as the sporty top trim level.
The 1970 Chevelle SS came in several body styles: a two-door coupe, a convertible, or a 4-door sedan. It boasted a powerful 454 cubic inch V8 engine under its hood, delivering either 360 or 450 horsepower, depending on the chosen configuration. This powerful engine made the 1970 SS one of the fastest muscle cars of its time.

Bold Exterior Styling
True to its performance capabilities, the exterior of the 1970 Chevelle SS was muscular and aggressive. The front end featured a power dome hood, a blacked-out grill, and quad-circular headlights. The sculpted sides were adorned with bulging wheel arches accentuated by chrome trim rings and SS badging. At the back, a black rear valance panel housed twin exhaust tips.
Optional styling upgrades included a cowl induction hood, a black tail stripe, and a rear decklid spoiler. The car’s paint color options ranged from subdued single tones to vibrant metallic colors like Hugger Orange or Fathom Green. Overall, the 1970 SS had a ready-to-pounce stance that perfectly matched its persona.

Potent Performance & Handling
The 1970 Chevelle SS was equipped with a massive big-block 454 V8 engine. In the standard LS5 configuration, this motor churned out 360 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. With the optional LS6 package, the 454 was tuned to an outrageous 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft, making it one of the most powerful engines available at the time.
This raw power was controlled by either a 3-speed Turbo 400 automatic or a 4-speed Muncie manual transmission. The car also featured performance upgrades like thick sway bars, stiff suspension, power brakes, and quick ratio power steering. Even though it wasn’t as agile 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.
In terms of performance, the 1970 Chevelle SS could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 14.5 seconds at 95 mph. For those seeking blistering performance, the SS certainly delivered.

Interior Features & Options
The interior of the 1970 Chevelle SS, unlike its bold exterior, was more understated. A simple dashboard housed round gauges along with an optional tachometer and clock. A floor-mounted shifter for the automatic or manual transmission was positioned between the front bucket seats. Other amenities included woodgrain accents on the dashboard and door panels, cloth & vinyl upholstery choices, and an AM/FM radio.
The car also offered convenience options such as air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and a rear window defogger. For safety, the SS came equipped with front disc brakes, seat belts, side marker lights, and reflectors. An optional cowl induction hood with a center-mounted tach added an extra touch of performance flair.

Legacy & Collectibility Today
Initially purchased by many buyers for its affordable American muscle, the 1970 Chevelle SS has evolved into a highly sought-after collector car. Out of the 367,903 Chevelle SS models sold in 1970, it’s estimated that only 5 to 10% remain today, as many were heavily used by their owners and fell victim to rust.
Today, mint condition, low-mileage examples can command prices over $100,000 at auction. Even base model SS Chevelles in good condition are valued upwards of $40,000, a testament to this car’s legendary status. The passion for the Chevelle SS continues to thrive in car clubs and online forums dedicated to this classic car.
The 1970 Chevelle SS, with its iconic styling, brawny V8 power, and place in muscle car history, has left a lasting legacy for future generations. This model represents Chevrolet’s pinnacle of performance achievements during the classic muscle car era.

5 Frequently Asked Questions about the 1970 Chevelle SS
1. 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.
2. What transmission options were available on the 1970 SS?
Buyers could choose between a 3-speed Turbo 400 automatic or a 4-speed Muncie manual transmission.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 conclusion, the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS stands as the pinnacle of GM’s muscle car era. This iconic classic continues to turn heads and excite enthusiasts today with its bold styling, robust big-block V8 performance, and legendary status among collectors. The 1970 SS remains an automotive icon even after more than 50 years.
