Restoration Of The Eye-Catching 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS 454 Sport Coupe

This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS 454 Sport Coupe underwent restoration during prior ownership and came into the possession of the current owner in February 2021, located in Michigan. The vehicle boasts a red exterior with black stripes, complemented by black vinyl upholstery. It is propelled by an LS5 454ci V8 engine, paired with a Muncie M20 four-speed manual transmission and a Positraction rear axle featuring 3.31:1 gearing.

Additional features encompass a Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, 14-inch Super Sport wheels, power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, a cowl-induction hood, power windows, and a Delco push-button radio. This Chevelle SS comes complete with an owner’s manual, a magazine article in which it was showcased, restoration imagery, and a valid Nevada title held in the name of the current seller.

As part of the earlier restoration performed by the previous owner, the body of the car was separated from the frame, meticulously stripped down, and then treated to its present red hue adorned with black stripes. Additionally, the exterior showcases chrome bumpers, quad headlamps, hood pins, dual side mirrors, bright trim, SS 454 badging, and dual exhaust outlets. It’s worth mentioning that there are some imperfections in the paint, notably on the hood and the right-rear quarter panel.

The car’s 14-inch Super Sport wheels are adorned with eye-catching bright trim rings and fitted with F70 Goodyear Polyglas tires. Inside the trunk compartment, you’ll find a spare wheel that matches the others. Notably, the F41 performance suspension package was chosen as an option, which includes a beefier front sway bar, a rear sway bar, and reinforced front control arms. This vehicle also features power steering for ease of handling, and the braking system incorporates power-assisted discs in the front and drums in the rear.

The cabin houses front bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in black vinyl and accompanied by a color-coordinated dashboard, headliner, and door panels. Bright trim adorns the interior, and additional appointments include power windows, lap belts for five occupants, Chevrolet-branded floor mats, a Muncie shifter, and a Delco push-button FM radio. The air conditioning system is in need of a recharge, and the rear speaker is inoperative. The key for the locking center console is missing.

A three-spoke steering wheel sits on a tilt column and fronts instrumentation including a 120-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock, and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 35k miles, approximately 200 of which were added under current ownership.

The LS5 454ci V8 was factory rated at 360 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque and features a cowl-induction system, a Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, and polished valve covers. A negative post battery kill switch has been installed.

The engine stamping is shown above, and additional identification stamps are presented in the gallery.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Muncie M20 wide-ratio four-speed manual transmission and a Positraction rear axle with 3.31:1 gearing. The frame was refinished in black during the refurbishment, and additional images of the underside are viewable in the gallery below.