When it comes to naming the pinnacle of an automobile’s “best model year,” opinions can vary, but most fans of the Chevrolet Chevelle would admit any 454/450 HP LS6 example is a chart-topper as a production model. Only offered in the high-compression variation during 1970, the Chevelle SS454 offered here is a standout even among that group, as this Triple Black LS6 Chevelle is in highly original, unrestored condition with 7,800 believed-original miles. Known in the hobby and featured in the February 1990 issue of Muscle Car Review magazine when it was part of the Floyd Garrett Collection, the highest-ever-rated-horsepower Chevelle here first sold new at Richard Chevrolet in Wheeling, West Virginia, and provenance includes the original build sheet, the buyer’s copy of the original sales retail contract from Richard Chevrolet dated July 27, 1970, and the buyer’s copy of the original Sales Tax return with the same date. Of course, when it came to street supremacy, Chevrolet pulled out all the stops when the new decade saw GM lift its 400 CI maximum limit on midsize cars. Offered as the top engine option of the RPO Z15 SS454 package, the LS6 454/450 HP V-8 engine was a well-engineered powerhouse with a big Holley 4-barrel carb, aluminum intake, solid-lifter cam, forged 11.25 compression pistons and federally mandated AIR emission controls system. This is backed by the M40 3-speed Hydra-Matic transmission and the G80 Positraction differential plus the GW8 4.10 axle ratio. N40 power steering, power brakes with front discs and F41 performance suspension provided the underpinnings. Heavily redesigned for this model year, the exterior of this car is in mostly original Tuxedo Black paint, with slight paint work on the hood and driver’s side fender done (due to light cosmetic injury in shipping), and a sympathetic engine bay detailing has been completed. Offsetting that and the matching C08 black vinyl top are D88 white hood and deck stripes, the cowl-induction hood with hold-down pins, and chrome callout trim. Add in SS454 emblems, chrome exhaust exits, grille and rear panel blackout treatment, and the hood’s power bulge, and the mere appearance quickly warned the posers away. Inside, this muscle car came with A51 Strato bucket seats, a center console with grab-handle shifter, U14 gauges including the LS6 6,500 RPM-redline tach, A01 tinted glass, the U35 electric clock, C50 rear window defroster and an SS steering wheel. Riding on factory 5-spoke SS wheels, the car now wears modern BF Goodrich radial rubber. The polyglas tires and original distributor will be included in the sale. With serious provenance via its documentation and extremely low mileage, this Bowtie brawler coming to Monterey has the same level of exclusivity many 1970 buyers felt when they were willing to step to “the ultimate” Chevelle—you could be next.
