1970 Chevy Chevelle SS 454 LS6 - The Ultimate Muscle Car Icon

The Iconic 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS 454 LS6

The 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS 454 LS6 is an iconic American muscle car that still turns heads today. With its aggressive styling, massive V8 engine, and rear-wheel drive performance, the 1970 Chevelle SS encapsulates the golden era of Detroit iron. Let's take a closer look at this black beauty.

Overview of the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6

The Chevelle nameplate had been around since 1964 as Chevrolet's mid-size offering. For 1970, GM lifted its restrictions on engine size, allowing the Chevelle SS to be equipped with the legendary 454 cubic inch V8. The LS6 version of this big block produced a conservative 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque from the factory. However, many experts believe the actual output was closer to 500 hp. The LS6 could rocket the Chevelle from 0-60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.

Visually, the 1970 SS stood out from regular Chevelles thanks to a domed and strobed hood, blacked-out grille, and 14-inch rally wheels. Inside was an engine-turned dash with a floor-mounted shifter for the Muncie M22 "Rock Crusher" 4-speed manual transmission. Other go-fast goodies included a cowl induction hood, heavy-duty suspension, and front disc brakes.

The Menacing All-Black Exterior

Our featured 1970 Chevelle SS wears a sinister coat of GM code 19 Tuxedo Black paint. This deep black hue gives the Chevelle an understated yet powerful look. At night, the black paint seems to absorb any source of light, making the Chevelle appear as a void on wheels. This color really allows the Chevelle's muscular Coke bottle styling to shine.

Some other exterior features include the twin opera window roofline, chrome SS badging, and a rear decklid spoiler. The chrome rally wheels with raised white letter tires provide a perfect contrast against the dark paint. Overall, this blacked-out look encapsulates the Chevelle's outlaw personality.

454 Cubic Inches of American Muscle

Under the hood lies the legendary LS6 big block V8 displacing 454 cubic inches or 7.4 liters. This monster motor churns out 450 hp at 5600 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of just 5.4 seconds. The LS6 was among the most powerful engines available in 1970.

Some highlights include an 800 cfm Holley carburetor, 11:1 compression, forged steel crankshaft, and high flow aluminum heads. The LS6 rumbles to life with an authoritative idle and pulls hard throughout the RPM range. Combined with the M22 4-speed manual, the LS6 provided neck-snapping acceleration.

Interior Features

The interior features an understated yet driver-focused layout. Highlights include bucket seats, a Hurst shifter for the 4-speed manual, and an engine-turned dash. The seats were finished in black vinyl which matches the exterior paint. Interior options include air conditioning, a tachometer/gauges, AM/FM radio, and a center console.

While not overly luxurious, the interior has a straightforward layout with controls oriented towards the driver. The low back bucket seats provide ample lateral support while the floor-mounted shifter falls easily to hand. The interior represents the Chevelle's mission of all-out performance.

Why the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 is an Icon

So what makes the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 such an automotive icon? Here are a few reasons:

Last of the Unrestricted Muscle Cars

The 1970 model year represented the pinnacle of factory muscle car performance. In 1971, tightened emissions regulations restricted power output. So 1970 was the last year Chevrolet could produce the Chevelle SS with an unrestricted 450+ horsepower big block V8.

Stunning Style Inside and Out

The 1970 Chevelle SS has an aggressive yet cohesive design inside and out. The twin bulges on the hood, the rear spoiler, and the blacked-out grille present a menacing demeanor. Inside, the interior is focused entirely on the driver.

Brutal Acceleration

In LS6 form, the 1970 Chevelle SS was a road rocket. Its 450+ horsepower allowed it to hit 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. The LS6 produced enough torque to peel the hides right off the rear tires. This was a legendarily fast car in its day.

Rarity

Only 4,475 Chevelle SS 454 LS6s were produced in 1970, making this a relatively rare collector car. Of those, only a fraction were produced in Tuxedo Black paint. Surviving LS6 Chevelles are highly sought after today.

For all these reasons and more, the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 stands as a pinnacle of American automotive performance and represents an iconic era of Detroit muscle.

Buying a 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Today

For collectors and enthusiasts today, the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 remains an incredibly desirable classic car. All-original LS6 cars in good condition can fetch prices well into six figures at auction. Even cars requiring restoration trade hands for $50,000 and up.

Before purchasing one of these legendary beasts, be sure to get a thorough pre-purchase inspection from a specialist. Look for signs of accident damage, rust, and engine/drivetrain issues. Documentation proving original LS6 components will greatly affect value. Joining the Chevelle Car Club of America can provide an education on properly restoring and maintaining these icons.

Owning the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 represents an opportunity to own one of the most coveted American performance cars ever produced. This black beast defined the muscle car era and remains a highly valued collector vehicle today.

FAQs

How much horsepower did the 1970 LS6 engine make?

The LS6 engine was rated at 450 hp at 5600 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm. However, many experts believe these engines actually produced over 500 hp from the factory.

How many 1970 Chevelle SS LS6 cars were built?

Chevrolet produced only 4,475 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 cars for the 1970 model year, making this a relatively rare collector car today.

What transmission came with the LS6?

The LS6 engine was paired with the Muncie M22 "Rock Crusher" 4-speed manual transmission as standard equipment.

What made the LS6 engine special?

The LS6 featured a 800 cfm Holley carburetor, high flowing aluminum heads, forged steel crankshaft, and an 11:1 compression ratio allowing it to produce over 500 lb-ft of torque.

Why are 1970 LS6 Chevelles so valuable today?

As the pinnacle of Chevy muscle car performance, the rarity of the LS6, and its iconic styling, the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 is a highly coveted collector car today with values ranging from $50,000 up to over $100,000.