By the time 1970 rolled around, the inter-company musclecar wars were at their height, and Chevrolet’s Chevelle SS 396 had been the company’s stalwart since 1966. At last GM relented and engines over 400 cubic inches were installed in the A-body series without COPO special orders. Two new LS5 and LS6 454 cubic inch models were launched, but the familiar SS 396 package RPO 25, was bought by an overwhelming 53,599 customers – a mix of coupes, convertibles and El Caminos. A well-regarded source states that 7,511 Chevelle Malibu / Chevelle Malibu SS Series convertibles were built, such as this excellent car.

The Chevelle was revised for 1970 with a more sculptured look and four headlights now smoothed-in alongside the grille. The RPO Z25 Super Sport package added $445.55, or 31-percent more than the cost of 1969s Chevelle SS, but the base 325-hp engine was replaced by the 350-hp L34. The 396 cubic inch L34 big-block could power the car 0- to 60-mph in 8.1 seconds and a quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds at 90.42-mph.

The SS 396 now came standard with F41 sports suspension, which included front and rear sway bars and stiffer springs. Buyers got power front disc brakes, F70 belted tires on 14 x 7, five-spoke SS wheels, chrome wheel openings and dual exhaust chrome tips. Black-out panels front and back were capped with SS emblems. Other desirable standards on this model included an in-dash tachometer, hood pins, stripes, wheelwell moldings and more.

This exquisite Code 75 Cranberry Red convertible has a white top (with matching boot), black stripes and an ultra-clean, new and period-correct Ivory interior that features black carpet and dashboard. The car is fresh off of a 2014-completed frame-off restoration to the highest standards and shows only 3.2 miles on the odometer since. The Chevelle is reported to run with its original 396-cid, 350-hp Turbo-Jet V-8 engine, which has been completely rebuilt and is also stated to be numbers matching, plus it is matched to a Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission . The interior captures the era with sportiness seen in the bucket seat, center console arrangement. The engine compartment is finished and detailed in a similar meticulous manner and has a period-correct Delco battery, plus a Garner dual exhaust system. The Firestone Wide Oval tires are also a correct representation of when the car was new.

This nicely optioned convertible has a satisfying list of extras that includes AM/FM radio, Cowl Induction hood with its large automatic air inlet, power top, power steering, power front disc brakes, three-spoke SS steering wheel and even an uncommon rear window defroster. The car is accompanied by its owner’s manual, build sheet, complete photo documentation of the restoration, along with the original spare tire and jack in a properly presented trunk.

With its spectacular color combination, this car has received a thorough frame-off restoration in a painstaking method. The paint, body fit and interior are excellent; it’s correct and clean under the hood and underneath. It is a beautiful restoration that makes this car look like it just came off the showroom floor. All the next owner needs is a sunny day and an open road. The performance starts as soon as you are seated.