1970 CHEVY CHEVELLE LS6

A sterling specimen

BY LOU LETO

The year 1970 might be considered the pinnacle of the production muscle car wars that had been going on for six years. In stock car racing, the OEMs were trying to slide special components and experimental setups through tech inspections. In drag racing, these same manufacturers specifically engineered products that they supplied to compete in the Super Stock, Stock or Factory Experimental classes, championing their victories for attention while escalating performance packages in their vehicle catalogs. More importantly, the philosophy of “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday” was being rewarded by buyers who flocked to the showrooms to acquire the biggest, the baddest, and the newest offerings as they became available.

PHOTOS BY THE AUTHOR AND SCOTT SHEW

The rear end shows off dual exhaust tips and the resilient bumper insert. Note SS identification subtly added on the passenger side. Desirable, yet rare Cowl Induction hood option included hood pins.

I LIKED THE DRIVE, AND I LIKED THE NOISE. THAT EXPERIENCE STAYED WITH ME. AFTER THAT, I ALWAYS WANTED ONE.

Chevrolet, already successfully selling Super Sport packages in Chevelles, had secretly evolved the 396- to 402-cu.-in. while still marketing their Big Block as the SS396. In 1970, GM relinquished its internal mandate that limited its intermediate models to 400 cubes. Chevrolet pulled out all the stops, and offered its biggest big-block engine yet, at 454 cu. in.