1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE CONVERTIBLE

This Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible is a characterful and imposing American classic, which has received some degree of restoration in the past, and which presents as a great opportunity for further improvement. Under the bonnet is a big-block V8, mated to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer reads 5,994 miles, but the vendor notes that both it and the speedometer are currently inactive.

First registered on 3 May 1970, this Chevelle is understood to have been cosmetically modified at some point to resemble the more powerful and rarer ‘SS’ model, with the racing stripes and model-specific wheels and badging applied. It was officially re-registered in the UK in November 2015.

This bombastic Chevrolet has been owned by the current vendor for the last 12 years. There is little in the way of history to accompany the car, but it is understood to have received a restoration in the past.

The exterior of the Chevelle gives it huge presence, with its squared-off corners and sheer bulk of sheet metal delivering the true muscle car aesthetic. The shut lines around the bonnet and boot area show signs of misalignment, with some cracks and chips present in the paint finish surrounding these areas where metal has caught when opened and closed. The rear wings also have visible spot welds along the top seam from a previous repair or restoration, while the driver’s side rear wing and three-quarter panel have some blemishes in the finish.

However, the paintwork is generally in good condition, with only limited stone chips and marks around the front end. The chrome-work on the front and rear bumpers appears to be in very good order, while the chrome wheel arch surrounds show signs of ageing, as do the exterior door handles and mirror housings.

Fitted with a black vinyl electrically operated convertible hood, the vendor states that the car leaks slightly if left outdoors in the rain, but otherwise the roof opens and closes correctly. Shod in 14-inch wheels, these have some minor corrosion visible on the surfaces, so would benefit from refurbishment in the future.

The retro cabin is a comfortable and spacious place in which to spend time, and the vinyl seats are in fair condition, with the driver’s exhibiting a rip in the base. The dashboard top section is loose and can be lifted off by hand, but it retains period-correct instruments and switchgear. The handsome three-spoked steering wheel is in excellent condition, as is the Muncie transmission’s gear shifter. Other than the inoperative speedometer, the vendor also notes an intermittent fault with the fuel gauge, and a faulty passenger-side door handle.

The Chevelle’s last documented service was in May 2009 at Royal Motors Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. The vendor states that the car has been serviced in the intervening years, and evidently has been maintained before that as well, but there is no paperwork to prove any work. The engine was re-bored and the cylinders were honed in 2008. From a cold start, the car is reported to be running slightly rough, so it needs to be warmed through before applying full throttle.

Prior its re-registration in the UK, it was put through an MOT test on 9 May 2015 at an indicated 5,912 miles. This resulted in a clean pass with no advisories following attention to the offside front wheel bearing. Due to the Chevrolet’s age, it is exempt from further annual MOT testing. It rides on BF Goodrich radial tyres which have ample tread remaining, though the next buyer may want to replace these due to signs of age on the sidewalls.

This Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible offers relaxed and sonorous top-down cruising from its big-block V8 engine. With some attention to its paintwork and interior, it could be turned into a superb fair-weather road trip cruiser, which would no doubt also be a head-turning presence at car meets and shows.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.