The 450-hp Chevelle Convertible Chevrolet Never Bothered To Count
The rarest Chevrolet Chevelle convertible ever made recently crossed the auction block for $770,000 despite lacking proper documentation. This muscle car is impossible to verify because Chevy didn’t count how many models were made. The paperwork gap boosts its value by fueling its lore as a holy grail find that sells for thousands more than the hardtop variant. Fewer than 20 models could still survive today, but hopefully there are more. No one truly knows.
It’s Unclear How Many 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS LS6 Convertibles Exist
The 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS LS6 convertible was produced in the Towanda, New York assembly plant. But no one really knows how many were built because Chevrolet didn’t keep detailed records. Instead of tracking car body styles or models, General Motors and Chevy tracked engine output at manufacturing plants.
So, historians estimate that about 4,475 LS6 engines were built in 1970. But how many of those engines went to the Chevy Chevelle SS hardtop, convertible model, and El Camino is a mystery. We can assume that there were more hardtop coupe and El Camino LS6 454 models than convertibles, as more survivors seem to appear in registries. Convertibles are exceedingly rare.
Buyers were also deterred from purchasing the convertible model at the time due to the number of packages required. There were multiple boxes to check, including the convertible body style, the SS equipment package, the 454 cubic-inch engine upgrade, and the LS6 engine package. This brought the final total to about $4,500 to $5,000.
As an incredibly expensive option, it wasn’t very popular. Dealership clerks found that it was easier to sell lower trim levels instead. It debuted as insurance premiums were targeting muscle cars and fuel costs were rising. Being able to save with a different body style became popular as a result.
Racing Fans Didn’t Want The Convertible Body
Muscle car enthusiasts preferred the hardtop body style for a few different reasons. For example, it was less expensive. The 1970 Chevy Chevelle LS6 hardtop coupe had an original MSRP of between $3,556 and $4,000. So, by avoiding the convertible body style, people could save roughly $1,000 or more.
Plus, the hardtop was a better option for the high-performance build. The coupes feature a solid steel roof to provide a stiffer body. Without a fixed roof, the convertible models suffered from more body flex under hard accelerations and while cornering. Also, the hardtop prevented water from leaking into the cabin and cut down on wind noise.
Convertibles required owners to lubricate intricate power-top lifting mechanisms. Also, the fabric ragtop was prone to ripping, fading, and getting worn out. Last but not least, the convertible was heavier, which impacted the vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio. Overall, the convertible option appeared to be purely cosmetic and less track-ready.
The 1970 Chevy El Camino 454 was not necessarily preferred by buyers over the Chevelle SS 454 convertible, but it served a different purpose as a reliable workhorse. It provided muscle car power with the utilitarian ability to haul loads or gear in the open truck bed. In comparison, the convertible wasn’t practical.
Historians Argue About How Many Chevelle SS 454 Convertibles Exist
The number of 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS 454 convertibles that were ever made or still survive today is highly debated. Estimates between 12 and over 200 models differ among various sources. Some experts claim that about 12 to 25 convertible models exist, while others put the total anywhere from 17 to 95.
It would be welcome news if over 200 of these cars are still out there. Of course, because there is no official count, scammers love to take advantage of its lore by building fake clones and tribute models, as historical verification is extremely difficult. Most people agree that the cars should be treated as clones if they don’t have factory documentation and physical drivetrain evidence.
The original build sheet or broadcast sheet is the most valuable piece of documentation you can have. It is often found above the gas tank, hidden between the seats, or behind the dash, and it lists the original options that came with the car. You can also see if the car is listed on any LS6 registries or if it’s recognized by brand experts.
Signs of legitimacy include the correct RPO codes, such as Z15 for the Super Sport package and LS6 for the 454 cubic-inch engine with 450 hp. Plus, real SS 454 models have a 3/8-inch thick fuel line, while clones often use smaller ones. Make sure it has a heavy-duty 12-bolt rear axle and correct date codes that align with the assembly date too.
Collectors Are Throwing Insane Money At Surviving Chevelle SS LS6 Convertibles
Because the 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS LS6 convertible is regarded as a mysterious unicorn find, it has wild value fluctuations. But never expect to find one for under $350,000. Recently, they have sold at auction for over $450,000. One verified white model sold for $600,000, and in January, a red model with white stripes and a white fabric top sold for $770,000. It’s equipped with the incredibly desirable M22 four-speed manual transmission.
Meanwhile, the value of the hardtop coupe starts at about $99,000 to $150,000 for models in project condition. Well-restored models or examples in better condition will cross the auction block for between $200,000 and $400,000. The highest public auction price ever recorded for this model is $440,000.
This SS 454 LS6 configuration was also available with a truck bed. Values for El Camino SS 454 LS6 models in driver or project condition range from about $70,000 to $110,000. Models in good condition will fetch between $110,000 and $170,000. Then examples found in excellent condition will cross the auction block for about $180,000 to over $240,000.
Source: Chevrolet, Classic Industries, Motorious
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