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Photo of a Chevrolet Chevelle

Chevrolet Chevelle

The 1970 Chevelle SS454 LS6: 450 hp after GM lifted its 400-cubic-inch ceiling.1

Researched October 25, 2026 from 37 sources

At a glance

Engine
Factory: 3.2–4.1 L I6; 4.6–7.4 L V8; 1970 SS396/Turbo-Jet 400: 402 cu in313
Layout
Front engine, rear drive; 1968–72: 10-/12-bolt axles310
Gearbox
1968–72: 3-/4-speed manuals incl. Muncie; Powerglide, TH350/TH400 automatics10
Built at
Including Baltimore Assembly, United States; Oshawa Car Assembly, Canada3

The story

Created for 1964 to bridge the Chevy II–Impala gap and challenge Ford's Fairlane, the Chevelle ran for three generations through 1977. Coupes, sedans, convertibles and wagons shared the name before the downsized 1978 Malibu took over.23

1964: First generation takes on Fairlane19641965: Z16 puts a 396 in the Malibu SS19651966: SS396 becomes its own series19661968: Second generation, split wheelbases19681969: COPO 9562 brings the 425 hp 42719691970: SS454: 360 hp LS5 or 450 hp LS619701971: Compression falls; SAE net follows19711973: Colonnade arrives; the final SS19731977: Chevelle ends; Malibu takes over1977 Chevrolet Chevelle, first generation: 1964–1967Chevrolet Chevelle, second generation: 1968–1972Chevrolet Chevelle, third generation: 1973–1977Chevrolet Malibu: 1978–Chevrolet Malibu 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones231112
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1964–1967Chevrolet Chevelle, first generation
1968–1972Chevrolet Chevelle, second generation
1973–1977Chevrolet Chevelle, third generation
1978–Chevrolet Malibu
1964First generation takes on Fairlane
1965Z16 puts a 396 in the Malibu SS
1966SS396 becomes its own series
1968Second generation, split wheelbases
1969COPO 9562 brings the 425 hp 427
1970SS454: 360 hp LS5 or 450 hp LS6
1971Compression falls; SAE net follows
1973Colonnade arrives; the final SS
1977Chevelle ends; Malibu takes over
  1. 1964

    First generation takes on Fairlane

    The 1964–67 family starts with sixes and 283 V8s; the 327 V8 joins during 1964.234

  2. 1965

    Z16 puts a 396 in the Malibu SS

    The Malibu SS gains a 375 hp L37 396, boxed convertible chassis and bigger brakes. Just 201 Z16s are built, with no Positraction option.45

  3. 1966

    SS396 becomes its own series

    Separate for 1966–68, the SS396 offers 325, 360 or 375 hp. The middle option becomes 350 hp for 1967.6

  4. 1968

    Second generation, split wheelbases

    For 1968–72, coupes get a semi-fastback roof and 112-inch wheelbase; four-door sedans and wagons use 116 inches.23

  5. 1969

    COPO 9562 brings the 425 hp 427

    Chevrolet installs the 427 at the factory; Yenko adds his tuning. The 1969 Yenko Chevelle run totals 99.7

  6. 1970

    SS454: 360 hp LS5 or 450 hp LS6

    Both 454s deliver 678 Nm. Totals: 4,298 LS5 and 4,475 LS6; the LS6 count includes El Camino.189

  7. 1971

    Compression falls; SAE net follows

    Lower compression arrives for 1971; SAE net ratings follow in 1972. LS5 454 ratings go from 365 hp to 270 net hp.510

  8. 1973

    Colonnade arrives; the final SS

    The 1973–77 generation brings a flagship Laguna with a urethane nose. SS ends in 1973, its only year with a wagon.2611

  9. 1977

    Chevelle ends; Malibu takes over

    The 5.7 L V8 tops the 1977 range. For 1978, GM downsizes its intermediates and retires the Chevelle name in favor of Malibu.12

Every generation

  • Chevrolet Chevelle, first generation
    Chevrolet Chevelle, first generation1964–1967
  • Chevrolet Chevelle, second generation
    Chevrolet Chevelle, second generation1968–1972
  • Chevrolet Chevelle, third generation
    Chevrolet Chevelle, third generation1973–1977
  • Chevrolet Malibu
    Chevrolet Malibu

Power over the years

From 120 hp to 450 hp in 6 years.

0200400600 1964196619681970197219741976 hp 1964 · 120 hp · Base six-cylinder1964 · 300 hp · Malibu SS 327 V81965 · 350 hp · L79 327 V81965 · 375 hp · Z16 L37 396 V8 (gross)1966 · 360 hp · SS396 L34 396 V81970 · 360 hp · SS454 LS5 454 V81970 · 450 hp · SS454 LS6 454 V81971 · 365 hp · LS5 454 V8 (gross)1972 · 270 hp · SS LS5 454 V8 (net)1973 · 245 hp · SS LS4 454 V8 (net)1976 · 140 hp · Laguna S-3 305; optional 400 V8 (net) 450 hp SS454 LS6 454 V8 120 hp Base six-cylinder
1235610141516
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1964120Base six-cylinder
1964300Malibu SS 327 V8
1965350L79 327 V8
1965375Z16 L37 396 V8 (gross)
1966360SS396 L34 396 V8
1970360SS454 LS5 454 V8
1970450SS454 LS6 454 V8
1971365LS5 454 V8 (gross)
1972270SS LS5 454 V8 (net)
1973245SS LS4 454 V8 (net)
1976140Laguna S-3 305; optional 400 V8 (net)

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Nomad / Greenbrier / Concours wagons

    Standard

    Nomad / Greenbrier / Concours wagons

    1968–1972

  • Standard

    Deluxe / Malibu / Malibu Classic / Laguna

    1973–1977

  • Malibu SS

    Special

    Malibu SS

    1964–1965

  • Performance

    SS396 / SS equipment

    1966–1972

  • Heavy Chevy YF3

    Special

    Heavy Chevy YF3

    1971–1972

  • Laguna Type S-3

    Performance

    Laguna Type S-3

    1974–1976

    38,790 built

  • SS454 (LS5 / LS6)

    Performance

    SS454 (LS5 / LS6)

    1970

  • Limited

    Malibu SS Z16

    1965

    375 hp

    201 built

  • Yenko sYc (COPO 427)

    Limited

    Yenko sYc (COPO 427)

    1969

    425 hp

    99 built

  • Special

    Malibu SS 454 wagon

    1973

    245 hp

    71 built

  • Special

    Baldwin-Motion Phase III

    1970

How to spot one

Look for

  • 1970: separated quad headlights flank a chunky grille between muscular front fenders.1
  • 1973–77 Colonnade coupes: fixed B-pillars, frameless door glass and fixed rear quarter windows.1215

Year by year

  1. 1965

    The body grew longer through revisions to the hood and grille.21

  2. 1966–1967

    1966 added Coke-bottle curves and flying-buttress hardtop pillars; 1967 gained wraparound taillights with backup lamps.3

  3. 1973–1974

    1973 Colonnade coupes gained fixed B-pillars and frameless door glass; 1974 Malibu Classic coupes added vertical opera windows.1215

  4. 1975–1976

    1975 Laguna S-3 gained a sloping urethane nose and window louvers; 1976 added horizontal taillights.15

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Chevelle
    Chevelle
    Photo of a Beaumont (1964–1969)
    Beaumont (1964–1969)

    Beaumont (1964–1969)

    Canadian Chevelle relative with a Pontiac-style grille; a LeMans instrument panel is another giveaway.3

Against its rivals

  • Shelby AC Cobra 289 (1965)

    Chevelle vs Shelby AC Cobra 289 (1965)

    Quarter-mile trap speed

    Chevelle167 km/h
    Shelby AC Cobra 289 (1965)163.5 km/h
    22
  • Ford Mustang Boss 302

    Chevelle vs Ford Mustang Boss 302

    Quarter-mile trap speed

    Chevelle167 km/h
    Ford Mustang Boss 302150.4 km/h
    22
  • Plymouth Duster 340

    Chevelle vs Plymouth Duster 340

    Lime Rock lap lower is better

    Chevelle70.4 s
    Plymouth Duster 34074 s
    22

Prices

Value today $21.0K–$170.0K293031

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K$1M 197019801990200020102020 Value today: $21,000–$170,000 1964 · $2,231 · US base1968 · $2,899 · US base, SS396 sport coupe1970 · $2,709 · US base, Malibu Sport Coupe1973 · $2,743 · US base, Deluxe1973 · $2,894 · US base, Malibu1973 · $3,203 · US base, Laguna coupe1974 · $3,723 · US base, Laguna S-31976 · $4,621 · US base, Laguna S-3 1964 · $2,231 · US base price, 1964 model year 2025 · $30,000 · 1964 Malibu 283 convertible, 66k miles shown, BaT2025 · $170,000 · 1970 SS LS6 4-speed coupe, 51k miles shown, BaT2025 · $12,500 · 1964 Malibu SS 4-speed project, 62k shown, TMU, BaT2025 · $15,250 · 1965 300 four-door 4-speed, 55k miles shown, BaT2025 · $215,000 · 1965 Malibu SS Z16, 400 mi since refurb, TMU, BaT2025 · $30,750 · 1972 Malibu convertible, 72k miles shown, BaT2025 · $61,600 · 1972 Malibu SS 454 convertible, The Audrain Auction2026 · $21,000 · 1976 Laguna S-3, modified 572ci, 62k shown TMU, BaT $215.0K BaT, 2025
231113152930313334353637
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1964Launch price$2,231US base price, 1964 model year
1964Price when new$2,231US base
1968Price when new$2,899US base, SS396 sport coupe
1970Price when new$2,709US base, Malibu Sport Coupe
1973Price when new$2,743US base, Deluxe
1973Price when new$2,894US base, Malibu
1973Price when new$3,203US base, Laguna coupe
1974Price when new$3,723US base, Laguna S-3
1976Price when new$4,621US base, Laguna S-3
2025Auction sale$30,0001964 Malibu 283 convertible, 66k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$170,0001970 SS LS6 4-speed coupe, 51k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$12,5001964 Malibu SS 4-speed project, 62k shown, TMU, BaT
2025Auction sale$15,2501965 300 four-door 4-speed, 55k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$215,0001965 Malibu SS Z16, 400 mi since refurb, TMU, BaT
2025Auction sale$30,7501972 Malibu convertible, 72k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$61,6001972 Malibu SS 454 convertible, The Audrain Auction
2026Auction sale$21,0001976 Laguna S-3, modified 572ci, 62k shown TMU, BaT
2026Value today$21,000–$170,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “A 1972 convertible raced as a 1971”
    • “11.80s for Huffman's Z16, 12.70s for L79s”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 37 sources
  1. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle - The Pinnacle - Hot Rod Muscle Car Review hotrod.com
  2. History of the Chevelle: America’s Most Popular Mid-Size Muscle Car • STATE OF SPEED stateofspeed.com
  3. Chevrolet Chevelle - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. The Legendary 1965 Z16-Optioned Malibu chevyhardcore.com
  5. Chevelle SS or Malibu SS? - An Overview of Chevrolet's Intermediate Super Sport - Curbside Classic curbsideclassic.com
  6. How to identify an SS Chevelle chevellestuff.net
  7. What Made Don Yenko’s Legendary COPO-Powered Chevelles So Great? hotrod.com
  8. LS5/LS6 Production Numbers © ChevyWorld.net macswebs.com
  9. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 | Fort Lauderdale 2012 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  10. Tips, Tricks, & Ideas for ’68-’72 Chevelles hotrod.com
  11. What's in a Name: 1973 Chevrolet Laguna - Mac's Motor City GarageMac's Motor City Garage macsmotorcitygarage.com
  12. Chevrolet Chevelle 3rd gen (1973-1977) motor-car.net
  13. Vintage Car Life Review: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 – Bruiser With A Glass Jaw - Curbside Classic curbsideclassic.com
  14. Birth of the Big-Block Chevelle: The 1965 Z16 - Mac's Motor City GarageMac's Motor City Garage macsmotorcitygarage.com
  15. Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  16. 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS 454 Wagon – The Dad 'Stache Superwagon - Curbside Classic curbsideclassic.com
  17. Chevelle Series/Model Lineup chevellestuff.net
  18. Chevrolet Chevelle 2nd gen (1968-1972) motor-car.net
  19. When Is A Stripped-Down Chevelle Overweight? When It's A Heavy Chevy chevyhardcore.com
  20. 1970 Chevy Chevelle - Going Green - Muscle Car Review Magazine hotrod.com
  21. CHEVROLET CHEVELLE MALIBU SS 1964-67. | Voitures Anciennes et Classiques de Montreal Inc. vacm.qc.ca
  22. Shelby AC Cobra 289 vs. Ford Mustang Boss 302, Chevy SS454 Chevelle, Plymouth Duster 340 – Comparison Test – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  23. Drag Racing the Z16 and L79 1965 Chevelles hotrod.com
  24. The Truth About Smokey Yunick's 7/8-scale Chevelle - Mac's Motor City GarageMac's Motor City Garage macsmotorcitygarage.com
  25. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Convertible For Sale At Auction - Mecum Auctions mecum.com
  26. Darby Motorsports Racing – The “Buck Kinney” Story | Darby Motorsports darbymotorsports.ca
  27. Rob’s Movie Muscle – Jack Reacher’s 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 streetmusclemag.com
  28. The April Update for Gran Turismo 7 Includes Three New Cars and Two New Manufacturers! - NEWS - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  29. 40-Years-Owned, 572–Powered 1976 Chevrolet Laguna S-3 Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $21,000 on May 2, 2026 (Lot #240,636) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe SS LS6 454 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $170,000 on October 24, 2025 (Lot #216,427) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Convertible 283 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $30,000 on October 6, 2025 (Lot #213,457) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. Tips and Tricks on How to Buy a Chevelle motortrend.com
  33. No Reserve: 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS 4-Speed Project for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,500 on April 3, 2025 (Lot #186,184) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle 300 4-Door Sedan 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,250 on January 25, 2025 (Lot #178,349) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS Sport Coupe Z16 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $125,000 on November 8, 2025 (Lot #218,779) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Convertible for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $30,750 on November 3, 2025 (Lot #217,960) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. Bonhams Cars : 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS 454 Convertible Chassis no. 1D67W2B617111 carsd.bonhams.com
  • hotrod.com
  • stateofspeed.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • chevyhardcore.com
  • curbsideclassic.com
  • chevellestuff.net
  • macswebs.com
  • rmsothebys.com
  • macsmotorcitygarage.com
  • motor-car.net
  • vacm.qc.ca
  • caranddriver.com
  • mecum.com
  • darbymotorsports.ca

Photo credits

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