1970 Chevrolet Chevelle L78 Convertible

In 1970, Chevelle SS buyers could opt for four engine choices: the 396/350 HP L34, the 396/375 HP L78, the 454/360 HP LS5 or the monster 454/450 HP LS6. With so many choices, buyers who were sold on big-block horsepower usually opted for the massive LS5 or LS6. Other buyers who gravitated to the proven 396 usually checked the box for the 396/350 HP option. The 396/375 L78, which was being phased out by GM in 1970 and was only offered as an option for several months, might have been overshadowed by the arrival of the now legendary LS6 454/450 HP big-block V-8, but the L78 remained as potent as ever, packing beefy forged internals, a radical solid-lifter camshaft, a Holley 780 CFM 4-barrel carburetor on a Winters aluminum intake manifold, free-flowing heads and one of the sweetest exhaust notes of any contemporary muscle machine.

This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle L78 Convertible was sold new at Dave Hallman Chevrolet Inc. in Roanoke, Virginia, and is one of few ever built with the high-compression, solid-lifter L78 396/375 HP V-8. Adding to the rarity, this Chevelle convertible is believed to be the only example factory painted in Code 75 Cranberry Red with black stripes, paired with a red interior. The Chevelle is powered by the factory-ordered, legendary solid-lifter L78 396/375 HP big-block V-8 engine, which channels power through a close-ratio M21 4-speed transmission package to the 3.55 rear end. Additional options included tinted glass, wheel-opening moldings, stripes, gauges, a glove compartment lamp, power top, power disc brakes, an AM/FM radio, rear speakers and an antenna.

This rare Chevelle convertible was discovered and purchased by American Chevelle Enthusiasts Society President Chuck Hanson. At the time, the car was still owned by the original owner, who had moved to California and left the car sitting for a number of years. The car, although not running, was in exceptional original condition and the perfect candidate for a comprehensive frame-off restoration. Over the next few years, Hanson documented the restoration in Chevelle World magazine, outlining each of the steps of the restoration and the incredible attention to detail. The body was stripped to bare metal and painted in the correct shade of Cranberry Red, and then wet sanded and polished. The undercarriage has been painted in the correct satin black finish, and suspension components were detailed as well. The engine and driveline were rebuilt using as many original and NOS components as possible.

Documenting this special muscle car are three build sheets, along with the Protect-O-Plate, ownership history and all 11 Chevelle World magazines that outline the restoration. This is truly a special example of General Motors' most popular muscle car; with its rarity, comprehensive documentation and exceptional restoration quality, it’s sure to be a standout in any collection.