1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS5 Convertible

For 1970, Chevrolet’s Chevelle saw the introduction of the wildly popular 454 CI V-8 engine, which was only available with the RPO Z15 SS Equipment option. The LS5 454 CI engine was rated at 360 HP and available with the very desirable and functional cowl-induction hood, which featured a scoop that opened "to shoot an extra breath of cool air into the engine air intake … like second wind to a distance runner.” The LS5 was also the only 454 CI engine available with air conditioning from the factory.

This 1970 Chevelle LS5 convertible was built at the Baltimore, Maryland, assembly line on January 21, 1970. The original owner walked into Sausman Chevrolet in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, and placed an order for a Fathom Blue Chevelle SS convertible with the newly introduced 454 LS5 engine, an M22 Rock Crusher 4-speed manual transmission, a Medium Blue bucket-seat interior and a black convertible power soft top. Making the car even more unique were the other options: a center console, power steering and brakes, sport stripes, an AM radio with 8-track tape player, special instrumentation including the factory tachometer, front bumper guards and air conditioning. All these special and desirable options make it one of just a handful ever produced by the factory.

The first owner kept the car until 1983, and subsequent owners have kept in touch with the original owner through handwritten letters documenting its ownership history and authenticity. Additionally this Chevelle is also accompanied by its Protect-O-Plate, copies of the dealer invoice, a pre-order sheet, an owner's manual, three handwritten letters from the original owner, complete ownership history, restoration pictures and old photos dating back to when the car was only a few months old.

The result of a frame-off restoration with a great attention to detail, the undercarriage and engine bay show beautifully, and the Fathom Blue paint was wet sanded and polished to a mirror-like finish. Beneath the cowl-induction hood is the detailed matching-numbers LS5 454/360 HP engine connected to the matching-numbers M22 4-Speed manual transmission. With only a small number of LS5 Chevelle convertibles ever built, this example is one of only a handful optioned this way, making it one of the rarest variants to ever roll off the assembly line.