Chevrolet introduced the Chevelle in 1963 as a competitor to the Ford Fairlane, and it quickly became one of the brand’s most successful models. The midsize vehicle was available in a wide range of body styles, including coupes, convertibles, sedans, and even the legendary El Camino.
During the early 1970s, as muscle cars became increasingly powerful, the Chevelle evolved accordingly. The range-topping trim initially offered a 396-cubic-inch (6.5-liter) V8, but later generations featured larger big-block mills. In 1969, Chevrolet added the 427-cubic-inch (7.0-liter), followed by the 454-cubic-inch (7.4-liter) in 1970. The latter came in LS5 form, generating 360 horsepower, but the more powerful LS6 option was also available, featuring a four-barrel Holley carburetor and producing an impressive 450 horsepower on paper. In reality, the LS6 could generate over 500 horsepower, making the Chevelle SS 454 LS6 one of the most powerful vehicles of the golden muscle car era. However, Chevrolet discontinued the LS6 option for 1971, making it a rare find.
According to reports, Chevrolet produced 4,475 Chevelles with the LS6, but there are no records of how many were hard-tops, convertibles, or El Caminos, making it a mystery. LS6 coupes can fetch over $120,000 in Concours-ready condition due to their rarity.
Chevelle SS expert Patrick Glenn Nichols recently stumbled upon a numbers-matching LS6, which sat on a garage lift for 43 years since 1978. This “personal holy grail” was a complete, rust-free, and dust-covered gem that still had its original engine, transmission, and rear axle.
Although the car was initially painted in Tuxedo Black with white stripes, it was later painted dark red with orange stripes. Nevertheless, this vehicle is still a rare find that deserves restoration and a road trip. The question remains: would you restore the car to its original black paint, or leave it as is?
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