Man Rescues 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, Finds Unexpected Surprise on the Cowl Tag

Documented by Chevelle expert Patrick Glenn Nichols, this Chevy appears to be a mundane midsize that had a rough life. It’s been repainted, many of its original features replaced, and the drivetrain is missing. However, the authentication process revealed that this Chevelle rolled off the assembly line with a super rare feature.

Now sporting a crusty layer of white paint, this Chevelle was originally ordered in Fathom Blue. The owner opted for an all-black interior, which makes for a fairly common combo. The coupe also got a vinyl top, which has been removed some time ago.

It’s not the kind of thing that would raise eyebrows because vinyl-topped Chevelles are also common. However, Patrick found an unexpected surprise on the cowl tag, which includes the letter C. It stands for dark blue vinyl top, a decidedly rare option compared to the black and white tops we usually see on these Chevelles.

Chevrolet didn’t keep detailed production figures for vinyl tops, but you’d be hard-pressed to see one in the wild or even at high-profile auction events. I’m pretty sure it’s rarer than the green vinyl top option, which I’ve seen on a few cars in recent years.

Sure, it’s not the kind of feature that adds much value to a Chevelle, but whoever commissioned Mr. Nichols to evaluate this Chevy got himself a super rare SS.

Rarity aside, this Chevelle needs a lot of things. The most obvious is a repaint in the original color, but it also requires a brand-new vinyl top in the correct pattern and hue. Thankfully, vinyl tops are available from various companies, and finding the right material shouldn’t be hard.

The vehicle was also fitted with Malibu replacement parts, including the grille. While the interior was mostly gutted, the original seats still exist. It’s unclear if the missing dashboard and console parts are still with the car.

Sadly, the 402-cubic-inch (6.6-liter) V8 engine is missing. This Chevelle left the factory with an L34 Turbo-Jet, which delivered 350 horsepower thanks to a four-barrel Holley carburetor when new. The L34 Chevelle is nowhere near as rare as the 375-horsepower L78, with more than 50,000 units produced. The original four-speed gearbox is also no longer in the car.

But even though this Chevelle needs an expensive rotisserie restoration to shine again, the new owner is determined to do the right thing. And that’s the best news you can get as a neglected classic.