Very Desirable 454
with M22 4spd and Air Conditioning
One of the
aspects that make collector cars of the 60’s and 70’s so intriguing was the consumers’
ability to select every fine detail of their car. Not like modern cars where
you are given packages to chose from, if you wanted a stripped down car with
bench seats and a big block, or a fully loaded convertible, it could be done by
checking the correct boxes on the order form!
The
beautifully restored 1970 Chevelle SS Convertible is such an example! On
January 21st of 1970, the original owner walked into Sausman
Chevrolet in Lemoyne PA and placed an order for a Fathom Blue Chevelle SS
convertible with the newly introduced 454 LS5 engine and an M22 “Rockcrusher” 4
speed transmission. Making the car even more unique were the other options he
selected, blue bucket seat interior with center console, power steering, power
brakes, power convertible top, sport stripes, AM radio with 8 track tape,
special instrumentation (including factory tach), bumper guards and perhaps the
most special of all, factory air conditioning!! The first owner would enjoy the
car enough to keep it until 1983 before changing hands for the first time. Over
the years,
the following owners have
been in touch and kept excellent records of ownership history and documentation
from the protect-o-plate to copies of the original dealer invoices and window
stickers, to old photos dating back to when the car was only a few months old. Recognizing
what a special car this was, it was treated to a complete frame off restoration
with a great attention to detail, the undercarriage shows beautifully, as does
the blue bucket interior, blue paint that has been wet sanded and polished to a
mirror like finish, open the cowl induction hood and see the beautifully
detailed numbers matching LS5 454 connected to the numbers matching M22. This
very special Chevelle convertible has led a comfortable life clearly, having
been well taken care of by everyone privileged enough to be the owner.
Now it awaits the next stage in its life,
whether part of a major collection or used for Sunday cruises, it will
certainly be a valued addition for years to come!
