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As automotive enthusiasts, we all have at least one or two cars that we consider to be our “dream ride.” For some, it could be a Baldwin-Motion Camaro. For others, a big-block Corvette might top the list. But when it comes to Chevrolet muscle cars, the 1970 LS6 Chevelle probably tops more “wish lists” than any other classic-Chevy muscle. If you subscribe to the latter thought, the folks at Dream Giveaway want to help make your wish come true.
Take a look at what some feel is the best Chevelle the sweepstakes company has ever offered. Personally, I’m not sure how many LS6 Chevelles were offered in this combination, but I feel confident saying it’s a low number. Let’s face it, in 1970, there were those cars that were built to dominate the local boulevards, and then there was everyone else. This car was built to be dominant.
The LS6 454 engine was the pinnacle of Chevrolet horsepower in 1970.
When Horsepower Ruled
It was a time when having 400 cubic inches under the hood wasn’t enough for any hot rodder while cruising local haunts for unsuspecting suckers. Much like now, it was a time when horsepower was King. The more you had, the better. We’ve all heard the old standard, “there’s no replacement for displacement,” and that was never truer than in 1970. The 454 cubic-inch mill called the LS6 – designated RPO Z15 – delivered a factory-rated 450 horsepower, and was the largest cubic-inch engine in the Chevrolet lineup. It was a solid-lifter-equipped tire-melter that cranked out 500 lb-ft of torque. In fact, the May 1970 issue of Hot Rod magazine is quoted as saying, “The past is gone. The future may never see a car like this. It is one of the brutes, and all it needs is a way of staying in contact with terra firma.”
The 1970 LS6 Chevelle is a true icon of muscle and commands big money today. But in a world where documented items can affect a classic car’s value, finding records that will clearly document every Chevelle’s options – as delivered – is impossible. In fact, many years ago, Chevrolet’s records were destroyed. Consequently, there are no known figures about how many were outfitted with four-speeds, Turbo 400s, Positraction, vinyl tops, AM/FM radios, or any other option. However, it is agreed upon that 4,475 LS6 Chevelles rolled off the line. But again, with a lack of true records, there is no break down of how many were coupes, convertibles, or El Caminos.
Spartan by today’s standards, the Chevelle is all business.
The LS6 engine utilized the same block as the LS5, but had a few upgrades like an 800-cfm Holley four-barrel carburetor cramming fuel and air into an aluminum manifold instead of the traditional Quadrajet mounted to cast iron. The bottom-end of LS6 featured four-bolt main-journals, a forged-steel crankshaft, and connecting rods with forged-aluminum pistons to create an 11.25:1 compression ratio. And then, there was the solid-lifter camshaft with .520-inch lift and 316/302 degrees of duration. Because the LS6 was capable of a high redline (6,500 rpm), deep-groove accessory-drive pulleys were necessary.
Unfortunately, new, more-stringent emission standards meant the LS6 was hobbled with a primitive Air Injection Reactor (A.I.R.) pump. This pollution-control device was mounted to the engine and plumbed into the top of the exhaust manifolds at each exhaust port. It was designed to inject additional air into the exhaust system and reduce hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. When someone bought a new LS6 Chevelle, chances were good the A.I.R. system was one of the first items to be removed by owners upon taking delivery of their new “sleeper.” This car still has it.
When it came time for the driver to select gears, he or she could choose either the Muncie M22 “Rock Crusher” close-ratio four-speed transmission or the Turbo 400. Buyers did, however, have a myriad of rearend gear choices up to a 4.33 ratio.
Purebred Racer
One of the things readily apparent about this particular LS6 Chevelle is, it was definitely not ordered to be the car Grandma would be driving to church on Sunday. For instance, not only is the numbers-matching 450-horsepower LS6 still powering the A-body, but this one came sans, power steering and any other niceties that would make the car heavier. The bench seat requires a “bent” shifter be utilized, but make no mistake, this car was designed to be a street monster. We should add, a previous owner did add power steering to the car.
A quick glance around the body and it is noticeable that it has received a restoration. A 1970 Chevelle never had paint this smooth from the factory. I am certain the limited, 40,000 miles it has been driven made the repaint a relatively easy proposition. The Desert Tan exterior and Saddle interior doesn’t immediately grab your attention, but it looks great on this factory hot-rod. In fact, the car looks so unassuming, a couple of the ladies at Dream Giveaway even remarked it looked like a “grandma car.”
Driving A Legend
Driving a car like this is not something I take lightly. This is a true collectible in any sense of the word. Fortunately, this was my lucky day. As soon as I finished shooting the images for this feature, I was shocked as Christopher Phillip, Dream Giveaway’s director of communications asked me if I wanted to take the car for a ride. At first, I was actually hesitant about the prospect. On one hand, it’s not very often someone hands me the keys to an LS6-powered Chevelle – with a four-speed no less. On the other hand, this is an LS6 Chevelle with 40,000 miles on the odometer. What if something happens?
After mentally beating my trepidation into submission, I slid behind the wheel and hit the ignition. I was amazed at how quickly and easily the engine started. The car had been parked for a few days, and a single pump of the Holley had the car idling like it should and the solid-lifters emitting a purposeful tapping sound.
As I eased onto St. Petersburg, Florida’s 49th Avenue, I immediately noticed the benefit of the previous-owner-added power steering. I got the Chevelle pointed straight, pressed down on the throttle, and rowed through the gears — it was a smooth and seamless task. With the 4.10 gears, each gear change came-on quickly. As I took a right at the first traffic light, the temperature gauge started to settle in and I decided to help the car stretch its legs. I didn’t drive “grandma’s” car like a well-insured rental, but I did run the tach up to 5,000 rpm in each gear. The car never missed a beat, and nary a strange noise or rattle was heard. There was no denying the Chevelle had a lot more to offer. But again, it wasn’t my car and I wasn’t going to have too much fun and break something.
Before I left the garage, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the car was actually very content while driving in traffic. There was never a hint of loading-up, and the temperature gauge was happily in the “normal” range. There is no doubt this will make someone a great car. I continued my cruise around St. Pete and eventually made my way back to the Dream Giveaway headquarters. As I pulled the car into the garage, I couldn’t help but realize that I needed to purchase a few tickets and try to get this car for myself.
You Want To Own It?
Speaking of someone getting a great car, any one of you reading this can actually own this one. The LS6 Chevelle’s Dream Giveaway only requires a $3.00 donation for a single entry, and it is tax-deductible. That means you could – in theory – own this car buy purchasing a single $3.00 ticket. But, who actually buys one ticket? If that premise is not enough to get your blood pumping, Dream Giveaway will also be giving the winner $20,000 to help cover taxes.
The sweepstakes will end on April, 28, 2020, and the winner will be announced on or about June 14, 2020. Once a winner is randomly selected and announced, the Chevelle will be presented to that person in Clearwater, Florida.
We Want To Help You Win.
Since you’re reading this, if you want to get a few extra tickets, you can get bonus tickets courtesy of us here at Chevy Hardcore. When you enter to win, simply click here and use promo code VY0619V. Not only could you win the car, but you will be contributing to several worthy causes. All I can say, is get your tickets now.
