1970 Chevrolet Nova SS
X-body · Restyled front end. SS package continues with 350 and 396. L... · The Nova SS peaks — 396 power in a lightweight package
Highly Collectible
Production & Overview
Total Production
262,307
Original MSRP
$2,295
Assembly Plants
Willow Run, MI · Norwood, OH · Fremont, CA
Wheelbase
111 inches
Body Styles
Sport Coupe · 2-Door Sedan
Curb Weight
3,010 lbs
Notable Packages & Production
Super Sport — Z26
2-3x base
19,558
produced
Available Engines
L48 350ci — V8
SS base V8
300 hp
L34 396ci — V8
Big block mid-output
350 hp
L78 396ci — V8
High output big block
375 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: L78 non-matching loses 50-60%. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Verify Z26 SS option via cowl tag
Check engine suffix code
Inspect floor pans and lower quarters for rust
Check for drag racing damage
Verify correct SS hood design
Look for build sheet under rear seat
Verify correct rally wheels if SS
Check rear axle ratio code
Road test for axle and transmission noise
Inspect frame rails for rust and damage
Known Problem Areas
Floor pan rust
Drag racing modifications and damage
Engine swaps
Lower quarter rust
Clone SS cars
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
L78 396 SS numbers-matching
4-speed with big block
Unmodified original
Documented cowl tag
↓ Decreases Value
Non-matching numbers
Drag racing damage
Floor rust
Clone SS
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
Medium
Parts Availability
Good
Driver Quality Cost
$14,000 – $28,000
Show Quality Cost
$38,000 – $70,000
Key Suppliers
Classic Industries · Ground Up SS · OER
Pop Culture & Legacy
Continuation of the ultimate sleeper muscle car legacy
Popular drag racing platform into the modern era
Strong presence at muscle car shows nationwide
Other Chevrolet Nova SS Years