1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo - $44,900 - Orange Village, OH - • Factory RPO Z20 SS 454
• 360-hp LS-5 Big Block V-8
• Bucket seats, console and cold air
The Monte Carlo SS 454 for 1970 combined the sleek styling and upscale appointments of Chevrolet’s then brand-new personal luxury coupe with the Bowtie division’s largest displacement passenger-car engine ever. Only 3,823 of the muscle-bound SS 454 Monte Carlos were built as 1970 models. One of them—possibly the best remaining in the world—is proudly presented here by Vintage Motor Cars.
Finished in Adobe Beige with a white vinyl top, this SS 454 was a rust-free California car when turned over to master restorer Jerry Bundy for a thorough refurbishing in 2000. More than $100,000 later, the beautifully and authentically restored Monte Carlo was returned to its owner in virtually “as-new” condition. Since receiving an AACA First Place Award in 2002, the SS 454 has been driven only 580 miles. For the past twelve years it has been pampered in a climate-controlled museum, where it has been serviced annually and operated only on leaded fuel.
Only subtle exterior details give away the extraordinary performance potential of this “muscle car in a silk shirt.” The signature SS 454 identification can be seen on the lower front fenders, within the lower body’s black-banded trim. Knowing enthusiasts also look for the rectangular chrome exhaust extensions below the rear bumper.
The SS 454 appears factory correct throughout and includes the powertrain and chassis components bundled with the RPO Z20 Monte Carlo SS 454 package. At the heart of matters, of course, is the massive 360-hp 454-cid 4-bbl. Turbo-Jet V-8 nestled under the Monte’s six-foot long hood. This big-block torque-monster is essentially the same engine as the Chevelle SS 454 LS-5 V-8.
A beefy GM TH-400 three-speed automatic, as found in our offered example, was specified for the SS 454. Special suspension components included automatic level control (rear air shocks) and front and rear anti-sway bars. Power front disc brakes were also standard. This SS 454 is equipped with handsome 15” Rally wheels that were extra-cost on the 1970 edition.
The SS 454 acquired a definite sporting flair when ordered with the optional vinyl-trimmed Strato-buckets seats with floor console and full-gauge instrumentation seen in this car. Optional air conditioning (which ‘blows cold,’), a tilt-wheel and original AM radio provide comfort, convenience and entertainment in this SS 454. Befitting a car of its performance capability, the Monte’s standard seat belts are complemented by factory-option shoulder harnesses.
Across the auto industry, the 1970 models reflected a convergence of new trends and fading eras. The year saw some of the most powerful and desirable high-performance offerings of the “muscle car era” come to market. This Monte Carlo SS 454 is a blue-chip example of just such an automobile. If you’re ready to enjoy the thrill of owning, driving and showing perhaps the finest remaining 1970 Monte Carlo SS 454 out there, call us now.
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