The Chevrolet Chevelle (1964–1972) was GM's mid-size A-body car, competing with the Ford Fairlane and Plymouth Belvedere. The 1970–1972 SS 454 (LS5/LS6) is the most collectible — the LS6 at 450hp is the holy grail, with #2 examples at $150,000–$250,000. The 1968–1972 SS 396 (375hp) is the best value buy at $45,000–$65,000 (#2). The 1964–1967 Chevelle 300/Malibu is the entry point at $20,000–$35,000 (#2). Convertibles command 30–50% premium over coupes. The El Camino (1964–1972) is the pickup variant — SS 454 El Caminos are rising fast at $40,000–$70,000 (#2).
Three Generations of Chevelle
The Chevelle evolved through three distinct styling generations during its classic era. The first gen (1964–1967) was clean and boxy; the second gen (1968–1972) introduced the muscular "Coke bottle" shape that defines the Chevelle for most collectors; the third gen (1973–1977) "Colonnade" is less collectible and not covered in this guide.
| Generation | Years | Styling | Key Engines | Collectibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen | 1964–1967 | Clean, boxy, symmetrical; Malibu trim added 1964 | 194ci I6 to 327ci V8 (300hp); 396ci added 1965 | Medium — 1965–1967 SS 396 rising |
| 2nd Gen | 1968–1972 | Coke-bottle curves, fastback roofline, aggressive stance | 307ci to 454ci; LS6 450hp in 1970 | High — 1970–1972 SS 454/396 are investment-grade |
| 3rd Gen (Colonnade) | 1973–1977 | Larger, heavier, safety bumpers; not covered | 350ci to 454ci (detuned) | Low — not in this guide |
The 2nd generation (1968–1972) is what most people picture when they hear "Chevelle." The Coke-bottle shape, especially on the 1970-1972 models with the single headlights and divided grille, is the iconic Chevelle look.
Production Numbers
| Year | Total Chevelle Production | SS Production (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | ~328,000 | N/A (SS introduced 1965) | First year; 300/Malibu trim levels |
| 1965 | ~342,000 | ~73,000 | SS 396 introduced (Z16 option); 201 Z16 Malibus built |
| 1966 | ~415,000 | ~72,000 | SS 396 becomes standalone model; revised grille |
| 1967 | ~428,000 | ~65,000 | Last 1st-gen year; 396 bumped to 375hp option |
| 1968 | ~423,000 | ~62,000 | All-new 2nd gen; Coke-bottle styling; Concours trim |
| 1969 | ~440,000 | ~70,000 | Side marker lights; 396 options expanded |
| 1970 | ~470,000 | ~55,000 | New grille/headlights; 454ci LS5/LS6 introduced |
| 1971 | ~500,000 | ~50,000 | Single headlights; SS 454 continues; compression drop |
| 1972 | ~490,000 | ~48,000 | Final classic year; SS becomes option package, not model |
Production data from GM. SS production estimates include all SS-badged cars (396 and 454 combined). The 1970 LS6 is the rarest — approximately 4,475 built across all body styles.
Engine Specifications
| Engine | Displacement | Years | HP | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 194ci I6 | 194ci | 1964–1965 | 120 | 177 | Base engine; adequate for cruising |
| 230ci I6 | 230ci | 1966–1969 | 140 | 205 | Replaced 194; standard in base models |
| 250ci I6 | 250ci | 1968–1972 | 155 | 235 | Base I6 on 2nd gen; reliable |
| 307ci V8 | 307ci | 1968–1972 | 200 | 300 | Base V8; common but least desirable |
| 327ci V8 | 327ci | 1964–1968 | 250–300 | 350–360 | Most common V8 on 1st gen; good performer |
| 350ci V8 | 350ci | 1969–1972 | 255–300 | 360–380 | Replaced 327; good all-around |
| 396ci V8 (L35) | 396ci | 1965–1970 | 325 | 415 | Base big-block SS; most common 396 |
| 396ci V8 (L78) | 396ci | 1966–1968 | 375 | 415 | High-output 396; solid lifters; rare |
| 402ci V8 (LS3) | 402ci | 1970–1972 | 240–300 | 415–460 | Replaced 396 (same block, bored); badged "396" |
| 454ci V8 (LS5) | 454ci | 1970–1972 | 360–390 | 500 | Base 454 SS; strong but not LS6 |
| 454ci V8 (LS6) | 454ci | 1970 | 450 | 500 | King of Chevelles; ~4,475 built; most valuable |
The LS6 454 (1970 only) is the most desirable Chevelle engine — 450hp, 500 lb-ft, solid lifters. The L78 396 (375hp) is the rarest 396. The 402ci was marketed as a "396" in 1970–1972 to maintain brand recognition.
Market Values by Condition (2026)
| Variant | #1 Concours | #2 Excellent | #3 Good | #4 Fair | 5-Year Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 SS 454 LS6 Coupe | $300,000 | $200,000 | $120,000 | $50,000 | +50% |
| 1970 SS 454 LS6 Convertible | $400,000 | $275,000 | $170,000 | $70,000 | +55% |
| 1970 SS 454 LS5 Coupe | $85,000 | $60,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 | +35% |
| 1971–1972 SS 454 LS5 Coupe | $75,000 | $52,000 | $30,000 | $12,000 | +32% |
| 1968–1970 SS 396 (375hp) Coupe | $95,000 | $65,000 | $38,000 | $16,000 | +38% |
| 1968–1970 SS 396 (325hp) Coupe | $70,000 | $48,000 | $27,000 | $11,000 | +33% |
| 1971–1972 SS 396/402 Coupe | $55,000 | $38,000 | $21,000 | $8,500 | +28% |
| 1968–1972 SS 396 Convertible | $90,000 | $62,000 | $35,000 | $14,000 | +35% |
| 1965–1967 SS 396 Coupe | $65,000 | $45,000 | $25,000 | $10,000 | +30% |
| 1964–1967 Malibu 327 Coupe | $45,000 | $30,000 | $16,000 | $6,500 | +25% |
| 1968–1972 350/Malibu Coupe | $35,000 | $23,000 | $12,000 | $5,000 | +22% |
| 1970 SS 454 LS6 El Camino | $150,000 | $100,000 | $60,000 | $25,000 | +45% |
| 1968–1972 SS 396 El Camino | $55,000 | $38,000 | $20,000 | $8,000 | +30% |
Values from Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, and Bring a Trailer sold data (2024–2026). LS6 values are based on limited transactions (~4,475 built). Convertibles are 30–50% premium over coupes. El Caminos are 15–25% less than equivalent coupes.
Value Trend Chart (2020–2026)
Chevelle Average Values (#2 Condition)
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 LS6 454 (#2) | 130000 | 150000 | 170000 | 185000 | 195000 | 200000 | 200000 |
| 1968–70 SS 396 375hp (#2) | 45000 | 52000 | 58000 | 62000 | 64000 | 65000 | 65000 |
| 1970 LS5 454 (#2) | 42000 | 48000 | 53000 | 56000 | 58000 | 60000 | 60000 |
The LS6: King of the Chevelles
The 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 is the most powerful Chevelle ever built and one of the most powerful production cars of the muscle car era. With 450hp and 500 lb-ft of torque (both underrated), solid lifters, an 800cfm Holley carb, and 11.25:1 compression, it ran the quarter mile in 13.3 seconds at 107 mph — stock. Only ~4,475 were built in 1970 only. The LS6 is the Chevelle that every collector wants and very few will ever own.
Key Option Codes (RPO)
Chevelle RPO Codes
| Code | Name / Description |
|---|---|
LS6 | 454ci V8 (450hp) Solid lifters, 11.25:1 compression, 800cfm Holley; 1970 only; ~4,475 built |
LS5 | 454ci V8 (360–390hp) Hydraulic lifters; base 454 SS; 1970–1972; more common than LS6 |
L78 | 396ci V8 (375hp) Solid lifters; high-output 396; rare; 1966–1968 |
L35 | 396ci V8 (325hp) Base big-block SS; most common 396; 1965–1970 |
LS3 | 402ci V8 (240–300hp) Bored 396; marketed as "396" in 1970–1972; emissions-choked |
M21 | 4-Speed Manual (Muncie) Close-ratio; preferred over M20; standard on LS6 |
M40 | Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 3-speed automatic; strong but less desirable than 4-speed |
G80 | Positraction Rear Axle Limited-slip; essential for big-block torque |
F41 | Heavy-Duty Suspension Stiffer springs, larger sway bars; standard on SS |
J56 | Power Disc Brakes Front disc brakes; standard on SS 454; optional on others |
Z15 | SS 454 Option Package 1970 only; includes LS5 or LS6, SS badges, stripes, F41 |
Z25 | SS 396 Option Package 1969–1972; includes 396/402, SS badges, stripes, F41 |
V26 | Vinyl Top Common on Malibu; check for rust underneath |
C60 | Air Conditioning Factory A/C; adds $2,000–$5,000 value; rare on LS6 |
El Camino: The Chevelle Pickup
The El Camino was built on the Chevelle platform from 1964–1972 (with a break in 1961–1963 on the Biscayne platform). It combined Chevelle front-end styling with a pickup bed. SS 396 and SS 454 El Caminos are genuine muscle cars with truck utility.
| Variant | #1 Concours | #2 Excellent | #3 Good | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 SS 454 LS6 El Camino | $150,000 | $100,000 | $60,000 | Rarest El Camino; ~50 built with LS6 |
| 1970 SS 454 LS5 El Camino | $60,000 | $42,000 | $24,000 | More common than LS6; strong investment |
| 1968–1970 SS 396 El Camino | $55,000 | $38,000 | $20,000 | Most common SS El Camino; good value |
| 1971–1972 SS 396/454 El Camino | $45,000 | $32,000 | $17,000 | Last big-block El Caminos |
| 1964–1967 El Camino (327) | $35,000 | $24,000 | $12,000 | 1st gen; clean styling; entry point |
El Caminos are worth 15–25% less than equivalent coupes but are rising faster — the "muscle truck" appeal is growing. The 1970 LS6 El Camino is the rarest of all, with approximately 50 built.
Buying Guide
- Best investment: 1970 SS 454 LS6 Coupe
- 450hp, one year only, ~4,475 built; $200,000 (#2)
- Appreciating 10–15% annually; investment-grade
- Verify LS6 engine code, build sheet, and trim tag
- Best value: 1968–1970 SS 396 (325hp) Coupe
- 325hp big-block; same SS look and feel as LS6
- $48,000 (#2) — 75% cheaper than LS6
- Most common SS; easier to find and restore
- Best 1st gen: 1966–1967 SS 396 Coupe
- Clean 1st-gen styling; 396 big-block; $45,000 (#2)
- Rarer than 2nd gen; rising in value
- 1965 Z16 Malibu SS is ultra-rare (~201 built)
- Best entry point: 1964–1967 Malibu 327 Coupe
- 300hp 327 V8; classic looks; $30,000 (#2)
- Good restomod platform; can swap to 350/396 later
- More available than SS models
- Best convertible: 1969–1970 SS 396 Convertible
- Open-top big-block cruising; $62,000 (#2)
- 30–50% premium over coupe; rarer
- Verify top mechanism and floor pan condition
- Best El Camino: 1968–1970 SS 396
- Big-block muscle truck; $38,000 (#2)
- Rising faster than coupes; unique appeal
- Check bed floor for rust and structural integrity
- Avoid: 307ci base models with no SS package
- 200hp is underpowered; no collector premium
- Only valuable as a restomod donor
- If buying, budget for engine swap to 350+
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I tell if an LS6 is real?
- Verify the engine block stamping has "LS6" or the correct suffix code. Check the trim tag for the correct body code. The LS6 was only available in 1970. Request the build sheet (often found under the back seat or behind the gas tank). Many LS6 "tributes" exist — a real one requires documentation.
- What is the difference between SS 396 and SS 454?
- SS 396 was available 1965–1972 (became 402ci in 1970 but kept "396" badge). SS 454 was available 1970–1972. The 454 is larger, more powerful, and more valuable. The LS6 454 (450hp, 1970 only) is the most powerful; the LS5 454 (360–390hp) is the base 454.
- Are 4-door Chevelles worth anything?
- Very little as collector cars — $5,000–$15,000 in good condition. They have value as parts donors or restomod projects. The collector market is almost entirely focused on 2-door coupes, convertibles, and El Caminos.
- Is the El Camino a car or a truck?
- Legally it's a truck (registered as a pickup in most states). Culturally it's both. The SS El Camino has the same drivetrain and suspension as the SS Chevelle coupe. It's the only way to get big-block muscle with a cargo bed.
- Should I restore or restomod my Chevelle?
- For LS6, L78, and any matching-numbers SS: restore to original. For base 307/350 models: restomod is acceptable and often increases value. A pro-touring Chevelle with LS engine, 6-speed, and modern suspension can sell for $50,000–$90,000 if done well.
Get an AI-powered valuation for your Chevelle or El Camino — free, instant, based on real auction data.
Value My ChevelleSources & References
- Hagerty Price Guide — Valuation Tools — Independent valuation data by condition grade #1-#4
- Bring a Trailer — Auction Results — Real-world auction sale prices for market comparison
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