Introduction - 1970
The 1970 model year saw a fairly major revision of the body style from 1969. Gone (for the U.S. market) was the 2-door coupe (pillared coupe). New for 1970 was the Monte Carlo. Although many owners (both Chevelle and Monte Carlo) do not consider them to be Chevelles, both were built on the same assembly plant lines and were sequenced together, both use Chevelle drive line components, and both carry GM's "13" series designations.
The base Chevelle sport coupe and 4-door sedan were given the name of "Standard" instead of 300 Deluxe. Station wagons were given their own names; "Greenbrier" for the base wagon, "Concours" for the Malibu series wagon, and "Concours Estate" for the upscale 13836/46 wagon.
The 1970 model year saw the introduction of two different SS Equipment option packages, the SS 396 (RPO Z25) and the SS 454 (RPO Z15) in early November of 1969. Both SS Equipment options were pretty much the same except for the engines, the SS 396 was now actually 402 cubic inches, and the SS 454 with a 454 cubic inch engine. SS Equipment body modifications were the same save for SS 396 badging vs. SS 454 badging. Power disc brakes, a domed hood, and RPO F41 suspension were part of both SS Equipment options. The heavy duty 3-speed manual transmission was no longer possible with either SS Equipment option so one had to order either the RPO M40 TH400 Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed automatic or a manual 4-speed transmission; the SS 396 could order either the M20 wide ratio or M21 close ratio 4-speed where the SS 454 was limited to the M22 heavy duty close ratio 4-speed transmission. See the SS Equipment page for more information.
Surprisingly with the current popularity of Tuxedo Black, Fathom Blue, and Cranberry Red 1970 Chevelles, the most popular color sold in 1970 was Green Mist (44,631 sold) followed closely by Forrest Green (37,073 sold). Latest color figures are only through March of 1970 but these two hold such a commanding lead over the other colors available there is no reason to think they would not still be the two most popular.
A new model, the Monte Carlo sport coupe (13857) made its introduction in 1970. Where applicable these were built AND sequenced along with other Chevelles. The Monte Carlo could be ordered with its own SS option under RPO Z20; 3,823 were ordered. The 360 horsepower 454 LS5 engine was part of the Monte Carlo SS package.
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1970 Chevelle Links
- Only items in ALL CAPS and with an asterisk ( * ) are active
- PRODUCTION NUMBERS *
- Vehicle Identification Number
- ENGINES *
- Transmissions
- Rear Axle
- Interior Trim
- Exterior Paint
- Interior/Exterior Combinations
- Regular Production Options
- Dealer Installed Accessories
- SS EQUIPMENT *
- Facts/Trivia
- Trim Tag Data
- PLANT PRODUCTION NUMBERS *
- Tires & Wheels
