1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS
A-body · SS 396 (now 402ci) and SS 454 available. Chevelle-based plat... · Half car, half truck — all muscle
Highly Collectible
Production & Overview
Total Production
48,806
Original MSRP
$2,809
Assembly Plants
Arlington, TX · Oshawa, Canada
Wheelbase
116 inches
Body Styles
Car-Truck (Coupe Utility)
Curb Weight
3,600 lbs
Notable Packages & Production
LS6 454/450hp — LS6
4-6x base
Unknown
produced
SS Package — Z25
2x base
Unknown
produced
Available Engines
L65 350ci — V8
Base V8
250 hp
L34 (402ci) 402ci — V8
SS 396 — actually 402ci in 1970
350 hp
L78 (402ci) 402ci — V8
High output SS 396
375 hp
LS5 454ci — V8
SS 454 standard output
360 hp
LS6 454ci — V8
LS6 — most powerful El Camino ever. Rare.
450 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: LS6 non-matching loses 65%+. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Decode cowl tag for SS and engine options
Check engine suffix for LS6 designation
Verify SS Z25 option code on cowl tag
Inspect cargo bed thoroughly — used as work vehicle, often abused
Check floor pans and frame rails for rust
Verify cowl induction hood if present
Look for build sheet under rear seat
Check for correct Rally wheels
Inspect bed for rust through or repairs
Road test: LS6 has massive torque curve
Known Problem Areas
Cargo bed rust — primary failure point unique to El Camino
Floor pan rust
Heavy commercial use damage
LS6 fraud
Frame rail rust
Clone SS cars
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
LS6 with full documentation — rare in El Camino
SS 454 with cowl induction and 4-speed
Rust-free bed — critical value point
Numbers-matching LS6
↓ Decreases Value
LS6 fraud
Rusted bed — expensive repair
Heavy commercial use
Non-matching numbers
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
Medium
Parts Availability
Good — Chevelle parts largely interchange
Driver Quality Cost
$18,000 – $35,000
Show Quality Cost
$45,000 – $90,000
Key Suppliers
Classic Industries · Ground Up SS · OER
Pop Culture & Legacy
The ultimate muscle car utility vehicle
Strong following in the custom and lowrider communities
LS6 El Camino is among the rarest and most powerful GM vehicles of the era
Other Chevrolet El Camino SS Years