Patrick Glenn Nichols is a well-known photojournalist who tracks down Muscle Car Barn Finds for automotive magazines.
In particular, Patrick specializes in 1970 Chevelle SS models and has a whole YouTube channel that specializes in them.
Besides covering barn finds, he offers Chevy Chevelle SS authentication services for owners, sellers, and prospective buyers.
In this video, Patrick was hired to document a 1970 Chevelle SS454 LS6 in San Diego, California, on behalf of a potential buyer.
When buying a classic muscle car that sells for $169,00 on average, it is worth the investment to authenticate the vehicle.
At first glance, this 1970 Chevelle SS454 LS6 had everything going for it, including an advertised number’s matching engine.
However, the clues just weren’t adding up.
Table of Contents
How to Spot a Fake 1970 Chevelle SS LS6
It didn’t take Patrick long to spot that this 70 Chevelle SS was nothing more than a recreation of one of the rarest muscle cars to exist.
Unfortunately, this 1970 Chevelle SS454 LS6 is a fake, meaning it was never an LS6 from the factory and is, therefore, a muscle car clone.
After inspecting the vehicle for 20 minutes, Patrick determined it wasn’t a real LS6, much less a real Super Sport, and was likely a small block Malibu from the factory.
As if often the case, the seller wasn’t aware that his 1970 muscle car was a clone. He had owned it for over 35 years, believing it was an authentic LS6 Chevelle convertible.
This is where things get interesting.
What were the clues it wasn’t a real LS6?
- Incorrect font for the VIN stamp on the engine
- Incorrect TH400 for an LS6
- Incorrect 12-bolt positraction differential
- Incorrect lower trailing arms that aren’t boxed
- Missing firewall provision for the TH400 kick-down harness
- Missing 3/8 fuel line from the gas tank
- Incorrect taillights for a December 1969 built unit
- Incorrect second design rear bumper for build date
- Incorrect decklid and emblem in the wrong spot
- Nonexistent firewall provisions to be a tach and gauge car
- One of the passenger side SS fender emblems was upside down
- Incorrect second version cowl induction hood
While some of these items could’ve been replaced over the last 50 years, the clues don’t add up to a real SS454 LS6—especially without proper documentation.
In fact, the clues don’t even add up to it being a real SuperSport and is, therefore, likely a small block Chevelle Malibu from the factory.
Regrettably, he couldn’t recommend this vehicle for purchase as it wasn’t an authentic 1970 Chevelle SS454 LS6 convertible from the factory.
Watch the Video
Need third-party authentication of a 1970 Chevelle SS? Contact Patrick Glenn Nichols Musclecar Barn Finds at pnichols26@yahoo.com.
Ryan Wheaton
Ryan has owned muscle cars since 1986 and currently owns a 1972 Dodge Charger Rallye. He combines passion and experience to create engaging content for fellow muscle car enthusiasts. In 2018, he founded Muscle Cars Illustrated, authoring hundreds of articles on tips, history, and trends in the muscle car industry. He attends national car shows, auctions, and museums to stay current with the latest developments in the muscle car industry.
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