Take a look at this incredible find, 1970 Chevelle SS Found Parked in Texas Over 30 Years!
In a prime example of a true “barn find”, automotive sleuth Patrick Glenn Nichols uncovered a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS that had been parked and forgotten in Texas for more than 30 years. The splendid relic—a 1970 Chevelle SS 396 in Forest Green with a white vinyl roof—had remained untouched since about 1991.
Why It’s Special
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The car is numbers-matching: the original L34 396 engine, M40 automatic transmission and rear end are all intact, making it a genuine survivor.
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Despite its long-dormant state, it was housed inside and thus avoided the worst of the elements—making the preservation far better than many barn finds.
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The color choice and option mix—Forest Green with white vinyl roof and squared outer stripes (D88) — give it a distinctive factory look that stands out in the Chevelle world.
What Condition Was It In?
Nichols’ documentation shows that while surface-rust and dust had accumulated, the structure was solid and the car looked remarkably complete. As noted: “The car had been off the road for more than 30 years, but the bodywork and mechanical scenario appear to be far stronger than expected.”
Of course, long dormancy is not without risk—vinyl roof corrosion, hidden rust at floors or quarters and potential seized components are all part of the restoration checklist.
Why This Matters for Muscle-Car Collectors
This discovery underlines several important points:
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Survivor value: Original, unmolested muscle-cars (especially second-gen Chevelles) are increasingly rare, and every intact example commands attention.
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Texas climate benefit: While Texas is not rust-free territory, a car stored mostly indoors can avoid the severe corrosion seen in more humid or salted environments—boosting its restoration viability.
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Story appeal: The back-story of “parked since 1991, found decades later” adds narrative value for buyers and restorers alike. Consider the Wikipedia definition of “barn find” — vehicles hidden away, rediscovered, and possessing potential that belies their neglected state. Wikipedia
What’s Next for This Chevelle?
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A detailed mechanical inspection is planned to assess engine, transmission, suspension and structural health.
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A decision must be made: restore to factory spec or build as a restomod. Collectors may prefer preservation while performance-fans might extract the power potential.
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Documentation verification (build sheet, VIN, RPO codes) will be critical to firm up provenance and value.
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The next chapter will involve bringing this sleeping giant back to life—perhaps a full drive-out, or a feature piece on social media/trade publications.
Final Take
Discoveries like this keep the collector-car world alive with excitement. A 1970 Chevelle SS, numbers-matching, hidden for over three decades, now re-emerging—it’s exactly the kind of find that stirs the passion in every gearhead. Whether this car becomes a show-piece, a driver, or something in between, its story is just beginning again.
