Chevrolet never made a station wagon version of the legendary Chevelle SS - opens in new window or tab. muscle car. But that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t have been a good idea. Fortunately, at least one enthusiast has picked up the slack, resulting in this 1970 Chevelle Concours Estate recently offered for sale on eBay.
item 1 of 18
Big Wagon With a Big Block
The builder started with a clean and virtually rust-free example in top Concours trim. Most importantly, the original wood grain body appliqués are intact. The tired original engine was replaced by a period-correct big block 454 cubic-inch LS5 V-8 from a 1970 Corvette - opens in new window or tab.. Not content with all that extra power in stock form, the builder gave the engine an array of performance upgrades, including:
- High-performance COMP Cams Camshaft - opens in new window or tab.
The list goes on, resulting in somewhere between 450 and 500 horsepower, making this a wagon that’s sure to get the kids to school on time.
In the interest of everyday drivability and fuel economy, a modern four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive takes the place of the original slush box. And there's a locking torque converter. Thanks to a Flowmaster performance exhaust - opens in new window or tab., they’ll hear you coming. Safety is paramount.
Stops and Turns as Well as It Goes
This wagon features a completely reworked and lowered suspension, with all new springs, shocks, front and rear sway bars, along with every last bushing. Complemented with fat Nitto NT555 - opens in new window or tab. tires mounted on classic-looking Torq-Thrust wheels - opens in new window or tab. at all four corners, the lower, aggressive stance looks great on this wagon, and reduces the center of gravity for improved handling.
Perhaps best of all, that’s where the list of mods comes to an end. The gold paint and tan interior are almost all original and very well preserved. This adds to the charm and period look. There are just enough signs of gentle wear to ensure that this is a car to drive and enjoy, rather than to lock away as a trailer queen.
Chevelle Concours Estate - Looks the Part
Most wagons of the era were SUVs and workhorses—and few remain as a result. Thankfully, this Concours Estate clearly spent a lot of years in caring hands. Only the upper parts of the body were repainted, partly to complete the transformation to an SS with appropriate striping.
The attention to detail extends to an authentic raised cowl induction hood - opens in new window or tab., something no 1970 Chevelle wagon left the factory with—but it looks right at home here. Other painstakingly sourced bits include an SS grille - opens in new window or tab. and badging front and rear, along with correct SS 454 tags on the front fenders - opens in new window or tab..
The largely stock interior shows minimal wear, with upgrades that show the same attention to detail as the exterior. A factory tachometer - opens in new window or tab. was fitted in the dash, with supplemental aftermarket instruments underneath. Aside from an aftermarket stereo and tasteful wood-rimmed steering wheel, everything else is stock.
This 1970 Chevelle Concours Estate started as a top-trim model. Its stand-out features include:
- Full carpeting throughout, including the cargo area
- A remote control outside mirror
- Woodgrain trim on the dash and doors
- A front seat center fold-down armrest
Priced at $48,500, the SS wagon that Chevrolet never built is ready for a new owner. This represents a fraction of the cost of building your own—if another example this clean could be found at all. The kids will be the envy of everyone at school.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.