When it comes to Chevelles, the 1970 model might be the best of the breed. The Malibu nameplate, which would denote the upscale variant of Chevelles for another two production years, would carry on as a separate model after 1972, dropping the Chevelle connection altogether. The golden era of Chevrolet‘s mid-size model was from 1964 to 1972, with the “Colonnade” 1973-’77 Malibu-only models only recently gaining traction. The 1968-’69 body style was cool, but the upswept side window cutouts look awkward from some angles. Don’t get us wrong, we love all Chevelles, but with the 1970 model, Chevy hit one out of the park.
The Chevelle came in multiple body styles that year, including coupes, sedans, convertibles, and station wagons. It was one of Chevrolet’s most successful nameplates, and the SS model has become a legendary muscle car. Chevy’s midsize wonder, when coupled with the Malibu trim level, could be had with a variety of engines, from a frugal six-cylinder up to fire-breathing big-block options.
Jeremy’s ’70 Malibu has been modified with many options beyond what Chevy’s engineers could have ever dreamed, blending those timeless lines with modern performance.
Engine choices included the standard 155 horsepower six-cylinder and a 200-horsepower 307 cubic-inch V-8, as well as one of two 350 cubic-inch V-8s, and a pair of 402-cubed engines. The RPO Z25 SS equipment option included one of these 402 cubic-inch engines but was still marketed as a 396. The second 402 engine was rated at 330 hp with single exhaust and was available in any V-8 series except an SS-optioned Malibu or El Camino.
Nestled between the front wheel wells of Jeremy’s blue ‘Bu is an E-85 swilling, 406cid Chevy mill with a deburred Dart block and ported heads. Jeremy mounted the engine two inches towards the stern and that was a major undertaking, The guts are stuffed with a Callies crank, forged steel Scat rods, and Mahle pistons.
The world witnessed the introduction of the 454 cubic-inch engine in 1970, which was only available with the RPO Z15 SS equipment option. The base 454 engine was rated at 360 bhp, also available with cowl induction. The optional LS6 version, equipped with a single four-barrel carburetor, produced 450 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm.
The small-block Chevy engine now houses a hefty 12.8:1 compression and feeds from the E-85 trough for safe, flex-fuel power. That said, Jeremy built this car to make memories, not a statement. He endured one of Minnesota’s notorious downpours during our photo shoot, proving that the only thing that melts on this car are the rear tires.
All New For 1970
Chevelle production for 1970 brought a sleek redesign, giving the Chevelle a curvier, dynamic look. The shared roofline with the Buick Skylark added a touch of elegance. Even the practical El Camino pickup got the Coke-bottle exterior treatment. Several models and trim levels were offered, such as the Chevelle, the Malibu, and the sporty SS (Super Sport), which featured a heavy-duty suspension, cooling system, and brake package.
The 1970 Chevelle was a big hit for Chevrolet, selling 489,582 units. (Note there are 145K Monte Carlo sales included in this chart.) The Malibu Coupe was the biggest seller at 272,532. To give you an idea of how huge these numbers are, the Sixth-Gen Camaro sold about 40k units a year—chart courtesy of Chevelle Stuff.
The Chevelle was a symbol of an era. It combined big performance with Bill Mitchell’s tasteful styling, making it an automotive high-water mark that resonates with car enthusiasts today. The 1971 models switched to two headlights, and although not chopped liver, we think the quad-headlamp front of the ’70 model looks better.
Jeremy Beane’s 1970 Malibu
A great, surviving example of a 1970 Malibu is Jeremy Beane’s Astro blue, two-door coupe. Hailing from Apple Valley, Minnesota, he has owned the car for 26 years. Although originally a California car, Jeremy’s dad found it in the local newspaper’s classified section in 1997. Jeremy said, “It was mostly original, it had working A/C and 14-inch steel wheels with center caps. It looked like Grandma’s car.”
It was located just two miles away from their house and the owner was selling it because he needed to relocate for a new job. Jeremy always liked this year of Chevy’s intermediate, and after he saw the car, he forked over the money and drove off. Since then, Jeremy has spent ten years restoring and perfecting the old ‘Bu. He knew he needed a stout platform for a reliable muscle car, so he boxed the factory frame with an ABC Performance kit and built the car around that.
Jeremy informed us he wanted his Malibu to be a strong, pro touring build. He beefed up the entire frame and suspension accordingly, boxing the frame and modifying it for a complete coilover suspension front and rear.
Jeremy tells us, “Boxing the frame without taking the body off was challenging, the car was up on jack stands so I had to lay on the garage floor to weld it in.” The car is suspended by QA1 control arms and coilovers, and Heidt’s tall spindles up front, with a four-link rear featuring QA1 trailing arms and coilovers. The car connects to the pavement via 17-inch Center Line Lazer II wheels and Nitto tires.
Steering is handled by a Turn One 12.7:1 steering box, with a Jones Racing Products power steering pump, and UMI Performance bump steer kit. When you hit the binders, Wilwood brakes at all four corners bring the party to a standstill.
The car breathes through an Edelbrock Super Victor intake manifold and exhales through a three-inch exhaust system with Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers. That 406 is mated to a TREMEC Magnum T56 manual gearbox with associated mods to the stock transmission tunnel to make everything fit. The 406 puts out 633 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 575 lb-ft of torque.
Jeremy’s Malibu is well-rounded and built to perform when accelerating, stopping, or turning!
The body is stock except for a fiberglass cowl induction hood. Believe it or not, the paint job is 35 years old and still presents well. The styling of the Chevelle is timeless and Jeremy was wise enough to get the stance and wheels right and let the stock body stand on its own. The car’s Astro Blue hue is one of our favorite GM colors from this period.
Inside the car has been lovingly nudged back to a patina’d perfection. The seat material looks to be original and Jeremy created a custom dash insert with parts sourced from Summit Racing and added AutoMeter Sport Comp II gauges. The granny steering wheel and plain Jane door cards were retained, and are in great shape. The cabin was treated to full Dynamat insulation and new carpet to make the cockpit tidy and quiet.
We think the best modern muscle car is one where you’re not quite sure what’s been massaged and what’s stock. Aside from the wheels and beefy rubber, there is not a lot that gives a clue what this Malibu has under its skin. The best part of a gentle update is one ends up with a car that never goes out of style. So kudos to Jeremy for rescuing this old ‘Bu and reincarnating it into a modern muscle machine.