smith and gainer chevelle

[Mr70]

Only Chevrolet or Fisher Body can say for sure,and they don't even know or care.
To date none of their records have been found to say exactly.Experts like to extrapolate these numbers,but I don't accept that as an alternative.
They only installed the L-78 engine in 2144 Chevelles & Elcaminos during the first 90 days of 1970 production in the US,with none being assembled in Canada.The mass majority of those being 4 spd./3:55 equipped.They phased this engine out very early on the Chevelle,to allow the LS-6 to be produced.They did not want two solid lifter engines in the lineup.
I've always been intrigued with this car/engine combination-characteristics,and after decades of researching and tracking them,I have records of 211 of the 2144 made.Only 14 of them have turned out to be Cnvts...so far.
I have also found so far,that a total of 7 1970 L-78 Chevelles convt./hardtops were optioned with an Automatic transmission.
2 of those are convertibles,and Daves Chevelle is one of those convertibles.
Mine is one of the Hardtops.
Interesting too is Daves L-78 Convt.& my L-78 Hardtop were both built the same day,at the same plant,during the same shift,on the same assembly line with mine assembled 18 cars ahead of his.
There was an 1970 Aluminum head L-89 convertible out there that was claiming to be authentic for awhile,but after months of research and inquiries,it was proven to be false.The possible new owner of it was deceived and it was found to be fabricated by someone other the Chevrolet,and not even an SS car either.

[dbpg1212]

you guys really know your stuff! we knew this was a rare car but it sounds like it is more rare than an ls6. thanks for all your help.

[lwkitt427]

WAHT A GREA T PEICE OF HISTORY IT NEVER SEINCE TO AMAZE ME HOW MANY GUY KEEP THER RACR CARS AFTER ALL THESE YEARS IT DOES THE HEART GOOD TO HEAR ABOUT A GUY WHO KEEP HIS CAR, AND DID NOT SELL IT ANS WISH HE HD IT BACK

[MVCMC]

Don't quote me on this, but I believe only 6 with automatics. Now add the fact this one had power windows it might be the only one! I have some data at my shop and I'll look it up and post the totals of both 4-speeds & automatics.

[bwag]

Hi Steve. I remember the car as being really heavy on options. We used it as a chase car more than once for the dealership when it was a demo. Once it took a trip to Booth-Arons shop with a trunk full of goodies to be worked on.Another time it went down Milan drag strip with the top down!! Trust me ,it got all the respect that a 19 year old could dish out.

[Chevy454]

What's with all these '70 Chevelle drag cars with power windows around here lately...had folks gone "soft" by 1970?!

[dbpg1212]

these are great stories, this car has a great history. i will check the miles tomorrow, it sound like this car has been around. its hard to belive it still survives. i will keep you guys updated with the progress.

[Mr70]

Thank You for sharing your progress pictures with us Cole & Dave.










Patches covering where roll cage was originally secured to floor.

[dbpg1212]

i just checked the miles 16955. does that sound right? i know it was driven to alot of shows in the 80s and 90s.

[lwkitt427]

NEAT PIC'S GREAT CAR