Chevelle LS5 vs. Chevelle L78 (1970)

[69_BM_LS7]

Kevin-If you are talking 1970 convertibles the white L78 sold at BJ a year ago the buyer paid $108,000. A dealer in Illinois has a fathom blue coming in and is going to ask $150,000. Obviously asking price does not mean much until it sells. I have not seen a recent LS5 convertible sale.

Kevin,

I'm going to go against the grain here..If you are refering to converts then the L78 (provided it is documented) is going to be the buy for an investment. However for sheer driving and enjoyment an LS5 with a 4spd and air is my choice. I have always thought the LS5's never got their "due," and it is only recently that prices have gone up to the point of the L78 Chevelles. That being said it is my opinion, and we all know what they are like...if you are going to buy a L78 today, just buy a LS6 and be done with it. I mean when looking at the L78 and the LS6 side by side..the only thing the L78's have over the LS6 is fewer made....not as much hp, not as big of an engine, same available options (no factory ac (C60), and more importantly.. not as much mystique. If you want a slightly undervalued, highly optioned car, find a nice LS5, CI, gauge, buckets, and a 4spd...with air. Best of both worlds...just my opinion.

[69_BM_LS7]

Anyone have an opinion on what a documented LS6 convertible is worth today?

[MotownMadman]

BM LS7
I would guess $150, but I will go as high as $200!
Motown

[69_BM_LS7]

A steal compared to a Mopar!

[hvychev]

Although I would love to have a solid lifter high horse car I have to say that my 70 LS5 is awesome! NO BS I have driven this car 13,000+ miles in three years without the SLIGHTEST mechanical failure. I have even driven it to the track a couple of times ran a 13.9@95mph and drove right home after about 8 runs.

[mc25t190]

Why haven't these cars got what they deserved(LS6's) convertibles , only 19 built , when will they catch on? As far as the 70 L78 and the LS5 go, i have no clue. i am just helping a friend who is looking for a L78 0r Ls5, me, well, i like the LS6 convertible. it amazes me that a hemi- cuda is worth 5 times the value as low as the production numbers are for the LS6 convertible.how many of those are still left?

Kevin,

I think it has to due with more of the Hemi mystique then anything else. I mean a LS6 looks pretty feeble when comparing engine compartments to a Hemi car. Also I question the numbers that are commonly thrown around for LS6 converts. I think it is closer to 50 or so cars, but haven't any firm proof. That is just based on some oberservations concerning the number that are seen today, figuring in some attrition. Another one of the reasons that LS6 prices in general, have lagged behind other extreme horsepower cars, is the lack of a registry to asscertain the production figures and surviving examples. A group of people including a few board members and myself attempted to start one, but it never really got anywhere. I think mainly due to the apparent "laisez faire," attitudes of LS6 owners, and perhaps one "guru" that undermined the registry by questioning my motives for having one. It would be nice to have a firmer idea of how many cars survived, but until the LS6 "community" gets off its' collective ass and decides a registry is needed we will just have to guess. I would say a documented, frame offed convert would certainly bring 150k.

Greg

[ohhawk]

[ QUOTE ]
Kevin- I have not seen a recent LS5 convertible sale.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've followed these prices for a few years with a number of sales and listed no sales. Like most rare popular musclecars their prices have moved strongly in the last couple years. NADA guide says low 60's for a very nice one. Most recent action I've seen on a LS5 convertible was at an auction in the SW within the last 60 days. A touted #1 LS5 convertible (gray) was bid to nearly 60 but reserve on it was mid 80s (high in my opinion). Florida dealer had documented one in the last 12 months that was listed at $57,000 and sold. White one / red interior. True documented versions are hard to find. Many that get listed do not have documentation when you call and inquire. I posted on the Team Chevelle board quite some time ago and asked how many Chevelle enthusiasts knew of a documented LS5 convertible in their neck of the woods....I received no reponses. To date the fella that has posted in the "wanted" section on this board has not received any posted responses. Hopefully, Mr. Matisson's efforts may surface something for production numbers.

[Mr70]

There is an LS5 Convert.with tons of options on it that is in need of a Very extensive restoration.
I saw the car 8 years ago,and saw it again recently.The owner is asking way to much,as he is asking the price for one done.His LS5 is not anywhere near driver quality even.He has shared the Buildsheet with me,and I have many pictures.It is a Complete matching numbers Drivetrain.And more Options then I have ever seen on a 1970 Chevelle.
I do not think his price is inline today with what this car is valued at in it's current condition.JMO.

Yea Greg it's all my fault......