1970 Chevelle L-78 convertible production numbers

[1969camarors427]

Does anyone have info on production numbers of 70 Chevelle L-78 convertible production numbers. I have been checking different sites and have heard anywhere from 5 to 18. Thanks

[Mr70]

Hi George
Only Chevrolet or Fisher Body would know the exact total,and they didn't keep very good records.So far no factory records of any kind have been found to say for sure.
I have recorded 14 to be authentic so far,with 3 more claiming to be,but I've not seen/heard anything more about those yet.Only one of those 14 is an L-89 Convert.

[Rixls6]

There's no real way to know how many of any body/ engine combinations there were built for any Chevelle.
It's all guess work from what little there is known about how many convertibles (7,522), how many L78 options (2,144) across the 2 door hardtops, convertibles, and El Caminos known to be built (311,553) for the model year.
Your guessed number (5-18) above is as good as any others.

[1969camarors427]

Rick, Are any of the ones you know of Canadian cars. Thanks.

[PeteLeathersac]

[ QUOTE ]
Rick, Are any of the ones you know of Canadian cars. Thanks.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's exactly what I wondered too and specifically what production quantity may be shown on any Canadian documents and how detailed that number may be w/ regard to engine option and body style?.
Usually they show a quantity by body style only but some documents do break it down further if the numbers were recorded..


~ Pete

[Mr70]

All the 14 I know of were US assembled George.
Pete,If I had a VVS sheet on one,wouldn't it only show that specific model number imported for sale into the country of Canada?..Meaning all the 1970 Malibu 8cyl. 13667 model convertibles,and nothing more?
Or has George Z. narrowed it down even further since the last time I saw one?

[1969camarors427]

In todays market what are these car`s worth as a numbers match restoration project. Are the prices in line with LS6 convertibles or is there quite a difference between the two. Thanks

[PeteLeathersac]

You're right Rick but I believe some random docs have been given over the years that noted further breakdowns than the Vin derivative showing just body style w/ V8 or 6 cyl..
Yes, pre '72 Vin stuff!.


~ Pete

[Rainer]

I recently saw a copy of a VVS report from George that, in addition to the model number production total, also gave an approximate number of the model produced with a given engine RPO. Here is an excerpt:

[Mr70]

That's really cool Rainer & Pete,never seen that before.Hats off to GZ for including that.

George,I meant to say the 14 were US sold,as opposed to US assembled as we know Oshawa,Ont. didn't assemble them.
Price?..I've seen frame off restored 1970 L-78 cvts. w/good bones,color & options sell at public auctions for $135-160K and some of those didn't have the best quality craftsmanship or correct early components.They only produced the L-78 Chevelle for the first 90 days of the 1970 model year.
Privately sold,I know of a few that brought significantly more.If some take the time to do their homework,dial them in and be true to their original assembled heritage,they can bring closer to 200K,but everything has to be in order.