The 1970 Impala got a minor facelift featuring a more conventional bumper under the grill replacing the wrap-around unit used in 1969 and new triple vertical taillights. The new engine lineup included a larger standard 250hp 350 cubic-inch Turbo Fire V8 on most models. Optional V8s included a 300hp 350 and a new 265hp 400 cubic-inch Turbo Fire V8. At the top of the engine roster, the big block 427 was replaced by a new (and bored out) 454 cubic-inch Turbo Jet V8 offered in power ratings of 345hp and 390hp. The 300hp 350 Turbo Fire and the 454 Turbo Jet engines required premium fuel. A three-speed manual transmission with column shift was standard equipment as in previous years but the floor-mounted four-speed manual with Hurst shifter was dropped from the option list for 1970 as were the Strato bucket seats and center console previously offered on coupes. Automatic transmission options included the two-speed Powerglide on 250 6s and 350 V8s, and three-speed Turbo Hydramatic was available with all engines. Power front disc brakes were standard on the Impala Custom coupe and optional on all other models.

This particular Impala lost its original 350 mill a while ago, and inherited an incredible 502 Ram Jet GM Crate Motor. This motor is very, very close to the top of the GM crate motor “food chain” when it comes to cubic inches and horsepower. Price it out… brand new from GM; these motors are over $13,000!! Just as you would expect… this Impala has plenty of power under the hood, and will surprise just about anybody you come up against on the street!

Now there is no point in installing that expensive of an engine into a piece of junk, so the builder of this car picked a lazer-straight, original sheet metal, full bodied GM classic to bolt that massive power plant in. This car is as straight as you will ever find with no signs of bondo or rust repair anywhere to be found. The Bright Red paint is extremely clean with a high shine to it, and a nice layer of clear coat layed evenly on top for a mirror-like finish.

The interior is certainly no disappointment either. You have to love the bench seat and column shift to keep the “sleeper” vibe alive, and everything is in excellent shape. The headliner, upholstery, seat foam, glass, dash, steering wheel, gauges and carpet are all in great shape. A trick set of gauges are set into a custom housing along with the switches for the added power windows (which work perfectly).

The exterior trim and chrome are in near perfect condition, as is the crisp white vinyl top. All the lights, signals and marker lamps work just the way they should with no issues. Of course with all that power under the hood… you need to be able to stop once in a while! For that; a set of Wilwood disc brakes with drilled rotors have been added to the front for ultimate stopping power. A set of factory disc brakes in the rear help bring this full-size beast to a stop.

To top it all off… a modern Alpine stereo system, fully finished carpeted trunk and a newer set of American Racing Torque Thrust II chrome wheels finish off the quality products and construction of this classic GM.

This is a classic, full-bodied GM car that will not only blow the doors off most others you will meet on the road, but also be a rarer piece at any car show. All that for less than $20,000! How could you possibly go wrong??