If you look closely you can see similarity's in the front bumpers indicating its the same car.

Look under the hood...

http://www.synthetic-oil.com/images/SS_rope_tied.jpg

http://www.synthetic-oil.com/images/1970ss_6.jpg

Hmmmm, the "one of one" six cylinder 70 Chevelle SS ;)

That is nothing new.Gm Photo archives show more of that 6 cyl.Malibu in other photos.
GM & other manufacturers did a few decieving things in promotional car pictures,to reflect their final design in time for public consumption..They've even did & still do airbrushing.Even as far back as the 50's.
The Red 1970 Chevelle SS on the cover of the Dealer Brochure,isn't even an SS.
I have behind the scenes transparencies showing it was a Malibu with Chrome sill moulding & Std.Hubcaps,but with D88 striping & Rubber rear bumper pad attached..Later they airbrushed the sills & wheels covers out.I would imagine if we saw the sides of that 6 cyl. malibu you posted,it would probably be the same car used in those other ads.

I don't doubt that happened all the time BUT look at all those that consider this stuff to be fact.

I am curious was to that the red thing is at the LH front of engine bay? Looks like a gas tank?

Does it have a CI hood?
the red thing maybe a vacuume tank to operate the cowl hood flap?

Grill looks different to me.

maybe that what Chevrolet had in mind for the
LS-6(banger)

There is an emblem missing from the grill in the second picture smile.gif . The one in the lower right corner that says CHEVELLE is not there. No hood pins hanging either.

I see somthing on the hood thats up. It looks to me the hood pins are phony . there still on the hood when its up.