Chevy extended the reach of its Impala brand in 1968 by introducing the “notchback” Custom Coupe. It used the formal hardtop body style previously exclusive to the upscale Caprice and it supplement the fastback version of the Impala already on the market. This 1969 edition may be a one-family car, having been owned by the seller’s grandfather-in-law who is said to have only put on 15,000 miles in more than 50 years! Located outside of Denver, Colorado, this nice survivor is available here on craigslist for $15,000. Our appreciation to Barn Finder Gunter Kramer for this tip!
As the story goes, Grandpa and Grandma were into square dancing and would only use the car for trips to these events in places like Arizona and Tennessee, in addition to local stuff. So, it sounds as though many of the limited miles on the Chevy were those on the highway. Sadly, the gentleman has since passed away, so the seller is looking to move the car quickly and cash is king, yet he’s firm on the asking price.
The what-may-be-original paint is nice, shiny, and rust does not appear to be a problem. But there are little dents, scrapes, and dings in several places in the body, nothing that should warrant new blue paint – they add character! The interior is in a similar state, nice but not perfect. The front seatbacks could use new upholstery due to tears brought on by the Sun and time. The carpeting in the front looks faded, though it appears brand new in the back.
We don’t know what’s under the hood, but the script on the fender says it has a 350 cubic inch V8. And given that it also has an automatic transmission, it could be a 2-speed Powerglide. The seller has done some work to ensure its drivability, such as replacing the radiator, adding some fuel cleaner to the gas, and a new battery. Once it fired up nicely, a new set of tires was installed. We’re told that Grandpa was a stickler for documentation, so the maintenance history of this car going way back will follow the automobile to its next home. As will the hub caps that are not in the photos.
An aftermarket air conditioner was added, apparently by the dealer who sold in the car new in Denver. It even has a “Riverside” sticker on the window to promote that accessory. Given the low mileage and overall condition of the car, it could be worth what the seller is asking. But other examples online are going for closer to two-thirds of that amount.
I have a hard time accepting that as a 15,000 mile interior.. Seams can split due to exposure, but fabric doesn’t magically get worn and dirty without use. The sad thing is, if it really is 115,000 miles, there’s no shame in that. Am I the only one who thinks that lovingly using and maintaining a car for 115,000 miles is more impressive than preserving one at 15,000 miles?
I agree 100%. With all of it, but especially the last part.
Grandfather-in-law may have only put 15,000 miles on it, but someone else put 100,000 or 200,000 more miles on. This site is full of car buffs. Quit trying to shine us on with absurd mileage claims.
Grandfather-in-law may have only put 15,000 miles on this car, but somebody else put on 100,000 or 200,000 more. On a site full of car enthusiasts, why do you insist on trying to shine us on with patently false mileage claims? We can see through the nonsense.
Yes I was thinking if they only took it to square dances they did not dance to much, and I’ll bet Junior Samples was there. BR549
The tin worm is at the bottom of the DS and PS front fenders and behind the PS rear wheel. Nothing appears to be too severe. Looks like an old man drove it too–that or a teenage girl.
It’s a THM 350 transmission, as I can see the L2 behind the D in the dash pic. PG’s were L only. 255 HP with the Quadrajet.
“I know what I’ve got….” LOL. I know what you’ve got too, and $15k is too much. Especially with that ’69 Galaxy a few ads back going for less than $10k. P.T. Barnum would have made money off the buyer of this one.
If I remember correctly the 350 turbo in 69 was the only year GM put a threaded drain plug in the pan, after that you had to take out most of the bolts and have a gusher with oil going everywhere when you changed the filter
the 350 turbo in 69 was the only year GM put a drain plug in the pan, made it a lot less messier when changing filters
Absolutely, 1969 was the debut year for the TH350. Some low end models still came with the Powerglide.
I had a 71 Malibu had trans.drain plug,had trans rebuilt couple months later I was going to service and found out I no longer had a drain plug.
I’d like to trade one of the seven bumper pictures or one of the thirteen interior pictures for at least one underhood shot please.
Ever get tired of looking at blue cars I do
I had one of these with a 396 in it from the factory and a 400 turbo trans…. The car was kind of cool looking but really a piece of junk…. Handled bad, rode bad, definitely did not ride like a cadillac.
The “Riverside” sticker also says “Wards”. Indicating the air conditioning is a Wards add on!
My grandpa bought a ’69 Impala in this exact color brand new – it was a 4-door coupe with a white painted roof, and a 396 2bbl, with a 3 speed auto tranny. Not sure if it was a THM 350 or 400. I never got to drive the car, but I always loved the look. He came to visit us shortly after he bought it ( a twelve hour drive), and ran a stop sign when we were heading downtown. I told him what he had done, and he said, “Why didn’t you warn me? I don’t know this town like you do!” Beautiful car – I always wished that we could have hung on to it. I was sad that it didn’t have a 4 bbl.
In 69, the 396 was not sold as a performance engine for the big cars. They came ONLY w/the 2bbl carbs. More for towing than dragging.
looks like some paint work was done at some point.there are d/a sander marks in the pic of the side window. still a nice car.needs a set of rally wheels and a round of new springs
I had almost the exact 69 only gold, black interior with a black vinyl top, I agree with jwzg, a THM 350, it also had a 350 v-8. sold it in 1980. Great cruiser, wish I still had it.
Well stated Larry, and other postings. This listing leaves alot of unanswered questions. Why are the hubcaps not on the car? Explain to us how this 53 year old car has been driven from CO to TN to AZ and back and yet only has 15,000 miles? Huh? And why is there not one single photo of under hood, engine, trunk, underside? Could it be because the sight of the engine and driveline would reveal this is a 115,000 mile car. And talk about attitude. Seller has driven the car all of 45 miles. His wife’s grandfather’s car. My my. He sure knows what he has alright. Excuse us for taking interest. Could be a nice 69 Impala for $9,000. — and spare us all the attitude.
I think grandson In-law is ignorant about cars and probably people in general. In his head he thinks people will believe a deception.