There is nothing in the world that matches the experience of climbing aboard a classic Convertible for a wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. If the vehicle in question has bulging muscles, that’s even better. This 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Convertible ticks those boxes, and although it isn’t perfect, it presents nicely as a high-end driver. The buyer could address its few shortcomings fairly easily, which might be worth the cost and effort. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Chevelle listed here on eBay in Ellington, Connecticut. The seller set their BIN at $78,000 OBO, with the listing text indicating that they have dropped their price from $80,000.
The seller states that the previous owner treated this Chevelle to a ground-up rebuild. It appears that nothing escaped their attention, although a few minor tasks remain before the build can be considered complete. The Cowl Tag confirms that the car wears its correct Frost Green paint that holds an impressive shine. There are no dings or dents, and no rust to spoil the ownership experience. This image shows a water stain in the Parchment soft-top, but it is unclear whether it could be cleaned effectively. The other obvious problem is a pair of holes in the hood. These are to accommodate pins, and the seller seems to indicate that sourcing and installing them will be a task for the new owner. The trim and glass look excellent, and the sports wheels appear to be perfect.
If there is truly no substitute for cubic inches, this Chevelle is a winner. As the model designation suggests, its engine bay houses a 396ci V8. It is unclear which of the three available versions this is, but it should send at least 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque to a Posi rear end via a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission. The car also features power steering and power front disc brakes. We’ve reached the point where the seller’s description becomes slightly confusing. They refer to the big-block as “a new engine,” but I’m unsure whether that means it’s a replacement or if the builder treated the original motor to a rebuild. Although not stated specifically, I would expect any 1969 Chevelle SS 396 within this price bracket to be a turnkey proposition with no mechanical issues.
The restoration included an interior retrim in this Chevelle’s correct Parchment vinyl. It features bucket seats, a console, a sports wheel, and contrasting Black carpet. Unsurprisingly, there are no visible issues with the upholstery, although the image quality makes it hard to make a definite call. The dash looks nice, but the condition of the pad beneath the cover is another unknown. The seller states that while the air conditioning system is complete, it does require wiring. The retro-style stereo appears to be the only aftermarket addition to this very tidy interior.
This 1969 Chevelle SS 396 Convertible isn’t perfect, but since its issues seem confined to minor cosmetic imperfections, the buyer could address them at their leisure. The only thing that disappoints me is the seller’s image quality, because they don’t do justice to an exceptionally popular American muscle car. However, they may tell us enough to determine whether it is worth pursuing further. The listing statistics are modest, and I suspect that the photo quality is the culprit. Do you agree, or am I missing something crucial in my assessment? It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback.
$78 large and the seller couldn’t figure out how to wire the a/c compressor? What other hacks are in this car? I could see $78k if it had the original drivetrain, sheet metal and documentation for the car. All this car has is the word of a mechanic, to verify it’s the real deal. Nice car, but from what I can see in the pics, $40k-$42k.
80 large for an incomplete unoriginal car? No way. It’s nice, but something seems off.
I love the 69 SS but after market valve covers and an automatic.
No way at $78000 there dreaming.
I agree something seems off! Maybe not but if I were a serious Buyer, I would proceed very carefully with both eyes wide open.
Probably not a serious seller. Those pictures leave a lot to be desired.
Taking the photos in a gravel truckyard out by the dumpsters… Just pure marketing genius!
It’s comprehensible that for this stratospheric ask, the AC would not be operational, and hood pins could not be sourced and installed.
So many errors in the build to come close to getting the price stated in the listing. Perhaps it is the camera, but I’d have to see the car in person; color is listed as “Green” and it is maybe supposed to be an original color “Frost Green” but it doesn’t look like the tone of the SS I had 50 years ago. Too yellow.
Jim Helmer, the TH400 that should be in this car is no slouch, especially with a shift kit installed, for big-block Chevys. I became a believer after owning one, and I am generally a manual transmission guy.
great color combo but not a fan of the mods done to it and i would want proof it’s a real SS for 80 large.
Love the 69 Chevelle but a nice orange and an extra pedal would be required for me to look at it. That is a high price when we don’t know if it is the 375hp. I know paint is easy to change but four speed not so much. Still a nice car but overpriced.
John
AC was not available on the 375hp cars. Likely originally 325, maybe 350.
Love the 69 Chevelle. A nice orange and a third pedal would be nice on this car. I know colour is easy to change but four speed not so much. Also they don’t state if this is the 375HP 396. I also think it is overpriced still a nice car.
John
Just curious Does anyone have production figures for 1968 & 1969 Chevelle convertibles in any motor trim configuration ? I don’t see many of them .
You can find the total for 1968 since it was its own model, but 1969 was an estimate. Google will have the answer.
Steve R
Nice but seems lacking. But it is a convertible just not finished.
The soon to be ex’s car in a “fire” divorce sale.
Reason is obviously someone keeps breaking into the local medical Marijuana dispensary every time they try to decide what price to ask for it.
I can smell it from here.
78k and the ac is complete??? Just requires wiring. You could replace the entire engine harness in approximately 3 hours.
Oh but it’s a Chevelle so if you buy it you can armor all the tires and wash the car,then sell it for 100k.