The horsepower race of the 1960s gave the world cars with performance capabilities that would have been unthinkable a decade earlier. Take this 1969 Chevrolet Impala as a perfect example of that philosophy. It’s 427ci V8 produces power and torque figures that are still considered impressive if compared to many modern vehicles. However, it is more than a one-trick pony, presenting superbly following a recent meticulous restoration. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beautiful Impala listed here on Craigslist in Palatine, Illinois. You could become its new owner for $45,900.
The Impala had comfortably cemented its place in Chevrolet’s model lineup by the time the Fourth Generation hit showroom floors for the 1965 model year. The company treated it to a refresh in 1967, with another unveiled in 1969. Our feature Impala left the line that year, and it comes with a history that helps it to stand apart from mere mortals. The seller is the car’s sole owner since Day One, ordering the car in Code 67 Burgundy. This is confirmed by the original Build Sheet, with the seller also holding significant documentation dating back to when they took delivery. It includes paperwork documenting its 18-month frame-off restoration that has returned the Impala to a factory-fresh state. The paint holds a mirror shine, while the panels are as straight as an arrow. The seller confirms that the vehicle is rust-free, and the trim and glass are flawless. This beauty rolls on a set of sparkling Rally wheels, but it is what resides under the hood that cements this Impala’s performance credentials.
It is often said that there is no substitute for cubic inches, which is undoubtedly the case with this Impala. Hiding in its engine bay is a numbers-matching 427ci V8, teamed with the original four-speed manual transmission, 12-bolt rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. This big-block is the range-topping L36 version, placing an official 390hp at the driver’s disposal. If ever proof was needed that the horsepower race remained alive and well in 1969, this Impala provides compelling evidence. The engine bay presents as impressively as the rest of this classic, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. This Chevy runs and drives perfectly, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive it home.
Considering this Impala’s recent history, the immaculate state of its interior is unsurprising. You won’t find such luxuries as air conditioning or power windows, but the bucket seats, console, rear defogger, radio, and factory 8-track player are all welcome features. I am disappointed by the standard of installation for the 8-track because the dangling wires detract from an interior with few other imperfections. When any classic hits this price point, I would typically expect the seller to show an eye for fine details like concealing cables. The Black vinyl looks superb, the faux woodgrain hasn’t lifted or faded, while the dash has no obvious issues. Some shots appear to show scratches on the passenger side of the console, but in others, they disappear, suggesting that they may be a trick of the light.
The seller’s price for this 1969 Impala isn’t cheap, but do you think that it is justified? Consider its mechanical specifications, its numbers-matching status, ownership history, and its spotless presentation. Those are all important factors that help it to stand out from any crowd. You will undoubtedly find cheaper examples in the current market, raising the question of how many of those boxes they tick for the price. This Impala has been on the market for under a week, and I believe that it will find a new home at $45,900. Do you agree?
Steve R has a better handle on the current market than most I suspect but IMHO this looks to be a super clean super sedan and for someone that appreciates the work and energy that went into making this whole it’d be a bargain. Don’t recall seeing too many full size machines like this set up as this one is..
Sweet.
Attractive, impressive, and desirable car. Perhaps the most amazing tidbit: original owner? Of a 56 year old car? Which was expensive in its day, and thus wouldn’t likely have been bought new by an 18 year old?
Maybe not normal, but not all that rare. I bought my first Vette, a ’65 silver L-79 roadster in ’68 when I was 18. Also not a cheap date at the time.
Yup. Some kids had good jobs, some had parents with money, and some of them had good taste too.
oldrodder what a purchase. Love the older silver Corvettes. 65 may have been the best looking of all and fliers 🏁👍
Chevy offered a bunch of good motors on this model, original owner went straight to the top shelf. Wow.
4sp to boot. 3.31 rear gear ⚙️ was standard and ideal. Agree on the wires Clarkey, a few well placed zip-ties should tidy that up i hope.
Beautiful and very powerful car. 🏁👍
Hagerty has it at 45,000 bucks in “good” condition,i’d consider this “very good” condition if not better so the price is valid and maybe even a slight bargin.Muscle landyachts are a true joy to behold and this one hits every bell..especially the colour choice which is perfect.
I’d say this a hel_uva bargain! JDPower (formerly NADA) has this w/an Average Retail @ 44K, & their High Retail @ 66.5K……
All this one needs are 1) flip up headlight covers and 2) my @ss in the drivers seat.
Stunning.
Wasn’t there 425hp offered as well?
Al, yes the L-72 was available in a 69 SS 427.
Now thats a grocery getter Impala with 427 big block engine plus 4 speed from back in the day ! The car should’ve requiring crash helmets for kid passengers when momma needs her favorite food fix or ciggies in 1969 with launching jack rabbit starts at every red light. 😎😜
Call me a purist but, Ill never understand why you have such a great original car and you add an Edelbrock intake and cheap Chrome accessories.
You’re a purist. Back in 1969 owners of these cars were likely to add those engine dress up parts so it’s period correct. And if it makes it go faster or bring joy when you open the hood, why not?
All I see is the Edelbrock intake, the valve covers and open air cleaner are correct parts. Nothing wrong with that addition, and I am a purist.
My goodness, I would hit the purchase button if I had room. Just moved to Florida and downsized to a 3 car garage. I had an attached 3 car and a detached 30 X 30 in the home just sold in GA. Getting older and starting to downsize. Sold a C3, a 55 F100 and Cub Cadet zero turn before leaving. Still have the blue C3, the C8 convertible and Roadglide HD, thats going next. I do want a high HP 60’s Impala within the next couple of years. I am holding out for a 65 thru 67, my favorite years. Hoping prices may continue to come down!
Was this an original vinyl top car or, did all Impalas come with the vinyl top molding??? Admittedly, I am not an expert on these cars.
Now if you took this drive train and shoehorned it into a ’61 Impala Sport Coupe, you’d have my dream car! In a big ’69 Impala IMHO this muscle is wasted. I’d much rather have it in a Chevelle.
NICE!! Always loved this style and felt it has never been given the kudos it deserves.
Back in the 74-75 timeframe I had a mechanic neighbor that got one. Same mechanics but silver with a black vinyl top. To say it was a beast is being very reserved when it came to that car. This one looks every bit as good.
Wow, 4 speed in a full size. That’s awesome 😎. Beautiful car
Very nice clean Impala with a perfect drivetrain. Nice right down to the a/c delco battery. The only thing I would change is the floor mats. Original owner since new Nice!!
Stunning. My favorite year Impala, nice color, rally wheels and a 427 w/ 4speed. Nothing to not like here!
nice car. paint would really pop with a painted white roof and keep the car cooler as well.
This car could present beautifully with a black vinyl top…and A/C wouldn’t hurt.
You’d have a handful slinging that monster around!
I’m gonna nitpick with Clarke on one fine point in his otherwise customarily exemplary reportage: I’ve never seen a big block Chevy that could “hide” in any engine compartment. The moment I see those valve covers it has my attention.
A bummer about the write-up here is that the Craigslist link given takes you to a different car, a blue 1968 Impala fastback :(
Weird, I clicked on the ad link and a blue ‘68 popped up? Pretty car but definitely not this monster
The seller must have edited their ad and switched it to their other car. I guess they didn’t want to miss out on the views we were sending to their listing?
Well, ladies and gentlemen what you have here is, (in my opinion) the most unattractive of all the Impala body styles that is absolutely stunning. I bought my oldest son one, (350, Turbo 350) to tinker with and after adding 8″ Rallies and lowering it was a decent looking car, but nothing like this one. If I wasn’t too damn old and had the space, I would but this in the proverbial hot minute. What a beautiful car!
I would be interested if it had A/C. South Florida xan get pretty hot