Many classic cars are about more than mere good looks. Those cars will make a stunning visual statement, but they make their boldest statement when the driver presses the pedal to the metal. That is the case with this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. There’s no denying that it presents beautifully and would be capable of turning heads while stationary. However, the big block under the hood should command respect the moment the owner turns the key. If you want a classic with power to burn, you will find the SS located in Liberty, New York, and listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set the sale price for the Chevelle at $38,500. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for spotting this muscle classic for us.

The seller describes this Chevelle’s appearance as amazing, and it is hard to argue with that description. It is 1-of 44,118 Chevelles from this model year to wear Olympic Gold paint. It is perfectly complemented by Dark Green SS stripes and Magnum 500 wheels. It’s hard to find anything of which to be critical in a case like this. The depth of color and shine makes this car stand out, and there are a few flaws or issues worth noting. The panels are laser straight, and the gaps are tight and consistent for a classic of this vintage. One of the first things that struck me with this car was its lack of visible rust. The panels look exceptionally clean, and given how many of these we see with rust problems, this is refreshing. It appears that the beauty is more than skin deep in this case because the seller indicates that the car is completely rust-free. If that is the case, it seems that the only thing the next owner will need to do is stand back and admire their stunning classic. The exterior trim shines as beautifully as the paint, while the glass appears flawless. From the information provided by the seller and the supplied photos in the listing, it seems that this Chevelle needs nothing.

I have little doubt that our readers will probably fall into two camps when we start to discuss this Chevrolet’s drivetrain combination. Some will be positively salivating at the thought of what will be available under their right foot, while others will be disappointed that the car is not numbers-matching. Lifting the hood reveals a 454ci big-block V8 backed by a Turbo 400 automatic transmission and a 3.73 Posi rear end. The SS also features power steering and power front disc brakes. The 454 didn’t appear in the Chevelle range until 1970, confirming that this car is not 100% original. The motor wears an aftermarket intake and headers, but it isn’t clear whether it has any internal upgrades. That means that the driver should find themselves with at least 350hp available under their right foot, although that figure could be considerably higher. Therefore, it suggests that a low-14-second ¼ mile ET is there for the taking. The owner indicates that the car has 79,000 genuine miles on the clock, but I’m not sure that such a claim is relevant in a modified vehicle. However, it does run and drive perfectly, with the seller stating that he would drive it anywhere. Do you fancy flying and driving home? It sounds like a reality with this one.

If this Chevelle’s exterior presents impressively, its interior continues that theme. The upholstered surfaces wear Dark Green vinyl, while the floors are covered in matching carpet. There is no evidence of wear or physical damage, while the dash, pad, and optional console appear perfect. It took me a while to find any significant flaws with this interior, and the only one worth mentioning is a crack in the steering wheel. This is a common occurrence, and while reproduction replacements are readily available, there are some excellent epoxy repair kits available that should allow the next owner to address this issue successfully in a home workshop. If not for the changes under the hood, this Chevelle could be mistaken for an original and unmolested survivor. The gauge cluster features the factory tachometer, while the dash plays host to a correct AM/FM radio. Everything works as it should, with no problems for potential buyers to address.

I know that this 1969 Chevelle SS is not 100% original, but that doesn’t make it an undesirable vehicle. It presents beautifully, and its rust-free status is a positive attribute when we so many examples here at Barn Finds with significant problems in that area. The lack of its original engine will probably cause some purists to turn their backs, but there will be others who will look at this car and decide that it is a solid contender to park in their garage. It has been on the market for less than two days, and given its overall condition, I suspect that it won’t be long before someone willingly hands over the seller’s asking price. Could that person be you?