If you harbor a desire to park a classic muscle car in your garage and aren’t focused on originality, this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS could be worth more than a passing glance. Its paint and trim combination, combined with its spotless presentation, guarantees that it will draw crowds of admirers like moths to a flame. However, the upgraded big-block nestled under the hood should deliver more power than its first owner had under their right foot when they drove it off the lot. We always appreciate input from our readers at Barn Finds, and I must say a big thank you to Mitchell G. for spotting the Chevelle listed here on Craigslist in West Islip, New York. The seller set their price at $53,000 for a classic that seemingly needs nothing.
This Second Generation Chevelle SS manages to achieve a feat that other similar cars might find difficult. By combining LeMans Blue paint with a White vinyl top and Magnum 500 wheels, its appearance is both muscular and subtly classy. The seller is sparing with their information regarding its history, but the overall presentation suggests it may not have clocked many miles since undergoing at least a cosmetic refresh. The paint is excellent, shining like a new penny. The vinyl is as clean as you could hope to find, the panels are straight, and there is no evidence or mention of rust. I always encourage buyers to negotiate an in-person inspection, especially when the classic represents a significant financial investment. However, I believe that doing so will unearth nothing but positive news from a car that spent at least part of its life in Florida. The trim appears to be in as-new condition, and there are no visible glass issues.
Lifting the hood reveals where the waters get muddy with this SS. The air cleaner decal suggests that the big-block occupying the engine bay is a 396ci V8 developing 375hp. That is largely irrelevant if the listing is correct, with the seller stating that this is a 454. Its specifications are unclear, but it would be a strange approach if this engine produced less power and torque than the one it replaced. Therefore, it is fair to expect some form of performance improvement. The rest of the drivetrain includes a three-speed Turbo 400 transmission, a 12-bolt rear end with 3.55 Richmond gears, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller supplies no specific information regarding the Chevelle’s health, or how it runs or drives. They do appear approachable, and those would be the first questions I would ask if I decided to reach out to them.
The vinyl top sets the color theme for this Chevelle’s interior which is trimmed in matching White. It is unclear whether a retrim has formed part of this classic’s story, but the lack of stains, marks, and discoloring suggest that may be the case. This is another aspect of this car that deserves little criticism and plenty of praise. The dash and pad are as spotless as the upholstery, while the SS scored points with its bucket seats and console. Aftermarket additions appear restricted to a modern retro-style Bluetooth stereo to provide tunes if occupants tire of the big-block’s bass V8 rumble.
Cars like this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS pose a challenge when the time comes to assess whether the seller’s price is realistic. If it was original and unmolested, the answer would be a resounding “yes” when we consider its overall condition. The mechanical changes muddy the water, so I scoured the internet, searching for similar cars as a guide. I found one recent sale where a car changed hands for $30,000, while another failed to secure a new home despite the bidding topping $49,000. That demonstrates that a modified classic, no matter how desirable, is worth what someone is willing to pay. Do you think this one will head to a new home at $53,000? If so, could it be yours?
Absolutely beautiful. This is one of my all time favorite color combinations too. Especially with the white vinyl top. Even if its not numbers matching, this would be an absolute blast to drive. The 355 rear gears is a nice compromise between cruising and getting it off the line as well.
Very nice Chevelle.
Big Blocks and 3.55s will definitely liven things up off idle. 😃😲🏁
“Back in the summer of ’69,,,oh yeah”,,,Canadian rocker Bryan Adams knew what year to sing about. It was the peak of the Vietnam War, and those lucky enough to miss that miserable quagmire, could walk into any Chevy dealer, plop down around $3700 bucks, which was Bar Mitzvah/ graduation money, and drive out with the hottest car on the planet, the ’69 396 Chevelle. It was the car all the others chased after. I read, the 454 did not come out until 1970, and the biggest motor was the 427. Not many I saw had a 427, believe me a 14 year old gear head would have seen that. Perhaps the reason for the “396” air cleaner and fender badges? Naturally, the automatic makes this, while practically unheard of in ’69, the cherry on the sundae. You too can experience that thrill of a big block ’69 Chevelle. Too bad it will cost you, like anything else today, 10 times as much. Europeans had some incredible cars, but no match for a ’69 big block Chevelle, plodding along in 2 cylinder Fiats, or whatever. If you were to invest in ONE car for the future, it’s right here.
Beautiful! In ’69 I had 3 Air Force Captains working for me. One bought a Chevy like this one, another bought a Super Bee, and the third bought the big motor Ford. Now you have to remember the average salary for young military officers wouldn’t buy groceries these days but as Howard said, for an average $3,700 they could afford to buy these cars, and did.
Numbers matching, not matching, 454 versus 396, automatic versus standard. Still a beautiful car! I would love to own and drive this car!
Seems like a lot for a not matching car. Don’t know much about Chevelles, but would think a seller would provide shots of the vin and or firewall plate for that money. Plus its NY, lets see frame and underside shots.
For a 1969 Chevelle the VIN number and trim tag won’t confirm this is a factory SS, only if it came with a V8 or 6 cylinder. It looks like a nice car, if the description is accurate and pictures are representative of its actual quality the asking price is in the ballpark.
Steve R
Not a big fan of bucket lists, or goals or objectives in life, but THIS was the car to have in HS.
If I were an A-body guy, this would be the one; perfect in every way…except for the transmission and ride height.
I had a classmate in high school that had a twin to this one. It was a 375hp car from new but that engine did not survive a missed gear at 6500rpm. He also put a 454 in it. Wish I new the serial number to his car. Could this be it?.Telltale sign to a 375hp car is the 3:55 posi gear that was the standard gear ratio. 4:10 was common back then but to wake these cars up a 4:88 was my gear choice for the street race.
A buddy of mine bought a 69 Chevelle from a classic car dealer in Wisconsin. He new it was an SS tribute car. Air cleaner had a sticker, 396/375 horsepower. Oil pump fell off, engine locked up. They found out it was a 454 from a motor home. He has a Blueprint 383 in it now. He’s very happy with it now.
My wife would love this ’69. Great color combo and although I really do like manual transmissions, the auto and 3.55 gears will provide plenty of excitement. Personally, my 442 being an original drivetrain car, I am always a little hesitant to beat on it. With this Chevelle having a replacement engine, it only means you can enjoy the car a little more without worrying about grenading the original block. I think the price is within the ballpark, especially if the undercarriage is as clean as the top side. No doubt, it is a very pretty car.
I always loved the 69 Chevelle my cousin had an orange one with a 325hp 396 4spd. Black interior.
That car really put you back in the seat when you got into it.
Howard A: Using Bar Mitzvah money when I was a junior in High School I purchased a 69 Chevelle SS.My car was Lemans Blue, 396/375hp 4 speed. Black vinyl top, black stripe, black interior. I added ET Mag wheels,Gabriel high rise air shocks and was living large. Best years of my life revolved around experiences with that Chevelle. Today I own both a 69 & 70 Chevelle SS as I guess I never grew up!