Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

454-Equipped: 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

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?

Comments

  1. Avatar GCS Member

    I’d love to see the gold and green in the sun. Looks really nice but out of my league $$$. Hopefully will go to a good home.

    Like 6
  2. Avatar Melton Mooney

    Good to see one that is not missing the 6AL box from above the heater core cover.

    Like 5
  3. Avatar RKS

    Something tells me this is not a true SS car. I’m no expert on this tho. Does anyone else know?

    Like 4
    • Avatar nlpnt

      It has a non-SS grille badge. I prefer the blue bowtie over the “SS (original) engine cid” badge anyway and maybe a previous owner did.

      Like 3
    • Avatar Mark C

      Didn’t the ’69 SS have badges on the rear too? I was kind of wondering myself. I agree with nlpnt on the grille, as I like the bow tie better.

      Like 1
      • Avatar Richard Jensen

        As far as I know Mark C, haven’t seen any that didn’t.

        Like 1
      • Avatar Stephen

        Should also have SS emblems on the front fenders.

        Like 4
      • Avatar Greg

        Betting this thing was a 6 banger when it left the factory. No headrest, no,SS above glovebox……

        Like 0
    • Avatar Bruce Bell

      My concern about this car being listed as a true SS is the fact that it has a Malibu grille and front fenders…??????

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Stan

    Fantastic ride.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Richard Jensen

    Great looking car, although I’m not a super purist my preference is numbers matching, and like the article said the 454 didn’t hit the Chevelle until 1970, 30 years ago if somebody would have told me that a clone would bring 40 grand I’d have looked at him like he was crazy, Hell, I’m old enough to remember when clones were frowned upon LOL.

    Like 10
  6. Avatar 454RAT Member

    Car is not even close to being an original SS. Has all of the original Malibu side chrome. Not a slam, just saying. If an SS, it would have be considered a 69 and a half; with the 70 stripes. Hmmmm. If not for the stripes, apologies to the owner, looks like a very nice Mabu. A big thanks for not cloning into an SS. Hope he gets his price.

    Like 6
  7. Avatar ronald

    True SS would have the 454 ss emblems on the inside door panels and on the front fender marker light bezels also on the fenders between the front wheels and doors.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar Sparkyone

    In1969—The SS was an option to any Chevelle Model, you could add it with a base Chevelle 300, or Malibu.
    I agree this was probably a Malibu with a small block 307 or 350 and the 454 was installed into the void once the original mill was pulled.
    with all the after-market restoration parts available you can build a SS very easy.
    I’m guessing the Car may have been originally Fathom Green with the green interior ,which I think would have been a better match for this car.

    Like 3
    • Avatar 454RAT Member

      I would bet it is an original Gold car with Green interior. That was a normal color combination for 69 AND 70. I had one and I have seen quite a few more. When we went to a Chevelle show with our gold on green 69, they said: can’t show in original with the color change. When they checked the cowl tag, they said oops, original car. I guess it is a somewhat odd combo, but sharp, nonetheless. I’ve seen it on SS and non SS cars.

      Like 4
  9. Avatar Ron

    Let’s just say it’s a nice ‘69 Chevelle and leave it at that…

    Like 14
  10. Avatar Ronald Member

    That’s not an SS. Malibu trim down the side as previously mentioned. Shouldn’t be a 454 emblem by the side marker light. SS 396 in the grille, not the bowtie. Should have SS 396 emblem between the taillights. The inside door panels would have SS 396 emblems, 454 not available in ’69. That’s not an SS. Shouldn’t be advertised as an SS.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Mark

    Nice Chevelle, definitely not my favorite color inside or out.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar BILL

    NOT an SS

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Neil Achatz

    very nice looking car. Why would somebody put those SS stripes on it? The factory side stripes look a lot better on a 69

    Like 0
  14. Avatar trav66

    This is a really nice Chevelle, even if it’s not a true SS. The price seems a little high though. He also has more cars listed, one is a beautiful ’73 Lincoln with 23k miles for $14,500 which seems more reasonable if that’s your cup of tea. Hope this Chevelle finds a good home.

    Like 0
  15. Avatar Rob Chiarello

    None of the SS badging In the correct places ,I owned one in the late70’s. It was a original SS and the badges were still on and these are no where correct.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.