Looks kinda sad, doesn’t it? It’s a shame when a project goes by the wayside, but at the same time it’s an opportunity for someone else! This 1969 SS396 Chevrolet Chevelle has been in the seller’s possession since 1979, when it was their daily driver. Now it’s listed for sale with an unusual hoard of NOS parts here on eBay, but you’d better hurry! The car is located in Middleburg, Florida. The buy it now is $20,500 but lower offers are being considered.
As most of you probably know, there are many clones of SS396s out there, possibly even more than there were originally produced by the General. This one not only has matching numbers and a build sheet, but “90% of the available” NOS chrome was purchased for the car in 1984 and is still in the wrappers. Even the hood and front fenders are NOS dealer-sourced sheet metal from when things like that were still available.
Here’s some of the trim and other parts stashed in the trunk. The seller drove the car as their daily for about four years, then pulled it off the road. The engine was “refreshed” but now has not been started in over 25 years. The seller does mention adding a tilt wheel for comfort, but the rest of the car is said to be stock.
The seller tells us the interior (presumably they mean seats) have never been removed. The shell was blasted and primed with chromate for protection. Yes, that’s a four speed shifter you see in there, and a third pedal.
This 396 cubic inch V8 was originally rated for 325 horsepower. Everything under here looks pretty undisturbed, and I appreciate the AC fuel filter (must use original AC Delco parts, right?). I’ve been watching finished versions of these go through auctions on TV while I’ve been sick, and I find myself liking them more and more. Feel like rescuing this one?
And already gone!
The listing did end, but it does not show as sold.
Steve R
It probably sold outside of ebay (to save on ebay/paypal fees)!
Not at that ridiculous price …….3k
Mikey likes it!……..however, has anyone seen a build sheet that has almost NOTHING printed on the lower portion like this one?? Weird!
It ended because there was an error in the listing, something IS weird, you may be on to something.
I know of one that is still in the possession of the original owner. His parents purchased it new from Erickson Chevrolet In Milan, IL back in 1969 for his graduation gift prior to him winning a free trip to a SE Asian country of our governments choice after he graduated. According to Mike ( we grew up together and his older brothers all ran with this gentleman), Hank blocked it up and put it in storage while he was on the government vacation plan. Mike says that it like it just rolled off the line Hank takes it out for shows only and he thinks it has less than 20K on the odometer.
This is a nice car, that being said , build sheet is fake, if it was in the seat you would see rust marks from the seat springs, and if it was under the seat you would see more ageing of the paper. Plus, the information on the build sheet is incomplete. Did not see a dealer name on the sheet. The car looks good, if it was closer to me I would look at it. Big block, 4-speed, Oh Yeah.
Not necessarily. GM assembly was famous for stuffing build sheets almost anywhere. So, they can be found in all different conditions and with different types of information depending on the phase of assembly.
Google Chevelle build sheets and you will see.
NOS the breakfast of champions. Get your calculators out kids while adding up the benefits of having just these parts let alone accompanied with a solid SS.
This proves length of ownership more than anything else.
Back when he first decided to start the restoration, he could have walked into the dealership and bought these parts off the shelf without a problem.
Seems like a nice solid project, and the parts are a huge bonus. Its off Feebay and clear the seller made a deal both parties could live with which is very common these days with Feebay,, (Years back, that was considered very bad form).
Pricing Chevelles,, these are investment quality cars so no surprise here.
Personally,, I would set the original motor aside and if running a big block stick in a crate 454. If you are going to pay the weight penalty for BB,, go big or go home. Sell the car down the road with the original engine on a dolly preserved. Meantime drive the hell out of it.
Best street race I ever saw while in High School was between one of these and a ’70 440 GTX. It was a battle of the dinosaurs…….
So, which dinosaur won?
Sorry, guess I should have finished the story. They raced for $100. A lot of money in 77. The first race the GTX won by half a car length. The guy with the Chevelle asked for another race the next week to get his money back. Of course, both sides of the marked off quarter mile was lined with cars for the 2nd race. The Chevelle won by 2 car lengths. So the guy with the GTX gave him his $100 back and asked what he had done to his Chevelle, to which he answered, “Nothing, I knew I could beat you”
Both were probably 4 speeds. Chevy guy out shifted him.
Bought one of these brand new when I was on leave from VIETNAM . It was a 4-speed 325hp. For some reason this car was very fast. My friends 350hp El Camino and another friends 375hp car got beat by this car! Thought it was the driver, so my wife took the wheel with same results! LOVED THAT CAR!!
Gray Wolf,
Over the years I’ve had the privilege of working with and becoming friends with many Vietnam Veterans. Thank you very much for your sacrifice and service. Glad you had fun with your Chevelle!
Hey, Gray Wolf, what color was your Chevelle?
Hey Guys
I just picked up a 1969 Chevelle this weekend…at a great price. My good friend just put in a fresh big-block and TH400. We are going to mount a pair of new fenders and spray some primer on it for right now.
Don