If you yearn to park a classic muscle car in your garage and view this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 as a strong contender, I must warn you that you face stiff competition. It presents superbly as a one-owner survivor with 69,000 miles on the clock. Therefore, the fact it has received fifty bids is unsurprising. Enthusiasts will battle fiercely for classics of this caliber, and I expect the bidding war to continue until the hammer falls. This SS is listed here on eBay in Waterville, Ohio. The frantic action has pushed the price to $45,100, which falls below the reserve.
I have previously stuck out my neck by declaring that I have never been attracted to the styling of the Second Generation Chevelle, and my feelings remain unchanged. I don’t find it as elegant as its predecessor, which had a more hard-edged appearance. However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and you might think there are fewer cars more beautiful. If so, I respect your view. This 1969 example comes to the winning bidder with a known history as a one-owner survivor. It presents superbly in Garnet Red with a Black vinyl top. Faulting its presentation is virtually impossible, with the paint shining like glass and the vinyl in as-new condition. The seller doesn’t mention restoration work, suggesting everything is original and untouched. The panels are laser-straight, and there is no evidence or mention of rust. The glass and trim are spotless, and the wheels are wrapped in new tires from BF Goodrich.
If you ever doubted the muscle car credentials of this Chevelle, one look under the hood should dispel those feelings. The engine bay housed the numbers-matching 396ci V8, producing 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque. A four-speed manual transmission feeds the power to the rear wheels, allowing this classic to blitz the ¼-mile in 14.6 seconds. We have previously seen classics at Barn Finds with extraordinarily low odometer readings, and this car ticks that box at 69,000 miles. It would be easy to dismiss that claim, but you do so at your peril. The seller includes comprehensive Service Records dating back to Day One, removing all doubts about the mileage. They also have the original Window Sticker, Build Sheet, and other paperwork in a two-inch-thick folder. That increases the desirability of a car that recently received new brakes, fuel system components, and other work to ensure it runs and drives perfectly. The winning bidder can fly in and drive this baby home.
The immaculate presentation continues inside this classic, with a retro-style stereo the only aftermarket addition. The change isn’t necessarily bad because the installer didn’t need to cut the dash when fitting the new unit. That makes reversing the change straightforward. Otherwise, there is little to criticize. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are excellent, and there is no significant carpet wear. The dash and pad are perfect, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. The vent on the driver’s side seems to show deterioration, but locating a replacement shouldn’t be a problem. The air conditioning was recently reconditioned, and the console adds the perfect luxury touch to the interior of a car that means business.
Even though I have admitted that I am not a fan of Second Generation Chevelles, I understand why this 1969 SS 396 has attracted so much interest. There is little to criticize about its condition, and the documentation confirms it is all the seller claims. Recent sales results suggest the bidding will probably need to nudge $50,000 before hitting the reserve. That is a substantial pile of cash, but are you tempted to throw caution to the wind and stake your claim? I wish you luck if you do.
Beautiful car 69 are my favorite although 68 had better tail lights the rear panel below the deck lid should be painted black on a SS. Had a Monaco orange 69 SS trimmed exactly the same as this one.
nice 1969…..how about the type2 in the background??
Package bid? I’ll take both!
Beautiful 69, really needs the proper tailpipes though.
Rex confirmed my thought that the panel with the SS badge should be black, otherwise not much to complain about. Bidding is north of $50k and it’ll take at least $70k for this attractive, documented and well-equipped example.
I’m interested in the bus in the background, though! 🙂
Remember my first ride in this baby. Just graduated high school and an army buddy of mine had just bought one. On our way to the beach he rolled it onto the top in a corn field. Thankfully we all were strapped in. Police cam, wreaker came, and we thumbed our way to the beach. Always wondered what happened to that car.
If it is a 325 hp, and unmolested,needs a stock air cleaner, cast iron intake, chrome valve covers. It is very nice though!
Factory tail pipes as well!
My mom bought a 1971 Malibu Sport Coupe new, with the 350 2 barrel and a THM. I learned to drive on it.
This is a beautiful example, and checks all the boxes with the 396 and M-21 transmission.
The condition, documentation and colors are superb. It’s definitely a top-dollar car, and the new owner will get their money’s worth!
Nice car but not a true SS. The VIN starts with 136.
Karen- In ‘69 the SS was an option package not shown in the VIN. Window Sticker and / or Build Sheet would show that.
Wow , this a beautiful Chevelle. Nothing not to love here. I have a friend who has restored one of these and I hate to say that it doesnt look as nice as this one at all…..sorry bud I hope youre not reading this. The owner of this stunner should do well for sure. I see it reaching a high dollar for sure . Thanks for sharing the pics. Love it !
Nice SS 396, I think the 68/69 Chevelles were the best years. In 1973 I bought a 68 SS 396 Convertible for $900; my father gave me a hard time for paying to much for a car with 90,000 miles… “But Dad you dont understand.” It was a 325 HP 4spd with drum brakes and no P/S. The top was manual, Wish I would have kept it!!
Up over 50K and reserve not met. It’s a nice SS for sure, but that same 50K will buy a REALLY nice ’69 427 Corvette.
That’s where my money would go.
Wow, people have deep pockets for a hodgepodge unit! SS was not VIN specific as 68 and back! Tail panel is not black, front turn signals should have stainless trim around outer edge, tailpipes are not ovaled, L35 didn’t come with the 4in open air cleaner, wrong intake, valve covers are correct for L35, unless you ordered chrome dress up kit! It does have a/c, factory gauge cluster,!
Most likely a total rework, non original motor etc!
Where’s the Build Sheet???
I base my honest remarks on Owning a 69 SS Convertible L34, TH400, G80 3:55 bought way before everyone started to Fake/clone!
Having found the Buildsheet under rear seat, I was 15 in 1974, had the smarts to write head #’s etc on it prior to laminating it!
I have made a lot of men upset with me when I inform them that their car is most likely a FAKE!
Way over priced for a decent car!
Buddy of mine had a slightly Day 2 69 in 1976, big wheels in the back, air shocks, light custom paint over the original red, but it was a 427 automatic w a/c and power windows, nice car, he blew it up
Factory tail pipes as well! With the 325 hp engine he’d be lucky to break out of the 15’s!
No 14 in the 1/4 is realistic.you don’t like are you high.
Yep, the SS panel between the tail lights were black on the true ’69 SS. My first new car was a 1969 SS Chevelle in Butternut Yellow w/Black interior and vinyl top. Although, mine was a 3-speed automatic tranny with bucket seats, console and staple shape shifter. Wish I had it back for the $3,900 sticker price I paid
Great looking car,just trying to figure out why the twilight panel is not black as mentioned
First of all, I have never owned a Chevelle. But, I’m reading several comments about things being non standard on this particular vehicle. Even I know the tailpipes are wrong.
The auction just ended with the price supposedly going to $82,500.00, but not reaching the reserve?
So, apparently everything isn’t exactly like the seller says?
Does anyone else feel skeptical about this car?
Just my opinion!