Black Plate 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

With so many clones and tributes flooding the market, the seller emphasizes that this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 is the real deal. It also demonstrates why we should never judge a book by its cover. It looks pretty sad, but life in a favorable climate has protected it from many of the rust problems that often plague these classics. It will require deep commitment to recapture its former glory, but the desirability of the SS 396 should make it worth the effort. The seller has listed the Chevelle here on eBay in Costa Mesa, California. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $12,100, but that figure falls short of the reserve.

In its glory days, this SS 396 would have been a pretty striking vehicle. Its Garnet Red paint would have accentuated the inherently aggressive styling of the Second Generation Chevelle range. Time hasn’t treated it kindly, but the images suggest it is far from a lost cause. The tired paint is beyond salvation, and the new owner will probably adopt a bare metal approach to achieve a high-end restoration. The panels have a few dings and dents, and there is rust visible in some lower extremities. The trunk pan has a gaping hole, and the buyer will almost certainly invest in a replacement to address the problem. However, that could be as bad as the news gets. The remaining underside shots confirm that the floors are rock-solid. Some trim pieces will probably require replacement or a trip to the platers, and the windshield sports a substantial crack.

The Californian climate that has protected this Chevelle’s steel so admirably has exacted a high toll on its interior. Trimmed in Black vinyl, almost everything looks baked and damaged. The new owner could buy individual pieces, but that probably isn’t the best solution. A trim kit could cost around $3,800, but it would contain everything required to return the interior to as-new condition. It would be a comfortable place once restored, courtesy of the air conditioning, bucket seats, console, and pushbutton radio.

For a desirable classic to represent the best chance as a long-term investment prospect, it typically should be numbers-matching. This Chevelle ticks that box, retaining its original 396ci V8, three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, 12-bolt rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The big-block is a beast, and with the factory quoting a power output of 325hp, the SS 396 was undeniably a muscle car with genuine performance credentials. The seller recently located the car hibernating in a Los Angeles garage, a spot it had occupied for over three decades. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t run or drive. However, they installed a battery, confirming that the motor turns freely.

It is sometimes challenging to determine the desirability of a classic, but this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 leaves no doubt. The 38 submitted bids are the tip of the iceberg, because the Listing View and Watch List tallies of 528 and 73, respectively, demonstrate that plenty of people like what they see. The solid action could potentially develop into a bidding war as interested parties throw their hats into the ring. Are you tempted to join the party? If so, what would you be prepared to pay for this genuine SS 396?