Barn-stored since a prior owner lost his driver’s license for street racing in 1981, this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS in Omaha, Nebraska needs a lot of love, but could make one wicked-fast and interesting restoration project. The seller has documented what is reported to be the car’s original 396 V8 and four-speed manual transmission, and the original 12-bolt rear end as well. Those components are removed from the car but come with the sale. The listing here on eBay has enticed at least five bidders to elevate the market value of this SS beyond $8500.
Chevy’s SS 396 came with multiple options in this storied displacement for 1969. This hard-hitting L78 sat above two lower-powered 396 (6.5L) options, using 11:1 compression, a factory aluminum intake, and a Holley four-barrel carburetor to make a stout 375 HP. Only the aluminum head L89 (and special-order COPO 427s) sat higher on the Chevelle pecking order in 1969. Thanks to ChevyHardcore for some details. When the prior owner swapped a 454 cid monster with automatic transmission into the Super Sport, he wisely kept the original powertrain.
Sadly the pictures are about the worst we’ve seen in a while here at BarnFinds, and that’s saying a lot. Still, they paint a decent picture of the car’s condition, and the seller has included good information in the listing details. The car’s racing days were reportedly limited to the street and the seller reports no evidence of torque-related twisting. Street tires make a good “clutch” as they break loose before transmitting excessive forces from a modified engine to the car’s driveline components and body structure.
Pictures show evidence of at least two colors, a metallic green and yellow, but the seller states the Daytona Yellow is original. While decades in a barn did the interior no favors, it looks fairly complete. The hood hinges are rusted in the nearly closed position, but the seller has been lubricating them in an attempt to fully raise the hood without destroying it. The giant hole in the drivetrain tunnel made room for the TH400 automatic and a home-made scatter shield. The listing includes many details and more of the car’s interesting history. What’s your top offer for this L78 Super Sport?
Car has has had some rough storage time. Not saying it can’t be put back together and be close to what it was. Going to need to have some serious funds to get this one back from where it is. Too bad better options out there to build.
It still amazes me just had badly owners can treat a car. I recall many muscle cars being totally used up within 5 years from new.
Real SS. Daytona Yellow (Code 76) was an SS only option. KAN built car and has the “L” Code, which most believe represents SS Trim Code. Appears to be a 325 or 350 HP 396. 5500 tach and Quadrajet intake. Body is rough and the trunk pan seems rotted, but rust does not seem pervasive.
I’d be somewhat concerned if the fire damaged the engine and transmission case beyond repair. Otherwise, its a big project car that will require virtually everything, but once done, it will be nice real SS.
Caution – the seller now claims it’s a L78 with a M22. The Tach redline in the car does not support this as its a 5500 redline tach = L35 or L34. M22 was only available with the L78 in the Chevelle in ’69. He needs to post or make available the engine and trans stamps to prove its a L78 with a M22.
Note from Seller:
“UPON FURTHER INSPECTION/RESEARCH THIS IS AN L78 396 375hp WITH THE M22 ROCK CRUSHER 4 SPEED. VERY RARE OPTIONED CAR!!!”
Jon Lovitz As Tommy Flanagan – “Upon further inspection the seller . . . . is the Queen of England! And this car was an L78 err, ah, no . . . L89 aluminum head 396, Yeah, that’s the ticket.”
Hope he won the street race, be a bitter pill to swallow losing licence and race together.
Nice car.
It has 68 seats, melted engines and transmissions are always rebuildable, can’t see the vin to verify original engine or transmission, build sheet may be in car; you can check after you pay me, I’m busy right now. Yep, this one checks all the boxes.
That is one scary tow strap. If it broke, I’m sure that no one would be too heartbroken.
Hans L. is all over this half barbequed used-to-be. Someone with the financial where-with-all will to restore this will have no concern about ROI. That’s the only way this can become close to what it was in 1969.