In 1969, the Chevy Chevelle was still a strong seller in its sixth model year. And the most popular series and body style was the Malibu Sport Coupe. The seller’s example was built like many others: 350 cubic inch V8, automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes (but no factory A/C). It’s a solid runner with some new parts, but the Chevy could stand some cosmetic attention. Located in Vancouver, Oregon, this needy survivor is available here on craigslist for $18,500.
More than 300,000 Malibu Sport Coupes rolled off the assembly lines in 1969, and 95% of them had V8s ranging from 307 to 396 CI. 80,000 of them were the powerful SS 396, which was no longer a series of its own but an option. The 350 V8 was new to the Chevelle that year, and if it had a 2-barrel carburetor, the output was 255 horsepower. The one in the seller’s car is original with a reported 63,000 miles.
We’re told this Chevy is a one-owner car – not bad for 56 years. It still drives out great thanks to a rebuilt distributor and steering column (why was that needed?). Also, the braking master cylinder is new, along with the power booster (why, too?). We assume the tires are good, rolling on Rally wheels (but no chrome trim rings).
The white paint (original?) has held up but is pretty tired. Yet, the seller says you won’t find any rust on this vintage Chevrolet. The blue interior seems nice in the back, but up front, the fabric is coming apart on the bench seat. We wouldn’t be surprised if it needs new carpeting, too. From what we can see and read, this is one of those cars that you can keep using while you fix it up.
Well, another knife in my back. This one even has the color right. If it was a 300 with a six/3-speed I just might be heading down to get it. Even the interior, what’s left of it, is the right color. Of course this will likely get a Big Block and will be turned into a “numbers-matching” SS-396.
Interesting that I heard there are more ’69 SS-396s out there now than were ever built.
Yes, even though this one is still a Malibu instead of a 300, the white exterior with blue interior is enough to make my heart ache. There’s only one good first one, and that day, back in July of ’69 was the day I picked up my First New Car…
Geomechs, Its things like this that I really enjoy about Barnfinds. Its not just the cars and trucks but the personal history and back stories like this one you just shared that I really enjoy. The memories, everything. I’m sure theres many of us that would love to go back to a certain time in our lives, even if it was just one day, to just soak it all in and enjoy it. Thanks for sharing that.
Vancouver is in Washington,just across the Columbia River
from Portland,Oregon.
Nice Chevelle. I like like the simple options and design for that year.
While it doesn’t have a Ford dash, frame and engine underneath.. i can very much live with that 😉
Good luck with sale!
Seems like a good deal being a Chevelle owner since 1988. Mine is a 1971. This one looks to have a tilt steering column! Would like to see a few more picture of trunk and undercarriage!
That sure is a clean one for it’s age. Most of them were used & abused. Here’s hoping the new owner keeps it just like it is. There are more than enough SS clones out there for whoever wants one.
Just talked with the seller. Used to have a blue vinyl top to match the interior. Nice color combo. Says it has a 4bbl carb. Is that stock on the 350? No a/c. Power drum brakes? He says the front are drums. Looks like it was shuffled from the original owner, to a local car dealer, to this seller on Craigslist. That last 69 chevelle (green) I looked at was a scam. Wish me luck with this one!
They came with either a 2 bbl or a 4 bbl. If it’s the original carb & intake it will be 300 HP.
seems like a fair # for what it is. is a bit rough for have 60k on it. looks to be all there. its great it’s just plain bu and not a ss but that could change with a new owner. i think there are more ss Chevelle’s than they built at the factory
Nice comment Hairyolds68 about more SS built that the factory.
Beautiful Chevelle, decent price
Trunk rust.
Tips for Buying a Car Private Party (Out of State or In State)
If you’re looking at buying from a private seller, especially on an older car, here are a few must-do steps before handing over cash:
1. Get Photos Up Front
• Clear shot of the VIN on the car (driver’s side dash through the windshield).
• Photos of the title showing:
• Titled owner’s signature in the seller’s section.
• Any lien release if a lender is listed.
• Buyer/new owner section left blank (so you can put your name in directly).
2. Bill of Sale
• Should list the vehicle description, VIN, sale price, and date.
• Must be signed by the same person listed on the title.
3. Check for Red Flags
• If the person selling isn’t the name on the title, that’s title jumping (illegal). DMV won’t honor it.
• Walk away if the chain of ownership isn’t clear.
4. Protect Your Cash
• Never hand over money until you’ve seen the proper paperwork.
• Meet at DMV when possible.
• Escrow or bank transactions can add another layer of safety.
⸻
✅ Bottom line: the title owner must sign the title and bill of sale directly to you. If that checks out, your DMV should process it without issue.
The seller says “you won’t find any rust”? Seriously? The whole front of the engine appears to be covered in it. How does that happen? I’d still be all over this one just because I love the 69 model year. And the asking price seems reasonable. I’m just not ready for that long of a road trip.
Once again, Barn Finds uncovers a questionable listing. The “seller” doesn’t even have the title in his name—just a bill of sale and a long-winded story involving the original owner and a Chevy dealer down the street. That’s a red flag from the start.
Add to that the fact he can’t provide new photos of the car. The only ones available are over a year old, complete with outdated time stamps (and honestly, who’s still using a camera that stamps dates on photos?).
While it’s fun to scroll through Barn Finds and look at interesting classics, my personal experience is that many of these sellers raise serious concerns. Too many scams, too many red flags—and sadly, too many thieves trying to take advantage of hopeful buyers.
Buyer beware.
Love a 69 Chevelle, and no, I’m not a bit partial since I had an Astro Green SS. 😁 This will be a good buy for someone, along with some elbow grease and $, it’s just a tad far from Southeast AL to Vancouver.
Lots of surface rust popping through the paint all around, the interior does not look good, the back seat is as bad as the front, the headliner, sail panel, and door panels are shot, there’s no package shelf, wires hanging down under the dash tells me some hack has been into the wiring ~ there are a whole lot of red flags on this one.