Other than a few paint touch-ups and blends over the years, this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS seems to match most of the criteria we like to use here at Barn Finds to deem it a survivor. The seller doesn’t know the complete history behind this cool Chevy, but he points out that the last inspection sticker is from the late seventies, so this one may not have seen a whole lot of pavement for the last few decades. It’s said to be from a dry climate and free from rust, so if you’ve been in the market for a vintage Super Sport, this one’s probably worth considering. The Chevelle is in Ocoee, Florida, and can be spotted here on eBay, where the current bid of $23,100 hasn’t made that pesky reserve not met go away.
The seller boasts that the Code 69 Cortez Silver is a sought-after color, and it certainly is an attractive hue for this body style. Most of the paint is stated as original, but with that brings some wear and patina, and a few attempted touch-ups. Fortunately, the sheet metal appears quite solid as stated, with the body remaining in overall fine condition and complete. It’ll be up to the next owner whether to leave the exterior like it is, or to smooth things out a bit and shoot on a fresh new finish outside.
Some great news is that both the engine and transmission are the original, numbers-matching factory components. Powering the Chevelle is the L34 variant of the 396, an excellent choice rated at 350 HP with 420 pound-feet of torque, and the Rochester is confirmed to be the original carburetor as well. Another positive here is that this one is a three pedal car, with a heavy duty 3-speed manual transmission taking care of shifting duties. Out back is a positraction rear end with 3.73:1 gears inside, so with a combo like this, it’s easy to believe the owner when he says this one provides a thrilling ride.
I was pleased to see how well the interior seems to be preserved, with both buckets and the rear seat in better than good enough condition for a driver. The dash, carpet, and door panels all appear to be in admirable shape as well, so unless you’re going for a trailer queen, not much attention will be needed inside. Numerous photos are also provided from the underside, which seems solid and straight everywhere you look. I’d be tempted to just enjoy driving this one for a while before doing anything, but others might want to take the outside appearance up a few notches immediately, which I can also understand. What are your thoughts on this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS?
It’s nice, but not sure if it’s worth the $49,969 they have it listed for on their site.
Steve R
The front seats obviously have been recovered and don’t match the back.
Bought one identical to that from the original owner but it was an L78 car, sold it to some guy in Indiana….all orig, paint and alll……am fm radio, tach and gauges, shoulda kept it….
I’d detail the engine compartment and undercarriage, R&R bushings and any parts that need it and drive the car. I love the nearly original and unmolested cars but the price of close to 50k here is high. The dealer paid what it is really worth and now they’re trying to profit their customary ten large plus. Cool six-t-nine though.
Good write up, on a cool Chevrolet Thank you Stephens.
Snappy 3.73 ring and pinion, big block power, and 3 by the knee 🦵 😎 🏁
Not a bad sample. Rust in the lower fenders -I’d want to do some serious inspection, in a few select areas. But if I was in the market, this one would get some consideration, but the $$ is just out there. On another note, this site is driving me nuts, the number of cool cars shown here lately is insane. Good thing I’m not extremely wealthy, I’d be building a very large garage and shop. Good job site managers!!
I like it!! Power disc brakes manual steering three speed manual and a big block engine!! My 1971 has a small block with manual steering and power disc brakes original to the car. Owned mine since 1988!
Nice car, my cousin had a orange 69 396 4spd.
I always loved that car.
I always wondered if the horse power was under rated for insurance purposes because That car really put you back in the seat when you nailed it.
Too much for what’s presented!!!
Sure. Any car is worth what someone will pay. So I don’t blame the seller for trying to get top $$$. By the way. I wouldn’t touch that painting except maybe putting clear on it. What you guys think about clearing the patina and keeping it original?
I’m sure everybody who saw this ad is thinking the same thought – “Damn, I sure wish I could’ve found this thing sitting in the garage about 15 years ago, for somewhere around $10K -“
Nice example but, too bad it’s a 3-speed…a 4-speed and all numbers-matching and it may bring close to the asking price.
The three speed would, since it would be going faster before the change to second gear, would outrun one with the four speed. I know since I had done it a couple of times. The four speed with the close-ratio sounded cool though.
Could buy those for $ 1,500 all day long back in the late 70’s early 80’s!
I don’t see power steering pump, to much money.
Because it doesn’t have power steering..
A tad odd with PDB and Armstrong steering but thats an easy swap. The rear quarters are bubbling a bit at the pinch welds. Those are usually spot welded and below flush. Thats a good place for rust to get a grip… just sayin’. I liked the Three by the Knee description. First time Ive heard that in 60 years of motoring! The inside is a little wonky but for a serious driver? What the Hey, right?
Love it. Drive and enjoy and don’t worry about getting scratches in the paint
I had a 1968 396 with the 3 speed transmission. Loved that car but sold it, (gave it away), when going overseas in 1971. Have regretted that every since.
I didn’t realize you could get a 3 speed in the car with that engine.
My mom had a 70 Nova 350 3 speed. She would spin out in reverse, hit 1st, spin through 1st into 2nd and scratch 3rd. Everyone at her work thought it was a 4 speed just from the sounds. Man what a great era for the automobile. Certainly asking to much for this one but unfortunately someone will step up to that number and because of that people will keep gouging the public. Bummer because it makes cars like this out of reach for people like me.